How to Iron Sateen Without Losing the Sheen

Iron cotton sateen on the reverse, on a medium setting, while it is still slightly damp. The sheen comes from light reflecting off long floats of thread on the surface, and pressing that surface directly flattens it. Ironing from the back gives you a smooth, pressed sheet with the sheen intact. Around the embroidery, press gently and avoid crushing the stitches.

Why the reverse

Sateen’s sheen is a geometric effect: more thread sits on the face, and light bounces off it. A hot iron pressed straight onto that face crushes the floats and dulls the shine. Turn the piece inside out and the heat sets the fabric smooth without touching the reflective surface.

When not to iron at all

Sateen drapes well and looks good with only a shake and a smooth by hand, especially straight from a low dryer taken out slightly damp. If you like a crisper finish, iron; if you like the softer fall, do not. Neither harms the fabric. Heat is the only thing to be careful with, so keep it at medium.

Questions

Can I iron over the embroidery?

Press gently around it and avoid bearing down on the stitches. Ironing from the reverse, with the embroidery face down on a soft towel, protects it best.

Why do my sateen sheets look dull after ironing?

Almost certainly because they were ironed on the face at high heat. Switch to the reverse, medium heat, slightly damp, and the sheen returns.

Does percale need ironing?

Only if you want the crisp look. Percale is matte by nature, so there is no sheen to protect; iron the face while damp, or leave the soft crumple.