submitted by Cecelia Podolak
from Threads #105

Water-repellent fabric
Cotton fabric finished to be water-repellent does not require steam. Water will simply bead and roll off the surface of the fabric. And high heat could damage the water-repellent finish.

Rubber-coated and vinyl fabric
Use finger-pressing to open the seam allowances and then glue or stitch them in place. You can use a very low heat setting and an iron shoe to press hems in vinyl fabric.

Synthetic suede and leather
Use a dry iron, a low temperature setting, and an iron shoe for these heat-sensitive fabrics. If the fabric begins to soften and stick to the iron, lower the temperature even more. Glue the seam and hem allowances in place.

Real suede and leather
Use medium to low heat and a press cloth of brown paper or an iron shoe. If working with suede, the color may rub off so also cover the ironing surface with brown paper.

Wrist pain
Use an iron rest at the end of the board so the iron soleplate can sit flat rather than on its heel. It is ergonomically better for the wrist to lift the iron from this position, especially when using a heavier iron.

Wrinkled fusible interfacing
Lay the wrinkled interfacing flat on the ironing board, resin side up. Top with a Teflon press sheet. Press with a dry, low-heat iron. Wrinkles will disappear, and the interfacing won’t stick to the press sheet.