Embossing Velvet

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Rich and luxurious, velvet is the perfect fabric for embossing. Not familiar with the term “embossing”? It is a form of ornamentation in bold or high relief. To create embossing on velvet is simply a matter of flattening the pile. What a great way to leave a lasting “impression”.

Why is your Elnapress the ultimate tool for embossing? Pressure is the key ingredient for successful embossing and the large heating shoe consistently applies 100 lbs. of pressure. The heating shoe is one solid surface; there are no steam vents (found on hand irons) to interfere in the embossing process.

General Instructions

Preheat your Elnapress on wool setting. Test both methods 1 and 2 to decide which method works best for you.

Caution: Test the stamp (see supplies list) to ensure that the glue holding the stamp to the base won’t dissolve. Do not use foam crafting stamps that will disintegrate during the embossing process.

Supplies needed in addition to your Elnapress: velvet fabric, rubber stamp, a shallow dish filled with water and a Teflonä pressing sheet.

1. Soak surface of rubber stamp by dipping it into water. (This will create the concentration of steam required for the embossing process.)
   
2. Place rubber stamp face up in the center of the ironing board.
   Caution: Since your Elnapress features a pivoting heating shoe to accommodate uneven fabric surfaces, it is very important that the rubber stamp be centered on the ironing board to create even pressure while embossing.
   
3. Place velvet face down on rubber stamp.
   
4. Cover surface with Teflon pressing sheet.
   
5. Lower heating shoe with left handle. Gently lower right handle to create pressure, DO NOT let go of the right handle. Keep the heating shoe down until the 10 second beep sounds. Lift right handle to reset Elnapress timer. Lower right handle again until your Elnapress beeps. Twenty seconds is the average time for the embossing process.
   
6. Carefully lift the Teflon sheet and check if the stamp image is crisp and clear. If it is not, replace Teflon sheet and press another 10 seconds.
   
7. Remove Teflon sheet to view the beautiful result.
   

Method 2

Supplies needed in addition to your Elnapress: velvet fabric, rubber stamp and a Teflon ä pressing sheet.

1. Place rubber stamp face up in the center of the ironing board.
   Caution: Since your Elnapress features a pivoting heating shoe to accommodate uneven fabric surfaces, it is very important that the rubber stamp be centered on the ironing board to create even pressure while embossing.
   
2. Place velvet face down on rubber stamp. Gently mist velvet draped over stamp with water.
   Caution: Due to the delicate nature of velvet, it is best not to soak velvet during the embossing process because it could create an unwanted, permanent water spot.
   
3. Complete embossing velvet as described in steps 4-6 in Method 1.