How to Iron a Wool Scarf

Wool scarves can be simple or elegant.

Despite the rise of synthetic fibers in recent decades, wool is still one of the most useful and versatile textiles. Crafters can knit, crochet or weave with it, and major manufacturers produce woolens ranging from wispy, delicate cashmere shawls to densely felted thermal padding. Few other materials will keep the chill from your throat as well as a woolen scarf, whether a hand-knit muffler or a sleek machine-woven cashmere. Over time, they'll become wrinkled and need occasional cleaning. Just hand wash them in cold water, and iron them gently to restore their original appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Wool scarf, freshly washed
• Ironing board
• Steam iron
• Kitchen towel

Instructions

1. Hang your freshly washed scarf for several hours until it is almost but not completely dry. This will help minimize wrinkling, saving you work later on.

2. Lay out the scarf lengthwise on your ironing board if it will fit. Otherwise drape it over the board and iron one section at a time.

3. Preheat your iron to its wool setting, usually the second-lowest temperature on the dial.

4. Dampen a thin, scrupulously clean kitchen towel and wring it out thoroughly, so it's barely damp to the touch. Lay this over your scarf.

5. Iron the damp towel gently, which applies indirect pressure to your scarf. The damp towel generates a small amount of steam to help fight wrinkles, and protects the scarf from scorching or sticking to the iron.

6. Repeat the process, selecting a new portion of the towel for each length of scarf until the entire scarf has been ironed and is wrinkle-free. If the scarf is especially thick you might need to press both sides for best results. If so, you'll probably need to dampen the towel a second time.

Tips & Warnings

• If you regularly iron delicates, consider cutting up an old sheet to make a few ironing cloths. Hem the edges, and keep a few near your ironing board to use in place of the kitchen towel. Another option is brown kraft paper, which won't provide steam but will protect the clothing equally well.

References

• Morehouse Farm Merino: Frequently Asked Questions
• The Pashmina Store: About Pashmina

Resources

• Good Housekeeping: 10 Unusual Types of Wool