Abstract: Apparatus for processing table and bed linen which embodies no-iron fabrics which may be composed in at least a substantial part of polyester fiber, or may be composed of other fibers which have been treated to provide no-iron characteristics (linen being used in a generic sense rather than to identify the fiber composition).The apparatus of the present invention embodies a pair of platens which are relatively movable to provide for the positioning of the stack of layers of textile fabric between the platens. Pressure means is provided to apply mechanical pressure to the stack of linens and each platen is hollow and has fluid connections for steam and vacuum. Each platen is perforated and a mask is provided to adjust the perforated area precisely to the area of the layers of fabric placed between the platens. Heater means may be provided to maintain each platen above the dew-point temperature of the steam supplied thereto.

Abstract: A method for processing table and bed linen which embodies no-iron fabrics which may be composed in at least a substantial part of polyester fiber, or may be composed of other fibers which have been treated to provide no-iron characteristics (linen being used in a generic sense rather than to identify the fiber composition). The process includes the sequential steps of laundering the linen, preferably in substantially conventional manner, and then folding the laundered linen in a dry state to provide a stack of multiple layers of the laundered textile fabric, all of the layers being of approximately equal area. The multiple layers of fabric are then finished by compressing the multiple layers in folded state in the presence of heat and moisture, causing steam to flow through the stack of multiple layers, first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.