Definition
A pressing cloth is a piece of fabric placed between the iron and the garment to protect it from shine, scorching and glue while pressing.
Direct contact with a hot soleplate can leave shiny marks on wool, dark cottons and synthetics, especially over seam allowances. It can also melt synthetic fibers, flatten pile and pick up fusible glue. A pressing cloth prevents all of that.
Common choices:
| Cloth | Why |
|---|---|
| Silk organza | Sheer, so you can see what you press; withstands high heat |
| Cotton muslin or calico | Inexpensive and sturdy; can be dampened for extra steam |
| Wool | For pressing wool from the right side without flattening it |
| Nonstick (PTFE) sheet | For fusing interfacing and appliqué |
Use one whenever you press from the right side, and always when fusing interfacing, so stray glue sticks to the cloth rather than to your iron. A damp cotton cloth adds steam where your iron's steam is weak, which helps set creases in wool and linen.
Keep a separate cloth for fusing, since glue residue can transfer to the next garment. Wash cotton cloths before first use to remove any finish, and never use a printed or dyed fabric that could bleed onto your work.
For the technique itself, see pressing; for fusing, interfacing.