I have had the same darn problem. I had a good piece of fabric which I hand washed, even soaking it overnight, for three projects. After it was done, I dyed it and then rewashed and rinsed thoroughly, then ironed while slightly damp. One fold crease remained and never came out! It was new fabric.

It actually looks like a defect in the weaving of the fabric, although my DH (OK, he has had jobs and education in too many areas to count, a man of all seasons) assures me it is not a defect and looks fine, I can clearly see the line. He used to work at a fabric manufacturer and knows about the big looms.

I won't use it because I so dislike how it looks. Very upset. Any body out there? Help?

I don't know if this will work with the fabric you are using but when I have a new piece of aida I always hang it in the shower area and let the steam work on the creases/folds. Sometimes it works beautifully and sometimes not so well. Might be worth a try. Take care.

I was going to suggest the same thing as above

Thank you to those who posted a reply! I appreciate it very much and I'll try your suggestions!

maybe cloth dampened w/ white vinegar & pressed; before starting the project.. I know vinegar is recommenced for creases in "other" type fabric..
try it; add a few practice stitches, let it sit a few days & than "wash" as usual & see what happens..

worth a try.
happy stitching!

This sounds crazy BUT I had seen this suggestion to remove stubborn creases from fabric many years back by a few different stitchers at various cross stitch sites. I have never done this myself, so I don't know how well it works. Lightly dampen your fabric, put in a Ziploc bag into the freezer for a few hours, take it out and defrost it 1st, then iron it on a non-steam setting and supposedly your creases will press out.

But just crazy enough, it might work....I've heard about the vinegar-thing, too. Haven't had this problem--knock on wood--hope I remember all the ideas....even the crazy ones! :)

Just asking: Would it really matter once you stitch on it? would it really show that bad? I never noticed and really didn't think about creases, just started stitching and when complete, I wash, iron, mount and frame and I have never noticed any creases. Or either I just got lucky and never purchased one with creases?!?!

Yes, unless it is a pattern that completely covers every square, the crease shows! I have only had this happen once, but if it occurs again, I will try vinegar, freezing or whatever. Very frustrating when it happened as I spend time choosing fabrics, colors, etc.

I would try the vinegar approach before stitching & on a sample..
to be sure how vinegar would affect floss after stitching; (fading, colors run, smell like salad..lol)
keep us posted..
good luck