“Sew, press, sew, press.” Nancy Zieman of Sewing With Nancy used to teach, and was she ever right! As soon as you sew a seam, before you cross it with another seam, or hem it, or topstitch it, that seam must be properly pressed. Pressing is as essential to sewing a garment as all of the other steps like proper grainline and correct sewing techniques. Proper pressing is the difference between “homemade” and “handmade”. Most beginner sewers don’t really think much beyond the steam iron and ironing board, but there are a few other things you should have to make your pressing more professional.
· A good press cloth such as the EZE-View Pressing Cloth eliminates “iron shine” when pressing on the right side of some fabrics. The press cloth also holds additional moisture to more successfully set seams, darts, pleats, etc., and when fusing interfacings, that extra moisture is really needed. Plus, you can see through it so you know exactly how your fabric is positioned below.
· A Seam Roll is a long, rounded tool used for pressing seams open or to one side. It keeps the edge of the seam from making an imprint onto the garment. It is also used to insert into sleeves and pantlegs for easy pressing in these tubular areas. Press the seam flat and then press it open or to one side over the seam roll.
· A Tailor’s Ham is helpful, especially for tailoring where shape it built into the garment with steaming before a stitch is even sewn. A “ham” shape kind of resembles a ham roast, hence the name. Pin into the tailor’s ham to hold collars in place for steaming. Press darts over the rounded shape to give shape to an area that will match the roundness of the human body. These seemingly minor details will make a significant difference in your finished garment.
· The Dritz Ezy-Hem Gauge is a sturdy metal pressing tool with markings and shapes for a multitude of uses. Use the markings on the Ezy-Hem to measure and press up straight or curved hems. The Ezy-Hem prevents a ridge from being pressed into the garment by the edge of the hem. In this same manner, you can also press under pocket facings as well as waistbands. Use the curved corners of the Dritz Ezy-Hem Gauge to effortlessly press curved pocket corners and to press under edges of patches and appliques.
Add some new tools to your sewing kit soon. The goal should be with each new tool that you add, your sewing results should improve a little bit more!
