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Pressing Fabrics After Washing
By Serena Smith | April 15, 2009
How should you press or iron the fabric after it has been washed? First of all, note that pressing and ironing are two different things. Pressing is lifting the iron and setting it down in various areas on the fabric to press out the wrinkles. No sideway motion is used with the iron. Ironing is moving the iron back and forth while the iron is sitting on the fabric. Many times it is best to press the fabric rather than iron it as ironing can cause distortion of the grainlines.
The easiest time to press the wrinkles out of a piece of fabric is right after you take it out of the dryer. It’s still slightly warm and the wrinkles are not set in yet. Or while the fabric is slightly damp, take it out of the dryer and press it. Be careful that it is not too wet as pressing or ironing a wet piece of fabric can distort it and cause grainline problems later on.
Use steam. Especially on cotton fabrics. If your iron allows you to insert water in it, that is the best way to use steam. If not, then slightly mist the fabric with water and press. Steam is essential to pressing out wrinkles and maintaining crisp, beautiful looking fabric.
Pressing and ironing is key to create looking fabrics and professional looking projects, so be sure not to skip the pressing because it will make your finished projects look so much better!
Topics: Fabric Stash, Fabric Tips, Helpful Lessons, Pressing/Ironing | No Comments »