The short answer: set your iron to medium-high. On most irons that is the cotton setting, roughly 150 degrees Celsius, with steam off. If the dial has fabric labels, cotton is right; if it has numbers, aim for 150.
The wrong setting is the number one cause of failed ironing, and it fails in both directions: too low and beads stay loose, too high and they melt flat. Here is how to get it right on any iron.
Reading your dial
- Fabric symbols: cotton (three dots) is the correct setting; silk and wool are too cool.
- Numbers: aim for 150 degrees; most irons run a little cooler than marked.
- No labels: start at about 70 percent of the dial and test on spare beads.
- Steam: always off, with the water tank empty.
The five-bead test
Before a big project, place five spare beads on the board, cover with paper, and iron for 10 seconds. Fused beads with visible holes mean the setting is right. If holes close, lower the heat; if beads barely change, raise it. This test takes one minute and prevents a ruined project. Our ironing guide has full settings and timing, and the temperature FAQ goes deeper.