pressing cloth
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 449
I am making a baby quilt from a kit. Instructions read to use a pressing cloth when pressing. What exactly is a pressing cloth? Can I just use muslin, or should I use a towel or flannel, or is it something specific?
Thanks, Julie
Thanks, Julie
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
The pressing cloth I bought from JoAnn's is very thin.
I think a pressing cloth is used to prevent "shine" on the fabric from the iron. Shine does not develop on quilting cotton fabrics, so the only reason to use a pressing cloth on cotton would be to protect against scorching if you have a very hot iron. Fabrics with other-than-cotton content, and fabrics with a nap, can look funny if pressed directly with an iron.
You can always test a piece of fabric with and without a pressing cloth to see if it is needed.
I think a pressing cloth is used to prevent "shine" on the fabric from the iron. Shine does not develop on quilting cotton fabrics, so the only reason to use a pressing cloth on cotton would be to protect against scorching if you have a very hot iron. Fabrics with other-than-cotton content, and fabrics with a nap, can look funny if pressed directly with an iron.
You can always test a piece of fabric with and without a pressing cloth to see if it is needed.
#9
I was born in the 50's so I grew up using a pressing cloth. You use it on material that shouldn't take direct heat. When I used it, I would get my pressing cloth wet and then wring it out before I put it over the item on the ironing board.
I still use a pressing cloth. I like to use the old type of dish towels. (The ones that were like muslin. I agree that the muslin might be too thin so if you do use muslin, double it for protection.
I still use a pressing cloth. I like to use the old type of dish towels. (The ones that were like muslin. I agree that the muslin might be too thin so if you do use muslin, double it for protection.
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05-16-2015 05:45 AM