How to Iron a Quilt

Quilts can add comfort as well as beautify a bed.

Quilting is and has been a favorite pastime in many locations. Used primarily during winter months to provide warmth, quilts are fashioned from a variety of natural fabrics, including cotton, silk, wool, as well as synthetic materials. After a quilt has been washed or slept on a few times, it can become creased and wrinkled. Ironing can give it a smoother, softer appearance and texture. Dry-cleaning delicate or antique quilts is better than ironing them.

Things You'll Need

• Clothes iron
• Ironing board
• Spray bottle of water (optional)

Instructions

1. Check the quilt's fabric care tag to determine the material of which the quilt is made.

2. Set a clothes iron to the heat setting that corresponds to the quilt's fabric. Set the iron to its lowest setting if the quilt has no fabric care tag or its fabric is delicate or synthetic. Use a dry clothes iron because steam ironing can wet the batting too much, preventing it from drying quickly enough to deter damage.

3. Drape the quilt along the edge of an ironing board so that you can move the quilt forward easily as you iron. Allow the portion of the quilt that you will iron last to rest on the floor.

4. Squirt water lightly from a spray bottle onto a cotton quilt to help remove creases in the fabric. Refrain from spraying water on your quilt if it is not made of cotton.

5. Move the iron back and forth over the quilt while applying pressure. After you iron a portion of material, slide it forward a few inches over the ironing board's edge. Continue ironing the quilt's fabric a few inches at a time and moving an ironed section forward until you finish. Spray water on a cotton quilt as needed while you iron.

References

• Quilting101.com; How to Press a Quilt; 2005