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How to Keep Wrinkles Out of Muslin Backdrops

Muslin is a woven cotton fabric that is unbleached or white, but can be dyed into a range of colors. Its weight, texture and ease of dying have made it a popular fabric for photography and theatrical backdrops. The main problem with muslin is, over time, the cloth can wrinkle, creating a texture that may not be ideal, especially when being used as a screen for photographs.

Things You'll Need

Washing machine
Fabric softener
Steam cleaner
Plastic tube
Metal pipe
Stretching frame

Instructions

- 1
  Roll up muslin after use instead of folding it. If it is not used regularly, storing it folded will result in creases. Rolling will keep wrinkling to a minimum during storage. Roll up around a solid surface, such as a plastic tube.
- 2
  Wash the muslin in a washing machine on a cool setting with a fabric softener. This will not eliminate wrinkles but will reduce them. Never machine dry muslin, but let it hang naturally and drip dry, which will decrease wrinkling.
- 3
  Steam the fabric. The water and the heat will smooth out all the imperfections in the surface. Depending on the size of the muslin sheet, this will take five to 10 minutes; the steamer may take 15 to 20 minutes to get up to temperature, so plan ahead.
- 4
  Hang the muslin up the night before so the wrinkles have a chance to work themselves out of the fabric. This works if it will be attached to a stand that stretches the muslin. Alternatively, sew in a metal pipe into the bottom of the muslin so there is a weight holding down the cloth.
- 5
  Stand the subject several feet in front of the muslin backdrop, and use bright lighting. With these distractions, the wrinkles in the fabric will not be noticeable. Wrinkled muslin can also be an interesting texture to shoot against.

Photography