Ironing a stretchable shirt involves using gentle methods and protective tools to prevent damage and maintain the fabric's elasticity. The key is to use a pressing cloth and appropriate heat settings.
To iron a stretchable shirt, place the garment on your ironing board and use a pressing cloth between the fabric and the iron's soleplate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Ironing Stretch Fabric
Handling stretchable materials like knits or blends requires care to avoid stretching, scorching, or flattening the texture. Follow these steps for best results:
- Prepare Your Iron: Check the care label on your shirt for recommended heat settings. If no label is available, start with a low heat setting and gradually increase if needed. Ensure there is no water in the iron if the label says 'do not steam'. Steam can sometimes cause stretch fabrics to lose shape.
- Prepare the Shirt: Lay the shirt flat on the ironing board, smoothing out wrinkles with your hands.
- Use a Pressing Cloth: Place a clean, thin cloth (like a cotton handkerchief or a designated pressing cloth) over the section of the shirt you are about to iron. As the reference states, use a pressing cloth between your fabric and the hot plate of the iron. This step is crucial because this will help protect your garment from getting scorched or burned in any way, and also prevents potential shine marks on the fabric surface.
- Iron Gently: Press the iron down onto the pressing cloth, holding it in place for a few seconds. Lift the iron and move to the next section, overlapping slightly. Avoid pushing the iron back and forth vigorously, as this can stretch the fabric out of shape. Pressing, lifting, and moving is generally preferred over gliding.
- Work in Sections: Continue this process across the entire shirt, moving the pressing cloth as needed.
- Iron Inside Out (Optional but Recommended): For extra protection, especially on delicate stretch fabrics or those with prints, you can turn the shirt inside out before ironing. Still use the pressing cloth.
Tips for Ironing Stretchable Shirts
- Test First: Always test the iron temperature and the pressing cloth method on an inconspicuous area of the shirt (like an inside seam) before ironing the main parts.
- Low Heat is Key: Err on the side of lower heat settings, as synthetic fibers often found in stretch fabrics (like spandex or elastane) are sensitive to heat.
- Avoid Stretching: Do not pull or stretch the fabric while ironing. Let it lie naturally on the board.
- Consider Steaming: For many stretchable shirts, using a garment steamer is a gentler alternative to ironing and can effectively remove wrinkles without direct heat contact or pressure.
By using a pressing cloth and being mindful of heat and technique, you can safely iron your stretchable shirts, keeping them looking their best.
