A Toddler and Textile Paints

If you’d like your toddler to create something with textile paints—perhaps as a gift—here are some helpful tips to ensure the experience is both enjoyable and successful.

Give it time!

You’ll need at least 3 days. For a stress-free process, start a week or two before the gift is due. That way, you’ll have time to gather materials, prep the space, paint without rushing, let the paint dry for a day or two, and iron it.

If your child gets tired during the first session, you can always continue on another day. Having plenty of time makes a big difference.

Adjust your expectations.

Keep your expectations low and age-appropriate.

Start painting when your child is in a good mood—not hungry, tired, or overwhelmed.

And check in with yourself too: if you’re feeling overstimulated or impatient, that can easily affect the whole experience. Try to stay calm, flexible, and patient. Things may not go exactly as planned—and that’s okay!

Stay close.

Be ready for surprises!

Always stay nearby and supervise—toddlers may suddenly stick a paintbrush in their hair, taste the paint, or rub their eyes with painted hands.

If you’ve prepped well (like keeping a cleaning cloth within reach), you’ll be able to prevent accidents or respond quickly.

Let go.

Let your child explore and enjoy the process freely.

Don’t guide or correct too much. A little direction is fine, but avoid controlling the outcome. Let them try, mess up, and enjoy it. The fun is in the discovery.

One picture at a time.

Be prepared for short attention spans.

Start with a small surface, and don’t plan for too many paintings in one go. Even if you’d like them to make four pieces, aim for one at a time—you can always come back to it later.

Of course, this depends on your child’s age and personality.

Offer different tools.

Some kids like using their hands*, others prefer sponges or big brushes—or small ones! You can even include fabric markers alongside paints.

Having a variety of tools keeps it interesting and allows for more creative expression.

If you only have one brush and need to keep rinsing it, your child may lose interest after a few strokes. With toddlers, speed and engagement are key.

*When painting with hands, it’s important to keep in mind that textile paint is not intended for hand painting. The pigment is strong and may remain slightly visible on the skin even after washing.

About the paints.

Think about the future of the artwork—will the item be worn and washed often, or is it more decorative?

• Cheaper textile paints usually don’t last long, especially after repeated washing.

• Higher-quality paints hold up well, especially if washed inside out and gently.

Wait to buy your paints until you know what material you’ll be painting on.Most textile paints work best on 100% cotton, as cotton absorbs the paint well. Synthetic fabrics usually don’t hold the color, unless you buy special paints made for synthetics (check the label). Even a 90% cotton blend can work fine—but 100% is best.

Choosing the fabric.

Ideal materials: 100% cotton items like tote bags, tea towels, t-shirts, cotton hats, aprons, placemats, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, etc.

Prep work.

• Plastic or paper sheet between fabric layers (e.g., inside a bag or shirt), so the paint doesn’t bleed through.

Ad posters work well.

If using paper (like newspaper), remove it immediately after painting, or it may stick to the fabric once dry.

• Painter’s tape

• A smooth surface (e.g., a flat board or table). Avoid textured boards—they’ll show through the fabric.

If the item lies flat on a table, you may not need a separate board.

• Clips – to secure the fabric to the board (optional)

• Newspapers – to cover surrounding areas and catch spills or splashes

• A stable water jar for rinsing brushes.

Avoid lightweight plastic cups; toddlers will tip them easily. A glass jar works better.

• Wet wipes or damp cloths – keep them handy.

If paint gets on skin, furniture, or the floor, clean it up immediately before it dries and stains.

• Paints – Consider paints that can be mixed:

  • Yellow + blue = green

  • White = to lighten colors

  • Basic set suggestion: red, yellow, green, black

  • Budget option: just a light and a dark color

• Apron – Highly recommended! (Though my child refuses to wear one—yours might not mind.)

• Drying area – Choose a flat, safe spot where the item can dry undisturbed.

Make sure it won't fall or get touched while drying.

• When cleaning up, put the materials into one large box so you can quickly gather everything after painting, instead of taking things away piece by piece. This way, a toddler won’t have a chance to get into unexpected mischief during cleanup.

• Ironing (to fix the paint) – Once the paint is fully dry (after a day or two), fix it by ironing. - Remove the paper layer first! - Use an iron and a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the painted surface. - Iron each 20x20 cm area for about 3 minutes, both sides. - Move the iron around gently to avoid scorching. - Make sure the paint is completely dry before ironing!
  

Washing instructions

You can machine-wash painted items, but to protect the artwork:

• Turn the item inside out

• Use a laundry bag

• Wash at 30–40°C (which is about 86–104°F), using a cold or gentle cycle.

This reduces fading and friction damage.

It may seem like a lot at first, but don’t worry—none of it is hard once you go through the process. My descriptions are just detailed because I’ve learned from experience.

In any case, it’s absolutely worth trying. Art made at this age becomes a truly special memory. Check out my video on this topic on the KLUUK YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/fbmmNVpyvjE