How do I get fold marks out of velvet?

[bananiem]

My dd picked out vlevet drapes for her room from the Penney's catalog. They came all folded up, of course. Can I steam them with my iron? I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to iron velvet, right? If they hang long enough will the "fold marks" go away?
TIA!

 

[helenabear]

Ironing can crush the velvet. You can buy a handheld steamer to get rid of the wrinkles that way. Most places sell them for $15 or so (like Target or the like). Or you could try to use your iron with the steam and blast shots of steam on it while laying it flat, nap side down (not touching it of course). Good luck

 

[bananiem]

Thanks! I didn't realize the steamers were so inexpensive. Since dd is a figure skater and I forsee lots of creased velvet in our future I should just buy one!
Thanks again!

 

[helenabear]

Glad to help... I used a steamer tons in college when ironing wasn't somethinf that I could do easily (due to space). The most expensive one I bought was $20... the big steamers are great and I would love one some day, but I don't feel like dishing out the cash for that

Good luck to your DD with all her skating competitions

 

[monkeyboy]

I would drape myself in velvet if it were socially acceptable

George

 

[KathyTX]

If you steam the drapes (that's what I would try, too), be SURE that you only steam from the side with no nap, and that you don't hold the steamer in one spot long enough to heat the fabric too much.

If you steam the nap side, you'll make imprints in the nap that will be obvious to the eye and that you'll never get out. Trust me.

A lot of the fold marks will probably go away just from hanging. I'd hang the drapes and wait a couple of days, then very gently steam whatever creases remain.

With a delicate fabric like velvet, think of steaming as "coaxing" the creases out rather than ironing.

 

[cynsaun]

George