Fabrics swatch preparation before scanning by fiber type
The best methods to steam and press different types of fabrics to removing wrinkles ensuring samples are properly blocked for capturing.
This article covers information on fibers and fabric structures that will help in the preparation process for scanning and uploading a fabric for digitization.
By Fiber
Acetate
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 143C (290F)
Fabric condition: damp or dry
Steam: NO steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Acrylic
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry or damp silk organza press cloth
Temperature: lowest 135C (275F)
Fabric condition: damp or dry
Steam: NO steam
Ironing motion: gently press down without moving back and forth
Alpaca / Angora / Camel Hair / Merino Wool / Mohair
*Avoid ironing these fabrics
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: lowest 135C (275F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press as this will crush the natural pile of the yarns
Cashmere
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: worsted wool press cloth
Temperature: medium 148C (300F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: light steam lowest setting
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press as this will crush the natural pile of the yarns
Cotton
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: damp cotton press cloth (muslin, flannel, or shirting)
Temperature: high 204C (400F)
Fabric condition: damp
Steam/Spray: high steam setting, spray areas as needed
Ironing motion: firmly pressing down and smoothing out while moving back and forth iron until dry
Cotton Blends
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: silk organza press cloth or damp cotton press cloth (muslin, flannel, or shirting)
Temperature: low to medium - select the lower temperature appropriate for fiber blended with the cotton
Fabric condition: dry, nearly dry or damp - adjust dampness based on the percentage of cotton using more dampness for higher cotton contents
Steam/Spray: how to medium steam setting, spray areas as needed
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Cupro
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 143C (290F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam —do not press as this will crush the surface of the yarns
Gore-tex
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 143C (290F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: NO steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Hemp
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: damp cotton press cloth (muslin, flannel, or shirting)
Temperature: highest 230C (445F)
Fabric Condition: damp
Steam/Spray: high steam setting, spray areas as needed
Ironing motion: firmly pressing down and smoothing out while moving back and forth iron until dry
Linen/Flax
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: damp cotton press cloth (muslin, flannel, or shirting)
Temperature: highest 230C (445F)
Fabric Condition: damp
Steam/Spray: high steam setting, spray areas as needed
Ironing motion: firmly pressing down and smoothing out while moving back and forth iron until dry
Luon
*Avoid ironing this fabric
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 135C (275F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam/Spray: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam
*Lululemon proprietary fabric 86% nylon 14% lycra
Luxtreme
*Avoid ironing this fabric
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 135C (275F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam/Spray: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam
*Lululemon proprietary fabric
Lycra/Spandex/Elastane
*Avoid ironing this fabric
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 135C (275F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam/Spray: light steam lowest setting, or no steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Lyocell / Modal / Tencel
*Avoid ironing this fabric
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 135C (275F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam
Nylon / Polyamide
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 135C (275F)
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam lowest setting, or no steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Polyester
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 148C (300F)
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam lowest setting, or no steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
PU Polyurethane
*Avoid ironing this fabric
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: lowest 135C (275F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam the lowest setting
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press as this could damage the fabric
Rayon/Viscose
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: medium-high 190C (375F)
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: NO steam
Ironing motion: working in small areas, gently moving back and forth, never stopping
*Rayon, made from wood cellulose, is weakened when wet, and can be stretched and distorted during pressing—avoid moisture that can damage it
Silk
Fabric side: back side placed on top of percale sheeting fabric
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: medium 148C (300F)
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: NO steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Thinsulate
*Avoid ironing this fabric
Fabric side: back side place on top of terry cloth towel
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 135C (275F) or set as appropriate for fiber content
Fabric condition: dry
Steam/Spray: light steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press down as this will flatten the natural pile
Triacetate
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 135C (275F)
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam lowest setting, or no steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press down
Wool
Fabric side: back side place
Press cloth: damp worsted wool press cloth, or damp cotton press cloth (muslin, flannel, or shirting)
Temperature: low to medium 148C (300F)
Fabric Condition: damp or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Wool Blends
Fabric side: backside
Press cloth: damp worsted wool press cloth, or damp cotton press cloth (muslin, flannel, or shirting)
Temperature: low to medium or set as appropriate for fiber content
Fabric Condition: damp or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
By Fabric Type/Structure:
Beaded
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back placed on top of terry cloth towel
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth or fiberglass press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press as this could damage the beads and stitching attaching the beads
Chenille
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press as this will crush the natural pile of the yarns
Corduroy
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back placed on top of terry cloth towel
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: light steam lowest setting
Ironing motion: gently hover without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press as this will crush the natural pile of the yarns
Crepe
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press as this will crush the surface of the yarns
Embroidered
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back side place on top of terry cloth towel
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth or fiberglass press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: damp or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam
Ironing motion: gently press down without moving back and forth
Felt
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press as this will crush the natural pile of the yarns
Fleece
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press as this will crush the natural pile of the yarns
Gaberdine
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam
Georgette
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: lowest 135C (275F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam
Gauze
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low to medium - select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam
Lace
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back side place on top of terry cloth towel
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low 135C (275F) or set as appropriate for fiber content
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam or no steam
Ironing motion: gently press down without moving back and forth
Lamé
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth or fiberglass press cloth
Temperature: low 135C (275F)
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam
Mesh / Netting / Tulle
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam/Spray: light steam lowest setting, or no steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Organza
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam lowest setting, or no steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Polar Fleece
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam: lightly steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press as this will crush the natural pile of the yarns
Satin/Sateen
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam/Spray: NO steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Sequins
*Do not iron, steam at the lowest temperature
Fabric side: back
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: select the temperature appropriate for fiber
Fabric condition: dry
Steam/Spray: NO steam
Ironing motion: gently moving back and forth, never stopping
Seersucker
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back side place on top of terry cloth towel
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: low to medium set as appropriate for fiber content
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press down as this will flatten the natural wrinkles of the fabric
Terry Cloth
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back side place on top of terry cloth towel
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: set as appropriate for fiber content
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press down as this will flatten the natural pile
Vinyl
*Do not iron or steam
Velour
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back side place on top of terry cloth towel
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: set as appropriate for fiber content
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press down as this will flatten the natural pile
Velvet/Velveteen
*Avoid ironing
Fabric side: back side place on top of terry cloth towel
Press cloth: dry silk organza press cloth
Temperature: set as appropriate for fiber content
Fabric Condition: dry or nearly dry
Steam/Spray: light steam
Ironing motion: gently hover over the fabric without pressing down moving back and forth to deliver steam—do not press down as this will flatten the natural pile