The advice above should be adjusted slightly for brightly colored fabrics, wools, and linens with colored embroidery. Test a small section for color fastness. Turn on your favorite music to make the ironing task both productive and enjoyable. Ironing is a learned art - practice makes perfect. Use the proper iron temperature for each fabric.
Steam helps smooth out the wrinkles as long as the iron's heat setting is appropriate for steam.
If unsure of the fabric content, start with a very low heat setting and test a small section first. While ironing always keep the iron moving while smoothing and positioning the piece with your other hand. This will help prevent iron impressions and scorching. Heavily wrinkled pieces can be first steam pressed to lie flat, then lightly dampened with a water spray bottle, spray starch, or spray sizing. A second pressing should make the wrinkles disappear.