Think of a colouring book, but made of fabric and big enough to cover your lap on the sofa. Most measure around 150 x 125 cm and come with a set of pens in the box.
There is no set order: one flower tonight, a corner of the pattern tomorrow. It is one of the few hobbies a whole household can share on the same piece.
Themes range from flowers and fruit to cats and more fantastical scenes. Large areas fill quickly; small detailed zones take longer but look striking when finished.
The question people ask most is about washing. Washable pens use water-based ink that, per the manufacturer, washes out in the machine, so you can start again. The care label sets the temperature and drying.
Permanent fabric pens are for the reverse: a design you want to keep, which will not wash out. Just keep track of which areas were done in which ink.
A few practical tips help. Pull the fabric flat on the table and cap each pen as soon as you put it down. A quick test on an edge shows how strong each colour looks.
Many adults treat it as a relaxing hobby for evenings on the sofa. As a gift, it suits people who love crafts but already own plenty of colouring books.