Preshrinking a fabric by steam pressing lets residual shrinkage take place. Residual shrinkage occurs when the fibers are softened (by steam in this case) and relax from the tension that they have been held under on the loom. All natural fibers will have some residual shrinkage. After the fibers relax, the fabric will not normally continue to shrink (unless further shrinkage is caused by felting).

You can steam press fabric yourself or have your drycleaner do it. Steam pressing at home takes a significant amount of time and space, but it's not difficult. You need to be able to spread your fabric out on a flat surface and not move it until the steam pressing is finished and the fabric is cool and dry.

To stream press fabric, hold a steam iron just above the surface of the fabric. Work in small areas, making sure that each has been thoroughly steamed (it should be damp) before moving on to an adjacent area. Do not move the fabric until it is dry.

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