How to Iron Difficult Areas on Clothes

Why Some Areas Are Hard to Iron

Flat panels of fabric are easy to iron. The challenge comes with curved seams, darts, gathers, tight spaces around buttons and zips, and areas where the garment's construction makes it impossible to lay flat. Each of these requires a specific technique — and often a specific tool — to get right without creating new creases or damaging the fabric.

What You'll Need

• A steam iron with a pointed tip — the BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron has a nonstick pointed plate ideal for tight areas
• A sleeve ironing board — the Newhouse Padded Sleeve Ironing Board for sleeves, armholes, and narrow sections
• A spray bottle — the BeautifyBeauties Continuous Mister for dampening stubborn areas
• A pressing cloth for delicate fabrics
• A rolled towel or tailor's ham (a firm, rounded pressing cushion) for curved areas

Curved Seams

Curved seams — like the side seams of a fitted dress or the hip curve of trousers — can't be ironed flat on a flat board without creating tucks or distortion.

Technique: Place a rolled towel or tailor's ham under the curved section. The rounded surface mimics the curve of the seam, allowing you to press it flat without distortion. Iron from the seam outward, not along the seam. Use steam generously.

Darts

Darts are the folded, stitched tucks that give garments their shape — common at the bust, waist, and back of fitted garments. Ironing them incorrectly flattens the shape they're designed to create.

Technique: Place a rolled towel or tailor's ham under the dart. Press the dart from the wide end toward the point — never from the point outward, which can cause a bubble at the tip. Press the dart to one side (usually toward the center of the garment) rather than open. Use the tip of the iron for the narrow end.

Gathers and Ruffles

Gathers are deliberately bunched fabric — ironing them flat defeats their purpose. The goal is to remove wrinkles from the gathered fabric while preserving the fullness.

Technique: Use the tip of the iron to work between the gathers, pressing the fabric at the base of each gather without flattening the fullness above. Work slowly and carefully. A steamer is often more effective than an iron for gathers — the HiLIFE Handheld Steamer can be held close to the gathers to relax wrinkles without direct contact.

Armholes and Shoulder Seams

The armhole is one of the most awkward areas to iron because of its curved, three-dimensional shape.

Technique: Slide the armhole over the narrow end of the ironing board or over the Newhouse Sleeve Ironing Board. Iron the seam allowance flat, then press the shoulder area. Work in small sections, rotating the garment as you go.

Around Buttons, Zips, and Pockets

These areas require precision rather than brute force.

• Buttons: Use the pointed tip of the iron to work right up to each button from both sides. Never press directly over a button — heat can melt plastic buttons or leave marks on fabric.
• Zips: Iron the fabric on either side of the zip, not over the zip itself. Metal zip teeth can scratch the iron soleplate and leave marks on fabric.
• Pockets: Turn pockets inside out and iron flat before turning back in. Iron the pocket opening area carefully with the tip of the iron.

Waistbands

Waistbands are thick and stiff, making them hard to iron flat.

Technique: Slide the waistband over the narrow end of the ironing board. Iron all the way around, using steam generously to penetrate the thick fabric. Use the tip of the iron around belt loops.

Hems

Hems need to be pressed flat without the hem allowance showing through on the right side of the fabric.

Technique: Iron the hem from the inside of the garment where possible. Place a strip of paper between the hem allowance and the garment fabric to prevent the hem edge from leaving an impression on the right side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tailor's ham and do I need one?

A tailor's ham is a firm, rounded pressing cushion used to iron curved areas like darts, curved seams, and shoulder seams. It's very useful for fitted garments. A tightly rolled towel is a good substitute for occasional use.

How do I iron a gathered skirt without flattening the gathers?

Use the tip of the iron to work between the gathers at the waistband seam, or use a steamer held close to the fabric. The goal is to remove wrinkles from the fabric itself, not to flatten the gathers.

Can I iron over a metal zip?

Avoid it — metal zip teeth can scratch the iron soleplate and leave marks on the fabric. Iron the fabric on either side of the zip, keeping the iron off the zip itself.

How do I get into very tight spaces with an iron?

Use the very tip of the iron — a pointed soleplate like the one on the BLACK+DECKER compact iron is designed for this. For very tight spaces that the iron can't reach, a steamer nozzle can often get closer without risk of contact damage.