Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

Pressing Tips from an Alterations Professional

A decent steam iron is among the essential tools for getting well-pressed garments. Photo: Sloan Howard.

Pressing goes hand in hand with garment construction. That’s why I always demonstrate proper pressing techniques and discuss pressing tips when I teach garment sewing. You can be the best sewing enthusiast, but if the garment isn’t pressed well, no one will notice the amount of work you’ve put into making it.

Pressing zen

Many people have told me pressing is low on the list of things they like to do. I totally get that. However, learning to press the garments you make will save you money. You can’t always depend on the dry cleaner to do a great job. Remember, the dry cleaner cannot press each area as it is being made. They have only a finished garment to work from, so many areas can’t be pressed.

Pressing is a zen-like experience for me. It gives me a chance to feel the fabric. I steam, mold, and shape each section as needed.

Pressing tips

Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

Natural fibers/fabrics are easier to press than synthetics

Keep some of the leftover scraps from cutting out your garment so you can test the amount of pressure or steam needed to get a well-pressed garment. It’s easy to overpress, so testing on scraps is essential.

Invest in a few pressing tools when you are able

I don’t use a lot of sewing gadgets, but these come in handy:

Tailor’s ham

Pressing tool: tailor's ham, showing both sides
Tailor’s ham

 

Sleeve board

Sleeve and pant legs press board
Press board for sleeves and pant legs

 

Seam roll

Plaid wool covered seam roll for pressing
Seam roll

Tailor’s clapper

Pressing tool: Tailor's clapper
Tailor’s clapper. Photo: Mike Yamin.

Point presser

Pressing tool: Point Presser
Point presser. Photos: (left) Sloan Howard, (right) Pamela Howard.

A decent steam iron

View of the soleplates of three steam irons
Photos: (right) Mike Yamin; others, courtesy of the iron manufacturers

Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.

Start your FREE trial today and get instant access to this article plus access to all Threads Insider content.

Start Your Free Trial
Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More