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The Secret to Perfectly Pressed Sewing Projects
When we think of sewing, we often picture fabric, needles, and thread, but one essential tool that often gets overlooked is the iron. And I don’t know about you, but I pretty much only use my iron for sewing. If general clothes need ironing, I avoid it at all costs! haha. My granny would be turning in her grave as I remember her ironing our clothes every week, even our undies!
Now, I know ironing isn’t as exciting as sewing up a new garment, it does still play a crucial role in creating professional-looking results.
Ironing is more than just removing wrinkles. It helps shape fabric, ensures seams lay flat, and prevents common sewing mishaps like puckering or uneven edges. A well-pressed garment or project will always look more professional, giving it a store bought finished look.
Have a read of these ironing tips and you’ll have beautifully pressed projects and high-quality finishes in no time.
1. Setting Up for Success
Befor
e getting started, make sure your tools are in the best condition:
- Ironing Board: Use a well-padded board with a clean cover to prevent grid imprints or marks on your fabric.
- Iron: A clean, functional steam iron is a must. Check the soleplate for burns or buildup that could damage your fabric.
- Accessories: Teflon sheets, tailor’s hams, and pressing cloths are incredibly useful for protecting delicate fabrics and getting precise ironing.
2. The Right Technique for Every Fabric
Ironing techniques vary depending on the type of fabric you’re working with.
- Test First: Always test a scrap of fabric to find the correct heat setting. Delicate fabrics like silk need lower heat, while sturdier fabrics like cotton can handle higher temperatures.
- Avoid Melting Threads: If your project uses synthetic threads, such as woolly nylon, be cautious with heat settings to avoid damage.
3. Perfecting Fusible Interfacing
Applying fusible interfacing can be tricky, but the right approach will prevent bubbling or lifting:
- Press, Don’t Slide: Hold the iron in place for 5 to 10 seconds without moving it to avoid wrinkles.
- Protect Your Tools: A Teflon sheet or a lightweight cotton pressing cloth will prevent adhesive from sticking to your iron or ironing board.
4. Handling Darts, Seams, and Bulky Areas
Proper pressing techniques can make darts and seams lay beautifully flat.
- Darts: Press darts over a tailor’s ham to maintain the fabric’s natural curve.
- Seams: Start by pressing the seams flat as sewn, then open them up and press again for a crisp, professional finish.
- Prevent Imprints: To avoid seam imprints or bruising, use a pressing cloth or press seams lightly, especially on bulky areas.
5. Troubleshooting Knit/Stretch Fabrics
Knits can be challenging due to their tendency to curl or rope, especially along hems and necklines.
- Steam It Smooth: Steam can help reset fibers and smooth out puckering or curling.
- Use a Pressing Cloth: Protect stretchy fabrics from direct heat by using a pressing cloth. This helps give a smooth, even finish without damaging the fabric.
6. Save Your Tools from Sticky Mishaps
Accidentally melted interfacing or heat transfer vinyl on your iron or board? Teflon sheets can prevent these mistakes, protecting your tools from permanent damage. If an accident happens, carefully clean your iron and replace your ironing board cover as needed.
Bonus Tips for Better Pressing
- Be Patient: Don’t rush the process. Taking your time to press properly will make a noticeable difference in the quality of your work.
- Invest in a Tailor’s Ham: This tool is perfect for pressing curved areas like shoulders, darts, and sleeve caps.
- Final Press: Always give your finished project one last press. This is an important step for a more professional finish.
Ironing Can Transform Your Sewing
Ironing is often the unsung hero of sewing. It’s not just about removing wrinkles, it really is a key step in creating garments and projects that look clean, crisp, and expertly sewn. Taking the time to press seams, attach interfacing correctly, and smooth out imperfections will help take your work from looking home made, to hand made.
