Lesson 6

Pressing Techniques and Safety


Pressing Tips and Tools

  • When sewing, always press. Pressing is lifting and lowering the iron. Ironing is pushing the iron back and forth.

  • A minimum amount of pressure is put on the iron and pressing occurs in the direction of the fabric grain.

  • Press each stitched and finished seam before crossing it with another seam.

  • Press on the wrong side of the fabric to prevent iron shine.

  • Check the iron temperatures on your iron. Choose the temperature correct for your fabric fibre type.

  • A ham is used to press curved seams, darts, collars, lapels, and sleeve caps.

  • A press cloth prevents iron shine. It is always used when applying interfacing and can also be used to add extra steam.

  • A sleeve board is used to press narrow areas such as pant legs.

  • A seam roll is used for narrow areas. It prevents the seam from imprinting to the right side.

  • Paper strips are placed between the seam and garment to prevent imprinting.

  • A clapper is made of hardwood. It flattens seams by holding steam and heat in fabric.

  • A needleboard is used under the right side of napped fabrics such as corduroy, to prevent the flattening of the nap.

  • Remove iron shine and raise the nap of the garment by holding a steam iron a short distance above the fabric and allowing the steam to penetrate. Brush the fabric very lightly.

  • To remove a pressed-in crease, brush your garment with a press cloth which has been dampened in water and a small amount of white vinegar. Test this on a fabric scrap to make sure no stains occur.
Iron
Ham/Sleeve Roll
Seam Board

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Image Source: Creative Commons By sewyerown CC BY 2.0

Image Source: Creative Commons by Kentbags CC BY 2.0


Ironing or pressing is important at all stages of sewing to shape and set stitched lines. Practice safety when using an iron.

  • ALWAYS REST AN IRON STANDING ON ITS HEEL

  • Shut off the iron when not using it.

  • Unplug the iron at the end of the sewing session.

  • Unplug the iron when adding or removing water.

  • Allow water to cool before removing water from a hot iron.

  • Pull gently on the plug when unplugging the cord from the outlet.

  • Allow the iron time to cool when changing from a high temperature to a low temperature. (1—2 min)

  • Never use an iron with an unsafe electric cord or connection.

  • Follow the manufacturer's directions when using agents to clean the sole plate of the iron.

  • Run cold water over a finger accidently burned by a hot iron. Get first aid for serious burns.

  • Always use a sample fabric to test iron temperature.

  • Always use the correct iron temperature for the fabric. Synthetic fabrics can melt at high heat.





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