Ironing tatting

[Kersti]

OK, so any tips for ironing pieces with lots of beads in them?

[Ridgewoman]

DON'T. Just block, dampen and let dry, if it needs it.
The problem with pressing beads is that they can break or if not glass, melt!
If you just HAVE to iron, iron the backside and cover it with a linen or nap-free cloth. Personally, I would try to press around the beading ~ those little tiny irons would be great for this purpose. That said, I don't iron pieces and if I do them correctly (and they don't have beads) they should stand w/o blocking. Unfortunately, I've only had that happen with a couple of pieces. LOL hugs, Bev

[TotusMel]

Okay, I admit, I iron EVERYTHING I tat. I use steam and try to press around the beads. I have never hurt a swarovski in the pressing of my pieces, but that's just me.

[carolivy]

You should NEVER iron anything you tat, crochet or knit! :shock: Instead, if you really need that "extra" flattening bit, you should pin it out and using a Steam Iron, hold it 1" ABOVE your work and steam it. This will lock your stitches without crushing the threads, which is what putting the iron ON the piece WILL do. :thmbdn: Then let it cool/dry (depending on how much you steamed it) and un-pin it.
For small pieces I use my ironing board to pin them out. For larger pieces, I use a Bath Towel on the kitchen table or counter. :innocent: