How to Get Rid of Stubborn Wrinkles and Creases

Fabric has a funny way of getting wrinkled at the worst possible moment.

Sometimes it comes straight off the bolt with stubborn creases baked right in. Other times, you do everything right — you prewash, you dry carefully — and somehow your fabric still looks like it took a nap crumpled in a basket.

Either way, those deep wrinkles can make even the prettiest material look tired before you even cut the first piece. And no matter how long you press and steam, some wrinkles seem determined to stay put.

But there are fabric-safe, simple ways to deal with stubborn creases and get your fabric looking fresh and crisp again. 

In this guide, I will share the methods I trust most for handling wrinkles that just will not cooperate — without risking damage to your fabric or your project.

Not all wrinkles will disappear completely, no matter what you do — and that is perfectly normal.
Some fabrics, like linen, are simply meant to have a bit of natural texture and character. You can work carefully with all the right techniques, and there will still be soft creases that are actually part of the fabric’s beauty.

The goal is not to chase every wrinkle away. Instead, it is to use thoughtful methods that make wrinkles less of a problem. With the right approach, even fabrics that love to crinkle — like linen — can look smooth, fresh, and ready for sewing or wearing.

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means I will receive a commission if you order a product through one of my links. I only recommend products I believe in and use myself. 

Why Wrinkles Get Stubborn

Different fibers wrinkle for different reasons.Natural fabrics like linen and cotton have what is called fiber memory. Their fibers are full of tiny natural bends and twists, which means they wrinkle easily — and those wrinkles like to stay put once they settle in. That is why cotton shirts and linen dresses always seem to need extra attention with the iron.

Synthetics, like polyester and nylon, behave differently. They are often resistant to wrinkling in daily wear. But when wrinkles or creases do form, they can be harder to remove. This happens because the heat during fabric manufacturing can “set” creases into synthetic fibers. 

Wool is another special case. It can wrinkle, but because of the natural elasticity in the fibers, those wrinkles often bounce back if handled the right way — usually with steam and gentle shaping instead of heavy pressing.

Knowing your fabric type helps you pick the right method for wrinkle removal.

Try Rewetting and Pressing

When regular ironing is not enough to tame stubborn wrinkles, a little extra moisture can make all the difference.

Instead of relying only on the steam from your iron — which often is not enough for deep wrinkles — lightly mist the fabric with water. A simple spray bottle works perfectly. Spray a fine mist over the wrinkled area until the fabric feels slightly damp, but not soaking wet.

You can use any spray bottle (there are some in dollar stores too). I bought some better quality ones because I use them, among other things, to spray my orchids from time to time. And I am not fond of drops of water falling on my furniture.

Then, press carefully by lifting and setting the iron down (pressing), rather than sliding it back and forth (ironing). Let the heat and weight of the iron work with the moisture to relax the fibers.

This method is not new. My grandmother did not have a fancy steam iron. She always kept a spray bottle nearby to mist her fabric before pressing. It worked beautifully then, and it still works now, especially when fabric needs just a little more encouragement to lay smooth.

A little moisture often wakes up stubborn fibers and helps wrinkles melt away without needing heavy pressure or repeated passes with the iron.

Press, Don’t Iron — Give the Heat Time to Work

If you are sliding the iron back and forth over stubborn wrinkles, you might actually be making it harder to get rid of them.

When you iron quickly over the fabric, the heat barely has time to do its job. It takes steady, even heat to relax the fibers and smooth out deep creases. Just rushing the iron across the surface will not give the fabric enough time to respond.

Instead of ironing, try pressing. Set the iron down firmly on the fabric without moving it around. Hold it in place for a few seconds to let the heat sink in. Not too long — just enough to allow the fabric to warm up properly without scorching.

Then lift the iron, move to the next area, and repeat. It feels a little slower at first, but you will see better results: flatter seams, smoother surfaces, and no stretched or distorted fabric.

Don’t Press Too Hard — Let the Iron Do the Work

It might feel natural to push down harder when wrinkles do not budge, but pressing too hard usually does more harm than good.

Modern irons are designed to deliver the right amount of weight, heat, and steam without needing extra muscle. Pushing too hard can stretch the fabric, flatten the weave, or even leave shiny marks behind — especially on delicate materials.

Instead, trust the iron to do its job. Set it gently on the fabric, let the heat and steam (or moisture, if you misted it first) work together, and lift it again without forcing it down.

Pressing should feel steady and calm.

Use a Damp Pressing Cloth for Tough Wrinkles

Some wrinkles need a little extra help — and that is where a damp pressing cloth can be helpful.

A pressing cloth acts like a mini steam chamber between your iron and the fabric. When it is slightly damp (not dripping wet), it creates a soft burst of steam exactly where you need it most. This helps relax even stubborn fibers without risking heat damage or shine on the fabric surface.

To use this method, lightly dampen a clean cotton cloth — something like a piece of muslin, an old pillowcase, or a dedicated pressing cloth. Lay it over the wrinkled area. Then press the iron down on top. Hold it for a few seconds to let the heat and moisture work together, then lift and move to the next spot.

This trick is especially helpful for natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool, where direct steam from the iron alone might not be enough.

A Pressing Cloth Lets You Use More Heat and Steam Safely

One of the best things about using a pressing cloth is that it gives you a little more freedom with your iron settings.

