How to Get the Hem Crease Out of Corduroy

Corduroy has a rich feel when the ribs are in line and perfect.

A great pair of corduroys can easily be ruined by a too-short hem. Luckily, you can salvage most corduroy pants, or skirts and even tops by letting down the excess material in the hem to add extra length. A new problem arises however in the form of an unsightly hem crease where the rib of the corduroy has been crushed from the fold. While the crease must be dealt with carefully to prevent permanent damage to the fabric, it can be done -- and more easily than you might think.

Things You'll Need

• Ironing board
• Steam iron

Instructions

1. Lay out the corduroy on an ironing board and smooth it out. Make sure the fabric is not folded over anywhere it shouldn't be or you might create new creases. Arrange the hem crease so it is easily reachable on the board.

2. Hold a heated steam iron above the corduroy crease and release a puff of steam onto the fabric. Repeat this process until the corduroy is warmed and steamed all the way through.

3. Run your fingers along the steamed portion of the crease to reassign the ribs. Work the crease out until the ribs run continuously over the crease. Work your fingers into the small gaps between the raised ribs to push the soft pile back into position.

4. Move the iron over the next section of the crease and work the ribs again. Keep doing this until the entire hem crease is gone. Hang the corduroy vertically for several hours to allow the fabric to dry and reset into the proper arrangement.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your corduroy rolled around a bolt before you are ready to use it, in order to keep creases and wrinkles from forming.

• Do not use anything sharp or abrasive on your corduroy or you could damage the grain of the fabric.

References

• Threads Magazine: Corduroy
• Yachting Crews: Ironing for Stewardesses
• Be-stitched: Sewing
• Ezy Iron: Handy Ironing Tips