Tricks for Getting Creases Out of Fabric Yardage

Creases in fabric make it appear untidy.

If you create sewing projects from large pieces of fabric, you may encounter creases in the fabric before you begin to use it. These creases are often the result of folding the fabric for storage while you wait to use it. However, for your project to turn out properly, you need to remove these creases so the fabric can lay flat while you sew. There are a few different ways to get rid of the creases in fabric yardage.

Prewashing

One way to remove the creases from fabric yardage is through prewashing the fabric. Prewashing helps soften the fabric, which can make it easier to use, depending on the type of fabric. Using this method can also protect against shrinking in your finished product if you are using cotton fabric. To prewash your fabric, use a medium cycle with warm water. Place the fabric in the dryer on a low setting to dry it. Washing and drying the fabric will get rid of the deeper creases, but may leave the fabric wrinkled.

Pressing

Using your clothes iron, press the creases out of the fabric yardage. Begin at one edge of the fabric and drape it over an ironing board so the larger creases hang vertically. With the iron set on a low to medium setting, move across the fabric with the iron from the smaller end of the ironing board to the larger end. Slide the fabric over the ironing board and continue pressing it until you reach the other edge. This will remove any creases from the fabric.

Delicate Fabrics

Some fabrics, such as silk, are more delicate than others. These delicate fabrics don't handle the heat of a clothes iron very well and can damage easily, even if you use low settings. For these fabrics, you can still use the clothes iron to remove the creases; however, you will need to use another cloth between the iron and the fabric. A thin cloth, such as a dish cloth, works well to protect the fabric from burning or other damage as you use the iron to press out any creases.

Steaming

Just as thinner, more delicate fabrics require extra care, thicker fabrics may require additional steps to remove creases. You can still use an iron, but you will need to use the steam feature as well. Fill the iron with water and set it to a steam setting. As you iron the fabric, press the button on your iron to release steam. This will help remove any stubborn creases that exist in the fabric. Steam expands the fibers in the fabric and helps them to straighten out.