How to Use Pressing Tools

Ask anyone who sews: a well-pressed seam can make a huge difference in making a garment look flawless. Pressing can also remove any minor mistakes while sewing. We have created a video and an informative 'how to' below on how to incorporate essential pressing tools to improve your pressing game.

Tailor's Ham

We have curves all around our body, so why press on a flat ironing board?! Use a pressing ham to press open darts, bust, hip, waist, armhole and neckline seams. It helps open up the seam so it becomes a better representation of how the garment should lay when worn. How fun is it to call it a 'ham' as well? 

Seam Roll

Most people think this tool is for pressing sleeves. It IS fantastic for sleeves but the primary use for a seam roll is in its name- to press a 'seam' open. A seam roll allows the iron to apply heat to the seam and not anywhere else on a garment. Think of isolated pressing. I have nicknamed this tool the sausage only because of the ham above. 

Pressing Cloth

Of all the tools, a press cloth continues to surprise my clients, which surprises me due to its obvious usefulness.

• Protecting  the iron while fusing interfacing. Last thing you want is glue on your iron!
•  Protect delicate fabric from burning or heat marks.

In studio, we use silk organza press cloths. Silk organza has the ability to absorb a high amount of heat and has an even weave so will not imprint a pattern on your beautiful fabric of your latest design. DIY press cloth tutorial HERE. 

Created and written by Sheila Wong
Filmed and edited by Samantha Quon

Happy Sewing!
​Sheila Wong Studio Team