Needle board

A needle board is a tool to assist in pressing fabrics with a pile that is easily crushed, such as velvet. Originally made of rows of fine needles anchored in a board or heavy canvas, hence the name, needle board but now they can be made of artificial, heat resistant materials.
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Place the item to be pressed face down on the needle board and press with steam on the back side. Allow to cool before moving.
I bought my needle board at a tag sale years ago for 25 cents. I don't press much velvet but I have used it to press felted wool applique pieces. It allowed the piece to be pressed flat while keeping the 3-dimensional character of the thick applique pieces. It also keeps trims on the edges of orphrey bands crisp but not flattened.