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Short answer
Polyester resists creasing best, which is one reason most curtain fabric is polyester. Linen creases most, followed by viscose and cotton; blends with polyester crease far less. Crushed or crinkle sheers are creased on purpose, so they never need ironing. Most creases in new curtains drop out within a day or two of hanging; steam out the rest.
Which fabrics crease most?
| Fabric | Creasing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Very little | Springs back; the practical default |
| Polyester blends | Little | Linen or cotton look, fewer creases |
| Cotton | Creases easily | Softens with wear |
| Viscose | Creases easily | Weak when wet |
| Linen | Creases readily | Part of its relaxed look |
| Velvet | Shows crush marks | Pile flattens under pressure |
What makes a fabric crease-resistant?
- The fibre: polyester and other synthetics recover their shape; natural plant fibres do not.
- The yarn and weave: tightly twisted yarns and dense weaves crease less than loose ones.
- Finishes: crease-resistant finishes on cotton reduce creasing, but can wear off with washing.
- Deliberate texture: crushed, crinkled and slub fabrics hide creases because they are textured already.
How do you get creases out of curtains?
Hang the curtains and let their own weight pull out most creases over a day or two, then steam the rest from top to bottom. Rehang washed curtains while slightly damp. Never iron the face of velvet or the coated side of a blackout. See How to Steam and Iron Curtains.
Tip
Fold curtains loosely along their pleats for storage, and refold along different lines every few months. See How to Store Curtains.
Is creased linen a problem?
Not if you like the look. Creased linen is part of its relaxed, natural style. If you want the look without the creases, choose a polyester-linen blend: in the JOTEX range, the VALERY sheer is 80% polyester and 20% linen, and PRANA is 91% polyester and 9% linen.
Frequently asked questions
Which curtain fabric doesn't crease?
Polyester resists creasing best. Polyester blends crease much less than pure linen or cotton.
Why are my new curtains creased?
From folding and packing. Most packing creases drop out within a day or two of hanging; steam the rest.
Do crushed sheer curtains need ironing?
No. They are creased on purpose and should not be ironed flat.
How do I get crush marks out of velvet?
Hold a steamer just off the surface and brush the pile gently in its natural direction.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.