fabric paint

I have been wanting to use some fabric paint for some projects, but I am a little leery of fabric paint.  In other words, I don't want puff paint.  I would like it to look as close as possible to it being printed on the fabric.  Could someone recommend a brand? and where I could buy some?

thank you

It's tough to paint directly on to fabric.  My suggestion is to use screen printing ink, (ie Speedball or Jacquard are two good ones), and to use a screen or stencil.  There's a ton of info out there regarding freezer paper stenciling which I've done many times with great results.  Screen printing can be tougher, but is easy to learn once you have the right set-up.  (You can Google search both to come up with a ton of info.)
I know what you mean about puff pants, but if you want something easy, you can always go with fabric markers (Uchida has worked well) or fabric crayons (Crayola).  I've used both as well and they have wore well through many washes.  The tough part with those is that you have to really tape down your fabric so that it doesn't stretch or move while trying to get the color onto the fabric. 
There's a ton of options out there besides the puff paint stuff and just about all work well. 

ahh, thank you!  i am off to buy.  hopefully they have what i am looking for

You can also buy a "fabric medium" or "textile medium" that you mix with regular acrylic  paint and is then fabric friendly.

Here's an idea. You can put the fabric into a large embroider hoop. Then you can buy a masking paint medium (from Michaels) and apply an outline around the area you do not want painted. Paint. Then remove the medium (test it on your fabric first b/c it is designed to be applied and removed from canvas).

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Please include me in FFF. Thanks!

I like Jaquard fabric paint--it paints well onto the fabric without being thick and chunky like the stuff in th little squeeze tubes. 

I've also used acrylic paint mixed with a textile medium.  It works well for stuff that you're not going to wash a ton--like the curtain that I hand stamped.  Just make sure you heat set anything you paint with this method.

How about paintstiks?  http://www.lauramurraydesigns.com/paintst.php

I have often used "fabric medium" and regular acrylic paint because it is such an economical option, but find that it is a little rough to the touch after drying.  Are there products out there that you can actually paint with (not stencil) that remain soft when dry?  I often make quilts with my students using their handprints, and although fabric markers and crayons are great, they are not easily suited to this purpose. 

I agree that acrylic paint is an economical way to paint on fabric. 

I was thumbing through a vintage (1970's) craft book and they had a fabric paint project that simply required mixing enough acrylic paint with water to make a mixture that is the consistency of milk...paint, let dry, then use a blow dryer to heat set.

I've only tried it on one doll.  I would suggest doing a test swatch and launder it separately before working on your project.

My favorite is Jacquard Textile Color - I buy it in my local art store, and it comes in a lot of great colors.  When it dries, it is a bit darker than when wet, so be prepared for that.  But I love its texture - it really does look like it's part of the fabric since it moves with the fabric pretty well.

Perfect timing on this topic- my daughter's kindergarten class is getting ready to start on a class quilt next week.  I've made tons of quilts but none that used paints, markers, or crayons, which the kindergarteners are going to need.  Thanks for all the great advice!