When you have a pressing cloth between the iron and your fabric, you can safely raise the heat and add more steam without worrying about burning or scorching your project. The cloth acts as a protective barrier. It softens the direct impact of the iron’s heat and moisture, while still letting enough through to help stubborn wrinkles relax.

This is especially helpful when you are working with fabrics that usually scare you into using low settings — like silk, wool, or delicate rayons. A pressing cloth lets you give the fabric a good, firm press without leaving heat stains behind.

The pressing cloth needs to be clean, smooth, and damp if needed. And even though you can turn up the heat a little, you still want to press carefully — lifting and setting the iron down, not dragging it.

Try Hanging Fabric in a Steamy Bathroom (But Only for Some Fabrics)

Sometimes the help for stubborn wrinkles comes after a regular shower.

When you take your usual shower, leave the bathroom door closed. When you finish, you will find the room filled with some steam. It can give fabric a little natural wrinkle release.

Hang your fabric neatly on a hanger or over a towel rack, making sure it is smooth and not bunched up. Let it sit in the steamy air for about 10 to 20 minutes. The moisture helps relax the fibers, and some wrinkles will fall out on their own without direct ironing.

After steaming, let the fabric dry fully before cutting or sewing.

I live in Florida, where summertime humidity is high all by itself. I often use this method for natural silk fabrics. It is a gentle way to refresh silk. The warm, moist air softens wrinkles without making the fabric limp or water-stained. It goes without saying though, I never leave the materials in the sun! Evenings and early mornings are best for this.

That said, this method is not right for every material. Very delicate synthetics, or fabrics that are very structured or stiff, might not react well to heavy moisture. 

Try a Vinegar and Water Spray for Stubborn Wrinkles

If misting with plain water does not work, you can step up the power a little — safely — with a vinegar and water solution.

Vinegar is gentle on most fabrics and can help to relax fibers that are clinging stubbornly to deep wrinkles. 

To make the solution, simply mix one part white vinegar with one part clean water in a spray bottle. Test the effect of the solution on a piece of scrap first.

Lightly mist the wrinkled area until the fabric feels just a little damp. Then press carefully with your iron, using a lifting motion instead of dragging. You can use a pressing cloth if you want extra protection, especially for delicate fabrics.

My grandmother showed this to me many years ago. She always kept vinegar around—for cleaning, for rinsing her hair before conditioner was ever invented, and for helping with ironing stubborn creases on cotton. It worked wonderfully back then because fabrics weren’t chemically treated I guess.

Today’s modern fabrics are often processed with special finishes (sizing, anti-static, flame-retardant, stain-resistant, etc.) so vinegar mixed with water doesn’t always have the same effect on creases and wrinkles. Still, I find it can help with stubborn creases—though results may vary depending on the fabric. Always test first.

Keep in Mind These:

• Always test the vinegar solution first on a fabric scrap or a hidden seam to make sure there is no discoloration.
• Never soak the fabric — just make it damp. Too much liquid can leave water spots or rings, especially on silks or rayons.
• Make sure your iron’s soleplate stays clean.
• Use only white vinegar, not colored or flavored vinegar, to avoid staining the fabric.

The vinegar smell disappears quickly as the fabric dries, and a short airing out near an open window will take care of any lingering scent.

This simple trick works better on natural fibers like cotton, linen, and sturdy blends that hold onto wrinkles more tightly. But some delicate materials, like very fine polyester, might not appreciate even a mild vinegar mist.

Use a Wool Pressing Mat for Even, Gentle Wrinkle Removal

Another great tool for dealing with stubborn wrinkles is a wool pressing mat. If you have never used one before, you will be amazed at how much difference it makes, especially for natural fibers.

Wool pressing mats hold and reflect heat beautifully. When you press fabric on one, the heat travels through the fabric and bounces back up from the mat. This means the wrinkle gets treated from both sides at once — top and bottom — without needing high heat settings.

A wool mat also provides a firm, slightly cushioned surface that grips the fabric gently. It helps prevent shifting or stretching while you press, which is especially helpful when working with pieced quilt blocks, garment seams, or delicate fabrics that need extra stability.

Use a light misting of water or a damp pressing cloth with the wool mat if needed for extra-stubborn creases. But avoid soaking the mat.

I love using a wool pressing mat. I actually have a separate tutorial all about wool pressing mats — how they work, when to use them, and what to watch for. You can find it here – Wool Pressing Mat: How to Use, Pros and Cons, Best Brands, Sizes

Try Using a Steam Press for Heavy Wrinkles

For really stubborn wrinkles, especially on fabrics like linen, a steam press can be a powerful solution.

A steam press works differently than a regular iron. It uses a large heated surface and strong, even pressure to press fabric flat in just a few seconds. It delivers much more consistent steam and heat across a wide area, which makes it perfect for smoothing out tough creases that barely budge under a standard iron.

I have a steam press and wrote a full review about it, which you can find here – Review of Singer Intelligent Steam Press model ESP26O.

I do not use my steam press very often, mostly because it is big and I do not have enough space to keep it set up in my sewing room. Most of the time, it stays tucked away in a closet.

But if you like to sew with linen, a steam press is almost a must. Linen loves to wrinkle, but under a steam press, wrinkles disappear like magic. It handles heavy fabrics quickly and gives them that beautiful, crisp, professional look without a lot of effort.

If you work often with linen, heavy cotton, or blend fabrics that tend to hold deep wrinkles, it might be worth making room for a steam press — even if it is not something you use every day.

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