1 1 40 The Cornell Reading-Courses 



For ordinary ironing a good firm surface is desirable. A thin woolen 

 blanket and an outside linen cover are sufficient. For embroideries or 

 wool, a thick covering is better, as the fabric should sink into a soft founda- 

 tion to bring out the pattern in one case and to give a soft finish in the 

 other. 



The following simple rules for ironing may be followed : 



Iron first that part of the garment which will be least mussed by further 

 handling or in which a little wrinkling will not seriously interfere with 

 good results. 



If the garment is trimmed, iron laces and embroideries first, as they dry 

 out quickly because of their porous nature. 



Leave as much of a garment folded as possible, to keep it moist. 

 Sometimes it may be convenient to lay a piece of dampened cheesecloth 

 over any unironed part to keep it moist. 



A series of illustrations appended will give some of the methods of folding 

 various garments. 



Method and order for ironing 

 Night dresses: 



I, Embroidery; 2, sleeves; 3, yoke; 4, body. 



Drawers: 



I, Trimming; 2, tucks; 3, body; 4, band. 



Skirt: 



I, Ruffle; 2, hem; 3, body. 



Shirt waists: 



I, Cuffs; 2, collar band; 3, sleeves; 4, yoke; 5, back; 6, front. 



Silk waist: 



Iron as above on wrong side while still damp. 



Embroideries: 



Iron on wrong side on soft foundation, to allow design to stand out. 



Laces: 



Lay on piece of flannel covered with a piece of cheesecloth. Iron on 

 wrong side and pull out points with tip of iron. Lace should be stretched 

 and pinned out on a hard surface. Pull out at each point and catch down 

 with a pin; or stretch and roll on a bottle. 



Tablecloths: 



Use heavy irons, iron on both sides, iron partly dry on wrong side and 

 complete process on right side, to bring out pattern. The illustration 

 shows methods of folding during ironing. Fold selvages together first. 



