cashmere/mink fabric advice in pressing

I have a project that I cut that is of cashmere/mink fabric. I was curious about pressing. Is it handled like wool? Any advice on working with this luscious stuff?
Thanx
I have a project that I cut that is of cashmere/mink fabric. I was curious about pressing. Is it handled like wool? Any advice on working with this luscious stuff?
Thanx
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Hi, Bessie!Just guessing here, but I'd start my experimenting(!) by using a pin-board (commonly used for pressing velvet) or something like it, so the nap doesn't get crushed. Set your iron for the material it's made of (Acrylic? Polyester? Some blend? If you don't know or didn't write it down, I've seen a terrific 'burn test' chart mentioned here - will look in the morning, if someone else doesn't find it first) and work on the wrong side only. The wool setting is far too hot, unless it actually IS wool, which will be easy to tell when you (carefully!) light a bit of the fabric.Also, shaving the seam allowances (with a vacuum handy!) will make them much easier to handle no matter what else you do. Where-abouts are you located? It's the middle of the night in Chicago - my eyes are crossing, that's why no burn test right now. Looking forward to more info about this project - sounds yummy!Bright Blessings!Kharmin
Thank you and I can understand the thoughts on this fabric.
It is cashmere/mink. The mink is woven in so it is a fabric that is very fine suiting or as I'm using it to make a coat. So think of a suit jacket that has a smooth feel when you go with the nap. Against nap you will feel the bristles.
OK?
Testing will be a must for sure.
Here is one chart you might check.http://www.griffindyeworks.com/faqs/burntest.html
Thanks Ralphetta! That's the exactly one I have on my noteboard!Happy Monday! K
Cashmere and mink? Where in the world does one find such fabric...I would love to touch it!
I doubt that you'll find guidelines for pressing such an exotic blend, but I bet that professional drycleaners would have some advice for you. Eventually, you might need to have it professionally cleaned, so it would be legitimate to ask them in advance about how to care for and/or press the garment.
I'm guessing they will say to keep steam and water away from it, and probably not use any kind of heat.
In an old, old tailoring book, I read that the preferred technique on suits was to use a wooden clapper to pound and flatten the seams. A pin board or terrycloth pad was used on the bottom, with the right side of the fabric facing it, and the seam allowance was pounded flat with a hardwood clapper that looked a bit like a flattened darning egg (a handle with an oval ball at the top). A smooth hardwood meat pounder would probably work, too.
Let us know what you find out and post photos of this amazing fabric and garment if you can!
I've actually used a cashmere/mink blend, but it was a heavier fabric, rather like a lightweight melton.
Because of the mink hairs in your fabric, it is important to use something on your ironing board to pad it slightly. This will soften the pressure of the iron, and keep from damaging the hair fibers. A terry towel, a couple of layers of flannel, something like that should work just fine. You'll want to use a light touch with the iron, and only use pressure on areas where it is needed. For instance, use the tip of the iron to press the seams open, rather than the entire plate of the iron.
Test to see what happens with a fusible interfacing; my guess is that it will flatten the hairs. A sewn-in interfacing may be your best option; again, test.
As for cleaning, mink is a hair fiber just like cashmere. As long as it is not in fur form (still attached to skin), you should be able to clean it with the same methods as cashmere or wool. My project (a cape) is dry-cleanable, with no problems.
You're going to love wearing your finished garment! It has that extra special secret that makes it unlike anything else!
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