How to Use a Cotton Pressing Cloth for Ironing
By Prymamericas.com: Sewing, quilting, and knitting supplies | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to use a cotton pressing cloth to protect your fabrics from scorch marks, shine, and water spots while ironing. Step-by-step instructions included.
Quick Answer
Use a cotton pressing cloth as a protective barrier between your iron and fabric to prevent scorch marks, shine, and water spots. Simply place the cloth over your fabric and press with an up-and-down motion.
Why Use a Pressing Cloth?
A pressing cloth prevents direct contact between the hot iron and delicate fabrics, which can cause shine, scorch marks, or water spots. It is especially useful for synthetic blends, dark fabrics, and materials with nap like velvet or corduroy.
Cotton pressing cloths are breathable and heat-resistant, making them ideal for most ironing tasks. They can also be dampened for steam pressing without risking water stains on your project.
How to Use a Cotton Pressing Cloth
- Prepare Your Iron and Fabric: Set your iron to the temperature recommended for your fabric. Place the fabric on the ironing board, smoothing out wrinkles with your hands. Do not set the iron higher than the fabric allows, even with the cloth—the cloth reduces but does not eliminate heat transfer.
- Position the Pressing Cloth: Lay the cotton pressing cloth flat over the area you want to press. Ensure it covers the entire section, especially edges where scorch marks often appear. Avoid bunching or folding the cloth, as thick spots can create uneven heat and leave impressions on your fabric.
- Press with an Up-and-Down Motion: Press the iron down firmly, lift it, and move to the next spot. Do not slide the iron across the cloth, as this can shift the fabric underneath and cause distortion. Sliding can also stretch delicate fabrics—always use a lifting motion to protect the garment shape.
- Reposition and Repeat as Needed: Lift the pressing cloth and check your fabric. If more pressing is needed, reposition the cloth over the next area and repeat the up-and-down pressing. For stubborn wrinkles, lightly dampen the pressing cloth with water before pressing—this adds steam without risking water spots on your fabric.
- Allow Fabric to Cool Before Moving: After pressing, let the fabric cool completely on the board before handling or folding. This sets the fibers and prevents new wrinkles from forming. Moving or folding warm fabric can create creases that are harder to remove later.
Product Facts
- Cotton Pressing Cloth: This 11 x 28-inch pressing cloth is designed for use on iron boards and other protective work surfaces, providing protection from shine, scorch, water spots, and pressing marks. The generous size covers most garment sections in one pass, and the cotton material withstands repeated use without melting or sticking to your iron.
Cotton Pressing Cloth
