Mistakes & fixes

Corduroy or velvet that looks crushed after ironing comes from pressing directly on the pile with a flat iron sole. Press face-down on a towel or use a needle board so the pile can stand.

Interfacing lifting away from fabric in little bubbles after fusing comes from too little heat, pressure, or time, or sliding the iron instead of pressing straight down. Re-fuse with steam and firm, held pressure.

Fabric going stiff or glossy under the iron has actually begun to melt, which happens with polyester, nylon, or spandex pressed too hot. Always test heat on a scrap first and use the lowest workable setting.

A shiny, flattened patch on fabric after ironing comes from too much heat and pressure crushing the fibers, common on wool and synthetics. Press with a pressing cloth and let steam, not pressure, do the work.

A zipper tape that ripples once pressed, though it lay flat while sewing, comes from ironing directly over the teeth and tape without support underneath. Press from the wrong side over a seam roll.

A brown or yellow mark burned into fabric comes from an iron too hot for the fiber, or leaving it in one spot too long. Test heat on a scrap first and keep the iron moving.

Ridges from seam allowances visible on the right side of lightweight fabric come from pressing directly over the seam without protection. Press over a seam roll or slip paper strips under the allowances.

Dark rings left on silk or other delicate fabric after steaming come from mineral-laden water droplets drying unevenly. Use distilled water in the iron, press through a dry cloth, and test steam on scrap first.