What is a pressing cloth?

A pressing cloth is a smooth, sometimes sheer piece of cloth placed between the iron and the garment or textile to be pressed. It acts to protect fabrics from adverse effects caused by the heat of the iron.

Some fabrics are susceptible to scorching marks and shiny spots when ironed, and some fabrics are flattened, changing their texture and appearance. The use of a pressing cloth prevents these unfavorable results because the hot iron never touches the fabric directly. A pressing cloth also protects the plate of the iron from melted glue residue resulting from the application of fusible interfacing or other iron-on products.