Proper pressing produces perfect results every sewing session.
Let me help you press properly with the tips in this post.
Let me help you press properly with the tips in this post.
In my recent post about It's Sew Easy TV I asked viewers to share some of their favorite tips from watching the show. The topic of pressing popped up in several comments. I thought it would be a timely topic for another post and I'm eager to share some of my favorite tools for pressing.
It all starts with a good, reliable steam iron. No pun intended but I am loving my Reliable Velocity 200IR steam iron. Several months ago I received the iron in exchange for a product review. I like it so much I would gladly purchase one just like it.
Aside from the solid weight and smooth ironing surface, my favorite feature is the ability to press with steam even when the iron is on a lower heat setting. If I understand the design correctly, the water is actually heated inside the iron and turns into steam regardless of the temperature of the sole plate. Two steam options (low and high), and standard horizontal as well as vertical steam give me all the features I need to steam my fabric into submission. It does have auto shut off but you can de-activate it if you choose.
Since I can steam at a lower heat, I haven't had any issues with this iron scorching or causing a shine on delicate fabrics. However, if you have another kind of iron and you want to protect your fabric I highly recommend this drawstring style iron cover, aka iron shoe from Bonash. It fits virtually any iron, keeps fusible residue from sticking to your iron surface, protects the bottom of your iron, and eliminates the need for a press cloth. This little item packs flat and goes with me on every road trip so I can use the hotel iron without fear of transferring anything ugly onto my garments.
The rest of the photos below show my favorite pressing accessories. I use each and every one of them on a regular basis. I've had some of these for so long they're practically antiques but I'll provide links for what you'll find currently available.
The rest of the photos below show my favorite pressing accessories. I use each and every one of them on a regular basis. I've had some of these for so long they're practically antiques but I'll provide links for what you'll find currently available.
My Dritz sleeve roll or Seam Roll is essential for pressing seams on anything that's narrow. With the rounded edge you are also less likely to see an indent form on the fabric from the edge of the seam. The two different fabric sides are designed to accommodate different pressing temperatures. I'm especially happy I have this tool when I need to press up hems on narrow sleeves, etc.
You'll want to use a pressing ham or Tailor's Ham for any garments with shape. Think darts, hip curves, etc. The last thing you want to do is press a dart flat. Pressing flat causes puckers and spoils the look of a custom crafted garment.
I use a pressing mitt for hard to reach areas and spots that won't lay flat on an ironing board. My Dritz model mitt really does seem to be an antique. I don't see one available any longer but there is a similar product on Amazon. You can click here if you want to research this item for yourself. Perhaps a little hunting will turn up more options.
Another must have is my high quality, ever useful "clapper" from my friend Angela Wolf. I've actually been using one of these for decades, but this USA made treasure is custom-crafted according to Angela's specifications and it truly is the best of the best. Known as a Tailor's Clapper, the magic behind this tool lies in the way the wood absorbs steam, holding it in your fabric instead of having it dissipate into the air. Simply pressing and holding the wood block over your recently steamed fabric area for several seconds (enough time to let the wood cool), flattens, creases, and pounds your fabric into submission like nothing else can. It's amazing the difference this tool can make on everything you sew and press! You can check out Angela's clapper on her website HERE. Be sure to use discount code JOANNE for a 15% discount!
This combo point presser and clapper is handy, but I find that I only use the point part for pressing as I prefer the handling of a clapper separately. Points of collars and other narrow spots fit right over the narrow pointed tip. While I do have pads that fit over the wood I seldom find it necessary to use them. If I think I need a buffer between the wood and the fabric I simply place a fluffy washcloth over the wood and press away! A google search will lead you to a variety of vendors that offer this item. Check with your local sewing shop to see if they can order something similar for you.
Another pressing tool I use regularly is this sheet of metal marked with accurate measurements. The Dritz Ezy-Hem Gauge has curved markings on one side and straight ones on the opposite side. Simply fold fabric up to the desired line and press the specific depth you need to turn and fold. In addition to taking the place of measuring, pinning and pressing, the metal helps seal in the heat and makes a nice crease.
Dritz makes a larger size of this same tool and it comes in handy for larger garments and many types of home decor sewing, especially curtains and drapes. This one is called the Dritz Drapery Hem Gauge.
If you're looking to improve your sewing projects with better pressing habits, I encourage you to explore the options shown here. I'd love to know if any of these are already in your pressing repertoire as you seek to have Perfect Results Every Sewing Session! Be sure to share your comments below!
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