If you sew, you probably iron a lot too. So here are a few ironing tips. (I’m not an ironing pro. Husband irons his own shirts and I usually wear doesn’t-need-to-be-ironed clothing. I also hang things up straight outta the dryer. However, I do iron a lot in the sewing room. So these tips, are more sewing project oriented.)
1. Press a lot!
When you’re sewing something, particularly a garment, press it after each step. After each seam you finish. After each pocket you sew on. After you stitch up the hem. After every single step. I promise your final result will look so much better!
2. Distill it.
If you’re using steam, you’ll need to put some water in your iron. Some irons can be damaged by hard water. Many irons require distilled water. Check your iron’s instructions. (Do I use distilled water? No. But I know I should, :) …)
3. Use a press cloth.
It’s dangerous to press directly on your fabric. I’ve burnt a quilt or two by not using a press cloth and it’s devastating to ruin a specific fabric if you’re making a dress or coat. If you’re using materials you care about, use a press cloth! You can make your own. Just wash a piece of muslin and use that as a buffer between your (scary) iron and your (pretty) fabric.
But surely, you’re doing all these things already!
Thanks for reading!
More sewin’ tips here.
Thanks, as always, for the tips. I never thought about the press cloth. I hate the ironing part of sewing. I don’t know why, but I find it tedious. However, I do know it is important. I suppose I will focus on it more.
I have a pressing cloth and many a time have I accidentally fused something to it…better the pressing cloth than my iron! Great tips! These will come in handy as I work on my first ever dress for my daughter this weekend :)
Great advice. I have always said a garment is only as good as it has been pressed. It makes all the differnce in the world.
Ooh, thanks for the tip on using muslin as a press cloth! I have never been able to find one locally.