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Nothing takes the wind out of our sails faster than wrinkles in our fabric. You’re proudly wearing your new handmade dress to your daughter’s graduation when you notice the entire skirt is creased with wrinkles. You’re excited to photograph your finished quilt that took weeks to finish and then the first thing you notice in your photos is wrinkles across your quilt top. Trust us, we’ve been there, and we know just how frustrating those tricky creases can be.
Another cause of frustration is not knowing the best way to care for garments, home décor items, and quilts. Different fabrics require different types of care and if you’re like me and you’ve accidentally scorched a new dress with an iron, you’re always cautious with how you launder and care for your clothing. That’s why we’ve created our quick guide on when to iron fabric and when to use a steamer on your creations, so that your finished sewing and quilting designs always look picture perfect. Want to keep this reference article on hand? Be sure to save it to your Favorites!
Why Do We Iron and Steam Fabric?
While this answer may at first seem obvious, there are many reasons that we iron and steam clothing and fabric. The first would be to remove wrinkles and creases from fabric, which is handy not only when sewing or quilting projects are complete but throughout their creation as well. For example, in quilting, seams are pressed throughout the piecing process to prevent seams from puckering and to ensure that blocks look uniform and flat. In quilting, it’s important to note that pressing with an iron is not the same thing as ironing (which uses a back-and-forth motion).
Using heat and pressure during the fabric care process also helps eliminate dust mites and germs, and tools such as steamers aid in refreshing home décor items like curtains while helping to minimize odors. Ironing, pressing, and steaming all help in basic overall care for garments, such as keeping seams pressed and fabric refreshed, which assists garments in maintaining their original structure.
When Should I Use an Iron?
As noted above, pressing with an iron is used in most quilting projects, most often paired with a wool pressing mat. For garment construction, an ironing board is typically used for pressing seams and hems. Other pressing tools used during the construction process include a tailor’s clapper and tailor’s ham. An iron is an excellent tool for pressing seams and pleats, and for giving projects crisp lines.
Fabrics that can be ironed should be able to withstand high temperatures, which is why fabrics made with natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool work best. Fabrics made with other natural fibers, such as bamboo, can be ironed but should use low heat to avoid scorching. It is recommended when ironing to iron on the wrong side of the fabric and to make sure that clothes are slightly damp. It’s important to make sure that you clean your iron regularly, as mineral build-up can cause rusty water to leak onto your fabric.
When Should I Use a Steamer?
Steamers are fantastic tools for fabrics that can easily be scorched by the direct heat of an iron. This includes fabrics made with synthetic fibers, as well as delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere. Steamers are also good alternatives for sewn garments that feature details that are too small for an iron (like mini pleats) or that will not easily lay flat on an ironing board. Please note that some specialty fabrics and materials (like suede) should not be steamed, as moisture can damage the fabrics. Garments with beading or sequins are recommended for steaming instead of ironing, which can melt these embellishments.
You can also steam pillows, curtains, and other home décor items to give them a quick refresh between washes. You can purchase small, travel-friendly steamers to take with you when you travel to help remove wrinkles from folded clothing. It is highly recommended that you frequently clean your steamer to prevent mineral build-up. Your steamer should not be applied directly to fabric; instead, hold the steamer around 6 inches away from the fabric’s surface to help avoid water spots (and to keep your hands safe from hot steam).
We hope that you’ve found our quick guide on fabric care helpful. Both irons and steamers are wonderful tools that we recommend investing in as you continue your sewing and quilting journey. What types of articles would you like to read? What sewing or quilting tools would you like to learn more about? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!