Ironing Silk: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide

Ironing silk can seem daunting to the beginner. With its delicate nature and sensitivity to heat, it’s easy to see why so many are intimidated by the thought of pressing those luxurious silk fabrics. But armed with the proper techniques and my tried-and-tested advice, you’ll be gliding your iron over silk with ease and confidence.

 

The Delicate Art of Ironing Silk

Silk has unique properties that make it more challenging to iron than cottons or other fabrics:

• Heat sensitivity – Too much heat from a hot iron can damage, scorch, or shine silk irreparably. Always use lower heat settings.
• Moisture sensitivity – Excess moisture can leave water marks and stains on silk that may be difficult to remove. Carefully control steam and water usage.
• Slipperiness – The smooth surface of silk slides easily, increasing the chances of tugging or distorting the fabric if you iron carelessly.

Understanding these special characteristics is key for ironing silk clothes without causing harm.
Always handle silk gently, test your iron heat before pressing fabrics, and take precautions to prevent moisture damage.

 

Preparing to Iron Silk

Before you begin ironing, invest some prep time to check your equipment and fabric:

Select the Right Iron Temperature

• Consult fabric care labels first for the recommended heat settings.
• In most cases, medium to low heat (270°F or less) is suitable for silks.
• Ensure your iron can precisely adjust to lower temperatures. Many now have a “silk” setting.
• If uncertain – start low at 150°F and slowly increase as needed.
• Silks with embroidery require even lower temperatures (under 200°F).

Check the Iron’s Steam Functions

• Steam ironing can cause water stains on silk – rely more on heat instead.
• However, many irons automatically emit steam bursts even on dry settings.
• Opt for an iron with dry settings that don’t release steam.
• Or, leave steam vents unblocked but don’t actively use the steam function.

Use a Press Cloth or Other Protective Layers

• Direct contact between a hot iron and silk can damage the fabric.
• Always place at least one sheer, heat-resistant layer over your silk before ironing.
• Recommendations: silk press cloth, cotton muslin, old silk/nylon stockings.

Now that your tools are prepped for silk, let’s get pressing!

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Ironing Silk

Follow these steps to properly iron different types of silk clothing, fabrics, and home wares without causing damage:

1. Check Garment Labels

• Review fabric content, manufacturer’s care guidelines, and fiber blends.
• These provide crucial clues on the best heat and methods to use.

2. Prepare Your Pressing Surface

• Lay down a clean sheet or garment pressing mat. Avoid hard surfaces.
• For added protection, cover with a Turkish towel or wool blanket.

3. Test Iron Heat on the Inside Hem

• When trying a new iron temperature, first test it on an inconspicuous inner area of the garment.
• Press the inside hem lightly and check for any problems before moving to the exposed outer layers.

4. Place Protective Pressing Cloth Over Area

• Position your chosen press cloth, silk stocking, or other sheer material over the area to be ironed.
• For garments, insert a cloth between both front and back layers.

5. Press Sections Methodically

• Work in sections from top to bottom, shifting the protective cloth as you go.
• Lift and lower the iron gently – never drag the iron horizontally across the fabric.
• Apply light pressure, don’t press down too firmly.

6. Use Relaxed Hand to Guide Iron

• Maintain a flexible wrist and light grip as you iron so the fabric can move freely.
• This allows the heat and steam to do the work without tugging or over-manipulating the silk.

7. Allow Silk Sections to Cool and Dry Between Pressing

• Don’t rapidly iron back and forth over the same spot or you may damage fibers.
• Give each section a minute or two to cool off and dry before repeating.

8. Use Tailor’s Ham for Contoured Areas

• For shaped garment areas like sleeves, darts, or collars cover with a cloth and gently stretch over a tailor’s ham or cushioned surface while ironing.

And that’s it! With this careful approach, you can successfully iron a wide range of silk garments and textiles. Always start conservatively with heat and build up slowly only as needed.
 

Addressing Common Questions When Ironing Silk

What Happens If I Iron Silk at Too High Heat?

Ironing silk too hot can cause Irreversible damage like shiny patches, melted fibers, and scorch marks. They cannot be removed once overheated.
Always start cooler rather than hotter to be safe. If uncertain of fiber composition, assume it’s delicate silk and use conservative temp and dry heat only.

How to Remove Iron Marks from Silk

If your iron is too hot or stays in one spot too long, it can leave a shiny mark on silk.
To remove minor marks from silk, place a damp cloth over the area and hold a medium-hot iron over it, allowing the steam to diffuse the mark.
For more stubborn shiny spots, try rubbing the area gently with a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse clean.
This should lift residue from the silk fibers without damaging the fabric.

Does Silk Shrink When Ironed?

Silk is prone to shrinking when exposed to high heat. If you notice your silk garment getting tighter after ironing, you’re using water that’s too hot!
Lower the iron’s temp to a silk-safe setting. To relax the fibers, steam the fabric while gently tugging and smoothing it back into shape. Lay flat to dry.

 

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The article above is quoted from Vicky's blog at https://silkpedia.com/ironing-silk/
We would like to express our gratitude to the author of the blog post we quoted for sharing their insights on silk.