How to Iron Lace Fabric? Ironing Tips

If you find your lace clothes wrinkled, you can use this lace ironing guide to get wrinkles out of them.

Any garment or piece of home décor can benefit from the elegance and charm that lace’s beautiful and delicate texture can bring. But occasionally you might want to stiffen the lace to give it more durability, structure, and shape.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to iron lace fabric:

How to Iron Lace Fabric?

In order to prevent snagging delicate threads and pulling the fabric when ironing lace or netting, extreme caution must be exercised. I cover my ironing board with a towel out of caution and to shield it from any possible settling dirt, dust, or other debris.

You can also use a towel on a table, counter, or even the floor if you don’t have an ironing board. I use a clean piece of cardboard to iron on smaller pieces of lace, such as doilies. To secure the lace in place, insert small straight pins into the cardboard where it meets the lace’s edge.

Related: How to Soften Lace Fabric? Step-By-Step

The highest safe setting for the fabric, depending on its composition, is always a good temperature to set your iron to. Synthetic fibers should always be ironed in a cooler setting because they can melt. If you are unsure of the composition of your lace, you should choose a cool to cool-medium temperature.

I start with a cool iron and gradually increase the temperature to a cool-medium setting as the lace dries. Once the piece is about 85 to 90 percent dry, I set the iron aside and let it finish air drying.

Laces can range in complexity from simple netting to intricate patterns; I prefer to use starch on the latter. In my experience, simple patterns iron out fairly well and will lay flat without the addition of starch.

In any case, only a small amount of starch should be used at a time, and you should iron the lace in between each application. Repeat this process several times or until the lace is completely ironed. Stronger starches that can be applied to the ironing cloth to stiffen the lace are also available.

Sorting your materials in advance will help when ironing. Various ironing techniques are needed for various fabrics. After that, you can start ironing. Check the laundry symbols on your garments to find ironing instructions, and read Fabric Ironing 101 which tells you how to iron different fabrics properly.

Caring Lace Fabric

• Always read the care label before doing anything. Check the care instructions for both the fabric of the garment and the lace if the lace is sewn onto it or is attached to the lining of a garment. Many times, expert cleaning is advised.
• Most lace items should be washed using the “handwash” cycle of your machine. Always use a delicate wash bag and run your washer on a gentle, cool cycle. Make use of a detergent made for delicate fabrics.
• If you decide to wash the clothes by hand, take extra care not to rub the fabric. Use a mild detergent made specifically for delicate fabrics and a bowl filled with hand-warm water. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which will stretch the fabric’s fibers; gently swish the item in the water while doing so; rinse it several times in tepid water; and squeeze out any remaining moisture with your hands.
• Button and zip up the garments entirely before washing to avoid tearing the lace netting.
• Avoid tumble-drying. To ensure that the lace dries in the right shape, try air drying it on a flat surface while gently stretching the fabric. If necessary, you can also use pins to hold the lace in place.
• Avoid ironing. If ironing is necessary, do it while the fabric is still slightly damp, and take care because synthetic fibers can melt. Put a fine fabric between the lace and the iron to prevent the pattern from being squashed. Then, place the pattern inside out on the thick towel. Apply warm pressure while gently pressing.
• Store wrapped in acid-free tissue paper in a clean and dry environment. Avoid exposure to the sun. To ensure that it maintains its shape, keep it folded properly.

Conclusion: Iron Lace Fabric

When not in use, lace and other delicate netting should be stored flat, out of the sun, and away from moths and other insects. Otherwise, the fabric may become wrinkled or take the shape of whatever it was stored on.

With the steps above, you can iron your lace fabric to get wrinkles out of it.

FAQs