Examine the iron—locate the different parts. Set the heat indicator of your iron for cotton. This will keep the iron at the correct temperature.

Cotton may be ironed on either the right or the wrong side. If your fabric does not iron out smoothly or take a sharp crease, dampen it. Here is how to do it:

Dampen a piece of cheesecloth and squeeze it tight. Do not make it wet. Place it over the cloth you want to press and set iron on it. Steam will form and dampen the cloth.

Always iron or press with the grain of the cloth. Follow the warp or the filling threads. Do not iron on the bias.