Pressing vs. Ironing
(The Secret to Professional-Looking Sewing)
@EvelynWood
@MadetoSew
@ProfessorPincushion
Step-by-Step Instructions:
There is a golden rule in sewing: “Press as you sew.” Pressing is vastly different from ironing. Ironing removes wrinkles; pressing sets seams and shapes the fabric to give your final project a crisp, professional finish.
Materials Needed:
- A good steam iron
- Ironing board
- Press cloth (silk organza or cotton muslin)
- Tailor’s ham (for curved seams)
- Seam roll (for sleeves and tubes)
Tips for Success:
- Always match your iron’s heat setting to the fabric you are using (e.g., low for synthetics, high for cotton/linen).
- Test your iron’s heat and steam on a scrap piece of fabric first to ensure it won’t scorch or water-stain.
- Do not push or slide the iron around on wet, warm fabric, or you will permanently stretch it out of shape!
1. Set the Seam
- Before opening a seam, press it exactly as it was sewn (flat, with right sides together). This embeds the thread directly into the fabric fibers, smoothing out slight puckers and making the seam much easier to open.
2. Use the “Up and Down” Motion
- Unlike ironing a dress shirt where you glide the iron back and forth, pressing requires an up-and-down motion. Lift the iron completely off the board, place it down onto the seam, apply pressure and steam, and then lift it straight back up.
3. Press the Seam Open (or to the Side)
- Use your fingers to gently open the seam allowances. Apply the tip of the iron directly to the center of the seam. Press down (lift and place) along the entire length of the seam until it lays perfectly flat.
4. Use a Tailor’s Ham for Curves
- Never press a curved seam (like a dart, princess seam, or armhole) flat against your ironing board. Drape the curve over a tailor’s ham to mimic the shape of the body, then press. This bakes the 3D shape right into the fabric.
5. Let it Cool Completely
- Fabric is highly malleable when hot and damp. If you move your project immediately after pressing, the seam can warp or lose its crispness. Let the fabric cool entirely on the ironing board or tailor’s ham before handling it.
Top FAQs for Pressing and Ironing:
What is the difference between pressing and ironing? +
Ironing is the act of sliding the hot iron back and forth to remove wrinkles from yardage or finished garments. Pressing is the up-and-down motion (lifting and placing) used during construction to flatten seams without stretching or distorting the fabric grain.
Do I always need to use a press cloth? +
It is highly recommended for synthetics, delicate fabrics, dark fabrics, and wool. A hot iron can easily melt synthetics or leave a permanent, unsightly “shine” mark on dark fabrics. A press cloth creates a safe barrier while still allowing heat and steam to penetrate.
What is a seam roll used for? +
A seam roll is a tightly stuffed, sausage-shaped cushion. It is used to press long, enclosed tubular seams, like pant legs or sleeves. Because the seam rests on the raised curve of the roll, the iron only touches the seam itself, preventing an unwanted crease from forming on the other side of the sleeve.
