How to Steam Velvet

New Zealand Listener, Volume 15, Issue 386, 15 November 1946, Page 26

How to Steam Velvet

Dear Aunt Daisy, I wondered if you could help me with my problem. I have got my two little girls some red silk velvet to make dresses for their uncle’s wedding. I decided to

smock them, but as I pressed the transfer on the velvet came out shiny. Fortunately the smocking covered the shine, but the ftocks have become a bit crumpled in the making and I wondered if you could tell me what to do, as I can’t press them. I know there is something to do with steam-or is that to clean them? I hope you or some of the Daisy Chain can give me a few points on the treatment of it.

Mrs.

M.

Christchurch

You are quite right-it is steam to use to take the creases out of velvet, and it will also remove the shine where the smocking transfer was pressed on. One simple way is to hang the frocks in the bathroom, so that the steam gets through tkem-but be careful not to splash them with water. However, bad creases need a little moge concentrated treatment. Don’t grasp the velvet too firmly, as it will re-crease. Have 2 kettle boiling, with a low heat under it. Then just hold the velvet over the spout, so that the steam goes from the wrong side of the velvet through to the right side. You'll see the creases disappear, and the pile come up beautifully. Give it a little shake, to get the steam out, and go on to the next bit. Be careful, of course, not to burn yourself on the steam, and not to have too high a flame under the kettle, or you may singe the frock. Another way is to get someone to hold the hot iron, lay a wet cloth on top, and hold the velvet over that. But all three ways do steam the velvet, and you can choose which method you like. The dry cleaning firms also have special machinery for steaming velvet-which explains why they dye and clean velvet so well,