Goffering irons were used for fluting and crimping, pressing pleats into fabric. They worked rather like modern hair curling tongs, with two sections, one of which could be raised with a lever, and brought down onto the second section to hold the fabric firmly. It would be heated first, and the combination of heat and pressure would mould the fabric to the required shape. In the days before permanent pleats, this would be done every time the garment was washed and worn.

The glazing iron has a convex curved sole to create a high gloss on starched surfaces, and is a rare 19th century example.