How to Crush Stretch Velvet
True velvet is not actually a stretchy material. The fabric that's called "stretch velvet" is really a kind of velour, a knit material that may be made of cotton or polyester. Like velvet, velour is composed of thick, soft piles that catch the light with a gentle iridescence. When crushed, these piles shift in direction, creating a subtle, shimmery color variation in the fabric. Crush your own stretch velvet at home and create luxurious drapes, pillow shams or clothing with a glamorous vintage flair.
Instructions
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1
Set the iron to the appropriate heat setting for the type of fabric and allow it to heat up. Drape your fabric right side down on the ironing board. Press the wrong side of the stretch velvet lightly with the iron.
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Turn the fabric over so the right side is facing upward. Make an accordion fold over the area you want to crush, layering four or five pleats together. Pleat the fabric along the grain, so the folds are against the stretch. You should be able to pull on the top and bottom of the accordion folds without stretching the fabric.
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3
Press the folds once with the iron. Scrunch the pleated area with your hands until it cools. Flatten out the fabric to reveal your crushed pleats.
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4
Turn the fabric over. Press it again from the reverse side to remove the pleat lines. This won't remove the crushed look, only the dramatic lines from the accordion fold.
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5
Repeat the folding, pressing, scrunching and reverse-side pressing on any other areas you wish to crush.
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Tips & Warnings
Stretch velvet basically behaves like a knit, so handle the fabric the way you would handle a knit rather than the way you would work with velvet.
References
Resources
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