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June 2010

Pressing Matters (June 2010)

18 June 2010 - Unknown Author

Yes, pressing correctly really matters to the look of the finished garment.  First of all, you need to press often during construction.

To get the best results, here are some tools that make a big difference to your pressing matters.

A Pressing Cloth.  If you’ve been doing without one, you don’t know what you’re missing.  You should have one in several different weights for different fabrics.
Using a press cloth:

• Pressing with a damp press cloth will remove holes from stitches you’ve ripped out.
• A damp press cloth will remove previously ironed lines and hem folds.  (On stubborn folds I add hydrogen peroxide.)
• Always use a press cloth on light-weight or fine fabrics.
• Place the edge of the press cloth under the seams of sheer or light-weight fabric when you press them open; you won’t get that hard edge that otherwise shows through on the front.

A Tailor’s Ham:

• I find my tailor’s ham indispensable for all seams and darts that aren’t flat.  That includes about 90% of sewing. 
• Make sure that you get a quality ham, made with sawdust. 
• Keep your ham clean with upholstery cleaner periodically.

Pressing Mitt:

• Again, indispensable.  I love my mitt for those hard to reach places.  The most useful place, any gathers under the bust.  They’re impossible to get to with my mitt.  It’s always with me when I travel, too; it’s small and handy.

Tailor’s Sleeve Roll:

• This is perfect for pressing open the sleeve seam, pant seam or for pressing a cuff.  It looks so much better than the flat cuff that you have to settle for otherwise.
One last helpful tip:  For less wrinkling while ironing clothes, allow the garment to rest on the ironing board for a few minutes before hanging it up or wearing it.  This will allow the fabric to cool. 

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