A simple guide to ironing fabrics

Here's a quick guide for ironing different types of fabric by setting the right iron temperature and using different tools to help you get rid of fabric creases.

Temperature
The fibre determine the temperature and as a rule of thumb, natural fibres are ironed at high temperature and synthetic fibres, considering the low melting point, at reduced temperature.

If your material is containing several fibres, choose the temperature according the most sensitive fibre. For example, iron a stretch denim, made of cotton and a small amount of spandex, at medium heat because spandex is a synthetic fibre.

Method
The following methods of ironing require some tools that you will find easily around your home. An ironing cloth can be any cotton light coloured piece of fabric. Have a terry towel to hand for textured fabrics and a spray bottle filled with water is very handy to damp fabrics.

COTTON/LINEN FABRICS

Damp using a spray bottle and press at high heat. Use steam if needed. Lower the heat if using a cotton/linen blend with a synthetic fibre (Eg. Poly cotton).

KNITS (JERSEY, INTERLOCK...)

Iron at low to medium heat (depending on its fibre content) and use steam if needed. Do not let the iron slide on the fabric. Instead, move around the fabric by lifting the iron. This will prevent the fabric to stretch out.

LACE & NETTINGS

Laces and nettings are usually made of synthetic fibres, so iron at low heat and use a terry towel underneath. Do not use steam!

LEATHER & COATED FABRICS

Iron a very low heat, on the wrong side, using a cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric. Do not use steam!

NYLON FABRICS

Nylon has a very low melting point, so ensure to press at the lowest heat and do not use steam. Use the spray bottle if needed.

SATIN

Press using a cotton cloth on top of the fabric. Adjust the temperature to low-medium and use the spray bottle instead of steam.

SEQUINS

Place a terry towel underneath the material and press using a cotton cloth on top. Do not use steam and press at very low temperature!

SILK & WOOL/FELT

Press silk and woollen materials on the wrong side of the fabric using no steam. Use a low to medium heat.

SUEDE

Iron suede fabrics at a very low heat, on the wrong side, using a cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric. Also, place a terry towel underneath the fabric. Do not use steam.

 VELVET / CORDUROY

Press velvets, or any type of piled fabrics (Eg. corduroy), always on the wrong side, using a terry towel underneath. The temperature will depend on its fibre.