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Pressing velvet(ish)
JuneHawk   Advanced Beginner FL USA Member since 3/30/09 Posts: 280	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/10/12 7:04 PM I'm working on a Halloween costume and I chose this fabric for the coat portion. I just sewed the first seam and realized I had no idea how to press it. I looked it on the Joann's website and it says "Do Not Iron." Well, It's only a costume but I do want it to look good! When you sew with velvet, velveteen, suedecloth, etc, how do you press it? June ------ http://sewjune.blogspot.com
unfinishedprojects   Advanced AB CANADA Member since 8/26/07 Posts: 524	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/10/12 7:19 PM Ideally, you'd use a needle board (a small board covered in pins that poke up into the pile so it isn't crushed), but they're expensive. A plush terry towel can make a decent substitute.
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2532	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/10/12 9:47 PM Oh, pfffft. I iron everything. I would say that JoAnn's Alova is more of a microsuede type than a velvet type, so you probably won't need a velvet board (or the high-tech alternative: a nice, fluffy towel), although I would still probably press from the wrong side, on a cooler setting. I just made yards and yards of bias tape with some laser-cut microsuede that had all sorts of ridiculous warnings on the label, and it pressed *beautifully.* I used high steam and a medium-high heat (somewhere between cotton and wool). If your pressing station is well-stocked with a quality steam iron, a spritzer bottle, a fluffy towel, and a good press cloth (I use scrap linen, but I hear silk organza is the queen of the ironing board), you can iron the world! LOL On my last project, I was delighted to discover that both metallic jacquard trim and genuine suede tape will steam-press into beautiful curves, thank you very much! :D ------ ~Gem in the prairie
JuneHawk   Advanced Beginner FL USA Member since 3/30/09 Posts: 280	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/10/12 9:50 PM Thanks! I do have a good iron and steamer. I will test a piece of scrap fabric. ------ http://sewjune.blogspot.com
jacquiJB   Advanced Beginner DENMARK Member since 5/5/06 Posts: 112	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/11/12 2:32 AM I just wanted to add that Kenneth King (in Cool Couture) recommends using mohair velvet instead of a pin board for pressing velvet (and napped fabrics). It's less expensive to buy a piece big enough to cover your pressing surface and there's no edge to disturb the nap.
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2532	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/11/12 12:55 PM Several years ago, I bought something called a Velvaboard, which is like a heavy mat covered in thick, heatproof pile (you can see them pictured here). It works well for pressing high-pile fabrics like silk velvet and corduroy, and for pressing beaded needlework (the beads sink into the pile and you can really give the needlework a good pressing without making bumps in the fabric from the beads); but it's quite small and sort of a challenge for lots of yardage. I ended up switching to a thick towel, which works just as well for me. I'm not sure Velvaboards are even around anymore, although this site still lists them. ------ ~Gem in the prairie
petro   Intermediate FRANCE Member since 6/24/07 Posts: 2217	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/11/12 2:15 PM I often use a spare piece of velvet pile to pile to press velvet and , touch wood, have not had a disaster yet. ------ so many patterns, clamouring to be sewn http://patternpandemonium.wordpress.com/

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