Preparing fabrics and textiles for scanning

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 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

*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 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 move 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 place 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: back side
• 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 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