Originally Posted by amma
When the fabric is washed and dried, I spray it with starch and let it dry. That way, when I iron it with steam it does not distort.
I used to iron/steam it every which way, and it would distort. Now I lay it on the board, laying the fabric's selvedeages parallel to the sides of the board and iron straight up and down and side to side. If I move the iron diagonally or in a circular motion, it will stretch/distort the fabric.
I also usually iron it from the back so I can see the grain lines.
Like Amma said, I go with the grain lines. And I usually start from the center and work out towards the selvages. I have a Big Board so that works well - except when the cat wants to "help"
So far, I've avoided ironing his toes or tail.