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Member since 6/11/17
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Posted on: 7/17/19 7:50 AM ET
I was wondering if it would be possible to change the color of part of an already-embroidered eye on a plush toy. I did not make the plushie myself, but I do know that the eyes were machine embroidered using Madeira embroidery thread. I've been searching around and have heard that fabric markers or fabric paint might be options for changing out the color of embroidery, but I want to be sure that I am getting the right product before attempting it. Would these be viable solutions, and if so, is there a particular brand of marker/paint that I should look into? If anyone has any other suggestions (particularly ones that might be less damaging in case of mistakes). Thank you in advance for any advice!
  
Member since 1/23/06
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Posted on: 7/17/19 8:32 AM ET
Fabric Markers and Inktense pencils can work, but up to a point. Most products need to be heat set to be permanent. Is that something your plush toy can handle? Heat and plush, furry fabric are not a good combo. I have also tried actually dying thread and with synthetics, regular dyes don't take. I believe a Dylon or other dyer specifically formulated for a synthetic would. It would help to know what the fiber is of the eye thread. Much embroidery is rayon or poly. I think if it were me I would just embroider over it with another color embroidery thread by hand. You would know the outcome and I believe it would give you a more solid cover of the original thread.
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Member since 6/22/11
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Posted on: 7/17/19 8:44 AM ET
If you use Dylon, you can apply it with a small (clean) paintbrush. Mask off adjoining areas, that you want to retain as-is, with painter's tape, plastic bags, saran wrap, similar.
  
Member since 5/30/13
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Posted on: 7/17/19 8:51 AM ET
Let me just say that most serious/pro embroiders have very large set of fabric markers.

If the toy is not going to be laundered often, permanent fabric markers should work well for you.
  
Member since 6/11/17
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Posted on: 7/17/19 12:56 PM ET
In reply to solosmocker
The plush is made from super soft Shannon cuddle minky fabric, so applying heat is definitely something that I wouldn't want to do! The embroidery thread is indeed rayon, so perhaps Dylon might be a good solution. I wish that I knew how to embroider by hand, but alas I have almost no experience with it! Also, the eyes were machine embroidered and have a very clean and polished look, which would make me even more reluctant to attempt to sew over it. I will definitely look into the fabric dye you mentioned though!
  
Member since 6/11/17
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Posted on: 7/17/19 1:02 PM ET
In reply to Addierecoy
Quote: Addierecoy
Let me just say that most serious/pro embroiders have very large set of fabric markers.



If the toy is not going to be laundered often, permanent fabric markers should work well for you.

The plushie is primarily a display piece so there wouldn't be any worry about laundering it. Is there any brand of fabric marker in particular that I should consider getting, or will any kind do?
  
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Posted on: 7/18/19 4:23 AM ET
I just use the Tulip brand from a big box store. If it’s a display piece, I might even use a Sharpie. They have a more intense ink and better covering power.
  
Member since 7/18/13
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Posted on: 7/18/19 4:51 AM ET
You really can't spot dye with Dylon. For one thing the excess dye needs to be rinsed out which is going to allow it to flow to adjoining areas. Personally I'd use Sharpie or re-embroider by hand over the existing eye.
  
Member since 2/6/06
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Posted on: 7/18/19 7:19 AM ET
I've used Bic permanent fabric markers successfully, but I use polyester thread. Just be careful that the color doesn't bleed into some other part!
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Member since 9/12/14
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Posted on: 7/18/19 8:06 AM ET
I use fine point Sharpie markers often on both rayon or poly thread. Then I heat set it with a dry iron and press cloth. I've done it on minkee fabric with no issues. When you are close to the edges of the thread you are coloring, just back the pen away from the edge and let the ink bleed to the edge. In other words, don't start the pen on the edge of the portion you are coloring. I purchase the markers in a set at Walmart. Cheap and they work, but you do have to heat press.
  
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