Cold ironing linen

These notes were drawn from research on table linens done by Glory Koehler a good many years ago in a class with Karl Laurell at the School for American Craftsmen (now School for American Crafts). They were first published in the Blacksheep guild's newsletter in 1998(?).

Cold ironing is a Scandinavian method which is done between large hardwood rollers which resemble old washing machine wringers, but wider and larger. This equipment is seldom available in the US, but the cold ironing effect can be achieved with the roller and a hard surface. A piece of closet dowel can be substituted. I have tried plastic pipe but was not satisfied with the results.

To cold iron table linen:

• Wash, remembering that new linens will acquire permanent wrinkles if they are spun in the washing machine. Therefore, agitate and rinse but avoid the spin cycle. Old linens, well used, will no longer wrinkle.
• While linen is wet, spread on a Formica countertop, and roll with a wooden roller, such as a pizza roller, to smooth. Use this roller only for such ironing. The sides of the refrigerator, etc. can also be used to "iron" several mats as linen will stick to the surface until dry.

Arguments about whether cold rolling iron is better than hot wet ironing can be generated easily.

By Glory Koehler
Last updated: 9/23/03