When Written Instructions Fail.

They say a picture tells a thousand words. I guess a video clip tells even more. I am a lover of words. Words are powerful but I have to admit that there are times when words fail especially when giving instructions. Such was the exercise put to my Publishing class earlier this week. In 300 words we were asked to write an instructional piece on a task for someone who had never performed it before. I chose ironing a shirt. Growing up my mother insisted that I learn to iron properly and that included ironing all the seams flat before tackling the rest of the garment. Being an expert and a practised hand at ironing I thought the exercise would be a breeze but it proved to be more difficult than anticipated. The main difficulty was in finding the precise terminology to describe different aspects and actions.  What follows is my feeble attempt. Some things are best demonstrated visually.

How To Iron A Shirt

Materials/Equipment

·      An Iron. Preferably the iron should have steam and power shot settings.

·      An Ironing Board

·      Spray Bottle

·      Water. Normal tap water is suitable for most irons but some irons require distilled water. Distilled water is readily available in most supermarkets.

Preparation

·      Make sure the iron’s surface is clean.

·      Fill the iron with water to the recommended level as indicated on the iron.

Method Steps

1          Read the shirt’s label and set the iron to the recommended heat level. 

2          Turn the shirt inside out.

3          Mist spray the shirt. If the shirt is slightly damp, it will be easier to iron.

4          Iron the collar first. Start with the underside, pressing from one edge to the middle and then from the middle to the other edge. Turn the collar over and repeat the process on the other side.

5          Iron the cuffs. Unbutton it first and lay it flat. Iron from the inside then the outside, moving all wrinkles to the edge of the fabric. Iron around not over buttons.

6          Iron the shirtfront as separate halves. Start with the side that has buttons. Iron around the buttons. Then iron from the shoulder to the bottom edge. Repeat on the other side.

7          Iron the back of the shirt. Lay the shirt flat so that one half is overhanging. Start at the      back shoulder area and work down. Slide the other half onto the board and repeat.

8          Iron the sleeves. Make the fabric on both sides of the sleeve is flat before you press the  iron down. To do this line up the seams. Turn the sleeve other and repeat. Move now to               the next sleeve.

9          Hang the shirt on a clothes hanger and let air and cool before placing in wardrobe.