FAS1060-ABED_1: Pressing Techniques and Safety

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

Image Source: Pixabay

Ham and Seam Roll

Image Source: Creative Commons by sewyerown BY CC 2.0

Sleeve Board

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. Practise safety when using an iron.

Always rest an iron 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 to 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.

Image Source: Unsplash

Pressing Techniques and Safety