How to Press or Iron Velvet

Although beautiful, all velvets require careful steam pressing to prevent flattening the pile. You must use care to iron velvet fabric to prevent damage. Never rest the iron directly on the velvet. There are several different options to try pressing velvet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Cover the ironing board with a scrap of velvet fabric, plush side up. Place the garment with plush side down. Steam lightly with the iron.

2. You may also use a needle board. They can be a little difficult to find, but try a local sewing supply store or shop online. Place velvet, pile side down, on the needle board. Press with a steam iron or hand steamer from the wrong side of the fabric.

3. Place a terry cloth towel on the ironing board. Lay the garment, plush side down and press from the wrong side, using the steam setting on your iron.

4. You can revive overpressed velvet by steaming the right side of the fabric gently. Do not allow the iron to tough the velvet, just hold it above it. Brush pile lightly with brush or scrap of fabric. Some piles may be permanently damaged.

5. The final method would be to hang the velvet garment on a thick hanger in the bathroom while you take a steamy, hot shower. About a half an hour will work most wrinkles out. Or steam with a clothes steamer. Allow the garment to dry thoroughly before handling.

Tips & Warnings

• Never put the iron to the plush side of the fabric.