Here’s an easy way to update a white pillow case. All you need is a sharpie, rubbing alcohol, ruler, medicine dropper or q-tip. I made my pillow case with two pieces of old fabric because my pillow was not your standard size. Of course, you can also do this with a t-shirt, cloth napkin, table cloth, etc.
I used a black sharpie. I like the indigo/purple/black color you get using a black sharpie.
I drew several lines. The thicker the lines, the better you’ll see the circles.
More drops of alcohol mean larger circles. I did one or two drops for each circle.
Isn’t this pretty? The sharpie pillow reminds me of water coloring in 3rd grade.
Since alcohol and heat don’t mix well, I waited a few hours before I ironed the sharpie pillow case to seal the color. This keeps the sharpie from “bleeding” in the wash.
Have you made anything using a sharpie and rubbing alcohol? I’d love to hear from you.
This is such a great idea! I would have never thought of this. Usually I am trying to keep sharpie OFF of fabric! I am visiting from Funky Junks today.
I only just found your blog and was blown away by this cool idea, but I’m left wondering whether ‘Sharpie’ pens are alcohol ink, and if so, would this work with other alcohol pens like Copics? I’m just wondering, so as to save myself going out to buy a load of Sharpies when I already have Copics as I can’t wait to try this idea out, love the idea of doing it on summer T’s.
Have you tried doing this on different fabrics? My daughter was so inspired by Sharpie ideas on Pinterest that we rushed out and bought pillowcases…but I grabbed microfiber ones instead of cotton/poly, and before going ahead and experimenting, I thought I’d ask you whether you think your technique would work on synthetic fabrics? Cheers from NZ!
Hi Kristin. So far I’ve only tried it on cotton pillowcases. My guess is that since you aren’t dying the fabric only staining, it should work just fine. But I can’t guarantee it. I’d love to know how it turns out.
Mom in Music City is a lifestyle blog, written by Sabine Schmidt, celebrating a simple and practical approach to home improvement, decor, beauty, food, parenting, and much more.
Valerie@Occasionally Crafty
March 20, 2015This is so neat! I love it!
sabines
March 21, 2015Thanks, Valerie. I appreciate your comment.
Nancy
March 20, 2015I would try this to embelish plain white towels at the border in a coordinating bathroom color.
sabines
March 21, 2015That’s a great idea, Nancy.
Amanda @ The Refurbished Home
March 20, 2015This is great! what a fun and unique idea!
sabines
March 21, 2015Thanks, Amanda for the sweet comment and for dropping by.
Cynthia Nye
March 21, 2015Other color markets on white sheer panels would be pretty too. Great idea
sabines
March 21, 2015Thanks, Cynthia. I agree and I can’t wait to try other colors.
Pamela Smith
March 21, 2015This is such a great idea! I would have never thought of this. Usually I am trying to keep sharpie OFF of fabric! I am visiting from Funky Junks today.
sabines
March 22, 2015Thanks, Pamela.
Christy
March 22, 2015I just did it on a tank top and it turned out awesome!
sabines
March 22, 2015Christy, that’s a great idea. I want to try it, too.
freda
March 23, 2015love! thanks
sabines
March 23, 2015Thank you!
Vicki
March 23, 2015So can you later machine wash this without it running?
sabines
March 23, 2015Vicki, I haven’t washed it yet but if you iron it or stick it in the dryer it’ll seal the ink.
Vicki
March 24, 2015Thank you so much Sabine! Wonderful project and looks very neat!!1
sabines
March 24, 2015Thanks, Vicki. Glad you like it!
Faye
March 23, 2015…. keep us posted re: more great Sharpie ideas, Sabines!
N.S. Canada here 🙂
Creative Mama Renee
March 24, 2015Love this idea! I’m going to keep this in mind when re-doing my teenage daughter’s room!
sabines
March 24, 2015Hi Renee. You are right, teenage girls love that kind of stuff. I have two.
nudejude
March 24, 2015Hi Sabine
I only just found your blog and was blown away by this cool idea, but I’m left wondering whether ‘Sharpie’ pens are alcohol ink, and if so, would this work with other alcohol pens like Copics? I’m just wondering, so as to save myself going out to buy a load of Sharpies when I already have Copics as I can’t wait to try this idea out, love the idea of doing it on summer T’s.
Judi in the UK
sabines
March 24, 2015Hi Judi, I am not familiar with Copics at all. Try it on some scrap fabric and see if it works. Thanks for your comment and for stopping by.
angela stevens
March 27, 2015Love this pillow cover. Did you apply it on both sides of the cover or one?
sabines
March 27, 2015Thanks, Angela. I only applied it to one side, but you could do both.
melodys100
April 1, 2015That looks SO cool!!! So easy too, doesn’t require any precise measuring.
sabines
April 1, 2015You can do this on a shirt. Could be a new trend at music festivals?!?
Kristin Lush
July 9, 2016Have you tried doing this on different fabrics? My daughter was so inspired by Sharpie ideas on Pinterest that we rushed out and bought pillowcases…but I grabbed microfiber ones instead of cotton/poly, and before going ahead and experimenting, I thought I’d ask you whether you think your technique would work on synthetic fabrics? Cheers from NZ!
sabines
July 9, 2016Hi Kristin. So far I’ve only tried it on cotton pillowcases. My guess is that since you aren’t dying the fabric only staining, it should work just fine. But I can’t guarantee it. I’d love to know how it turns out.