Replies

1. 
   SewNancy | Nov 18, 2004 10:47pm | #1

   I have a combination point presser clapper and I think that you would have to be a very handy wood worker to make one.  It is not all that expensive to buy one and lasts forever.  Mine is about 25 years old and still going strong.

   Nancy

2. 
   bksews | Nov 19, 2004 03:08am | #2

   I agree with Nancy, you would have to have really good wood and someone who is good with wood to make one.  They will last forever and really are not that much considering how long they last.  I really like mine.  Good luck.

3. 
   Elisabeth | Nov 19, 2004 04:10pm | #3

   Making your own tools can be satisfying. A hobbyist woodworker could easily make a point presser and clapper. Here is a pattern for a group of basic tailoring tools http://fiber-images.com/mall/008_Tailor_Tools.asp

1. 
   edgy | Nov 21, 2004 05:45am | #4

   But do you really need a clapper for blouses? I was under the impression that it was for getting the steam into wool and thicker fabrics.nancy

1. 
   kayl | Nov 21, 2004 08:41am | #5

   Clappers are useful to get the fabric cool and dry, which "sets" the
   crease.

2. 
   fearyenot | Nov 22, 2004 06:14pm | #6

   Hi Nancy, Elisabeth, Becky, Kay and Dearborn,

   Nancy, your description is most accurate using combination point presser and clapper.  Thanks for making that clear.

   There seems to be a shortage of suppliers or maybe even an absence of suppliers for combo point presser and clapper.  Joann's and Hancock Fabrics do not have them in their stores nor on their web sites.  Two Detroit area stores, Habermans and Stewart Fabrics don't have them either.  I checked ebay--nothing there either.  Although the combo tool is no longer available on Clotilde.com, I did find a photo with basic dimensions.  I gave the photo and info to my girlfriend who is to give it to her father to see if her father or one of his wood-working buddies can construct if out of a hardwood.  If that turns into a dead end, it looks like I'll be headed to http://fiber-images.com/mall/008_Tailor_Tools.asp. Thanks for that info, Elisabeth.

   Thank you for all of your input. 

   Annie

1. 
   Marion6422 | Nov 26, 2004 04:12am | #7

   I was making a pair of slacks several years ago and I was having trouble getting a good crease when I picked up a piece of leftover lumber, I guess you'd call it, that is about 5/8 by 1 1/2 by 18 inches long, made of pine, I think it is. I used a press cloth over the crease in the slacks, pressed about 18 inches of it with a lot of steam, and as soon as I removed the iron I pressed down on it with the wood and held it for about a minute. Worked just great in making a sharp crease and I've been using it ever since. I have to go back over where the inside edge of the wood presses a dent into the leg, but that takes only a second. That's my clapper. -- Marion

2. 
   LindaG | Nov 26, 2004 06:11pm | #9

   If you are interested in ordering a point presser/clapper on line, search for "point presser and clapper".  I found at least 2 mail order sites for the one made by Dritz for around $22 (before shipping). 

1. 
   fearyenot | Nov 29, 2004 06:06pm | #11

   Hi Linda:

   Thanks for the info.  My girlfriend brought over the point presser/clapper combo Saturday.  It fits my hand perfectly.  I think the wood worker that made it needs to construct these for local stores.

   Thanks again for your information.

   Anne

4. 
   mariadelicia | Nov 26, 2004 06:41am | #8

   I have just seen a point presser and clapper in a Nancy´s notion catalogue dated february 2004. May be they still have it.The web site is nancysnotion.com or the telephone number is 800.833.0690.I hope you can get it .

1. 
   fearyenot | Nov 29, 2004 06:02pm | #10

   Hi Cris:

   My girlfriend came over Saturday with the point presser/clapper combo constructed in maple.  Was I surprised!  Apparently, the wood-working guy found this project a breeze  to make. 

   Thanks for the info on Nancy's Notions catalog.  I'm sure I can use the info when I can't find another item.

   Thanks!

   Anne