Ironing Tips
Here are some helpful hints to consider when ironing a variety of fabrics or garments with decorative features.
Creases Iron on the wrong side first, using small strokes on collars, hems and cuffs, while pressing out smoothly with the palm of your hand.
Damasks Iron both sides to produce a sheen on the top side.
Delicate fabrics To avoid creating a sheen on delicate fabrics, iron on the wrong side or use a clean tea towel as a pressing cloth. this applies to fabrics such as wool gabardine, polyester, linen and all silks.
Embroidered or sequined fabrics Lay the item face down on a tea towel, then iron on the wrong side with a pressing cloth over the top of the fabric to protect patterns and delicate areas.
Fringes Untangle while wet.
Gathers Iron from the outside into the gathers.
Lace and cut work Sprinkle linen items with water, then stretch the damp linen into shape. Use a hot iron, but take care because linen can scorch quite easily. Iron on the wrong side to press it into shape, but not to dry it. Stop ironing while there is still a suggestion of dampness in the fabric. Over-drying will increase the chance of scorching. never iron on the right side. Hang immediately to finish drying naturally.
Napkins Iron flat. Do not iron crease. these should be pressed instead.
Pile fabrics These fabrics should not be ironed.
Plackets Close zips, poppers and hooks, but not buttons, before ironing plackets. Work the iron carefully around any buttons, hooks, poppers or zips.
Pleats Lay or pin the pleats in place before ironing. Hold the material taut against the pressure of the iron. Iron in long strokes starting at the waist and working down to the hem.
Puffed sleeves Stuff puffed sleeves or pockets with tissue paper or a small towel before ironing.
Sheets Fold flat sheets in half, iron, then fold completely. There is no need to iron fitted sheets because they are pulled over the corners of the mattress and any creases will disappear.
Stretchy fabrics Put a pressing cloth on top of the fabric and iron in the direction of the weave.
Tablecloths Round ones should be ironed in a circular motion, turning the fabric around as you iron. Fold square or rectangular tablecloth in half, wrong side facing out. Sprinkle with water, then iron until half dry; refold with right side facing out and iron until nearly dry. press out any creases when both sides are finished.
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