5 Ways to Iron Without an Iron

Sewists worldwide need no longer beg the question, "How can I iron without an iron?" with this guide. Don't "wing it" on those quilt squares anymore or "guesstimate" when hemming that skirt when it isn't properly pressed.

When you iron your fabric you have a much greater chance of getting professional, polished pieces. So, check out these imPRESSive methods below.
 

This method of ironing without an iron doesn’t even involve heat. Hang up your fabric (mind where it folds over the hanger, a crease will likely be there), and spritz with clean water. You could also simply hang it up immediately after washing (remember to always pre-wash your fabric!).

Thank goodness for the towel. By dampening this beautiful piece of terrycloth and placing it over your fabric in question you can successfully get out those wrinkles. A towel also works as a beautiful alternative to an ironing board (for those of us who live in teeny tiny apartments).
 

Use the same method that grandma used to steam her special occasion silk scarves. The next time you shower, close all windows and doors of your bathroom; don't worry, you won't get mold all over your shower liner by doing this sparingly… unless you live in my terrifying apartment that breeds mold colonies.

Hang your fabric up via hanger (again, mind the crease). The steam from your shower will relax wrinkles in that fabric.

If you really hate the environment and want a more comprehensive steam, you can leave the shower on long after finishing your shower. We love the earth though, so maybe don't do this.
 

It's not good for your hair anyway, so why not use that hair straightener on something that can take it, like your latest print? Ironing without an iron can be accomplished by using this very different kind of iron.

Just make sure that before you turn on your piping hot straightener you clean off any hair products that could stain your beautiful fabric. The drawback? This method won't effectively work on large pieces of fabric, unless you're a giant and own giant straighteners.
 

Dampen your fabric and blow dry it (while it's hung up). Similarly to the shower steaming method, the heat from your blow dryer can ease the harshness of those wrinkles.
 

We do not recommend doing this often but it could work if you're in a jam.
 

Don't have an ironing board? No problem! There are a few alternatives. The easiest and quickest option is to lay down two to three towels flat over a flat and hard surface (better if it's heat resistant). Be sure not to linger or leave the iron down for more than a few seconds.

You can also use your sewing skills to make a DIY ironing mat or board. Most of the designs below are portable, which makes it even better if you want to be able to take it with you on vacations or move it around the house. There is even a no-sew option using thrifted materials. Also, if you have burned your hands while ironing before, be sure to make yourself this DIY Ironing Glove.

1. Funky DIY Ironing Board
2. No-Sew DIY Ironing Board
3. One Hour Magnetic DIY Ironing Mat (shown below)
4. Portable DIY Ironing Mat
5. DIY Dryer Top Ironing Pad
6. Ironing Pad Made With a Mylar Emergency Blanket