Today I am sharing a post that I shared awhile back over at the Moda Bake Shop.
I used to think that “pressing” and “ironing” were the same thing until one fateful night…
I was at my pattern drafting class which was taught by a wonderfully eccentric retired wedding dress designer. The instructor was helping me with a dress and sent me over to “press” a seam.
I walked over to the ironing board and began my version of “pressing”. Within seconds I was being very LOUDLY reprimanded and then spent the next 2 hours learning (and practicing) the differences between “pressing” and “ironing”.
At the time I wasn’t thrilled with the lesson and would have rather worked on the dress but now I am so happy to have had her intervene and insist that I learn how to properly press. That lesson has made all the difference in my sewing.
Here’s what I learned (and still use) concerning pressing:
#1. Pressing and ironing are not the same thing!
Pressing involves lifting and lowering your iron onto the desired area while ironing involves pushing your iron across the desired area. (When you press it’s: lift, lower, press, lift, lower press. When you iron its just a back and forth sliding motion.) With pressing it’s the combination of the heat, pressure, and steam that allows you to mold and shape your fabric.
#2. When pressing, always press on the wrong side of your fabric.
Pressing on the wrong side of the fabric allows you to properly see all the seams and therefore to press them as crisply and correctly as possible.
#3. Before pressing your seams open (or to one side) always press them flat first.
If you press your seams flat before pressing them open you will be able to “set” the stitches into the fabric. It makes for a crisper fold and will help to eliminate puckers.
#4. Never press over the top of tape or pins.
Pins will leave imprints and scratch your iron while tape will melt and leave goo all over your iron and fabric.
#5. Take care of that seam allowance.
You can slide an envelope or piece of cardstock between your seam allowance and fabric to avoid having your seam allowance press through and mark the front of your fabric.
(See the difference?)
#6. Use the correct setting on your iron.
Choose the correct setting for your fabric. If your iron is too cool your pressing won’t be as sharp as it could be. If your iron is too hot your iron can stick to the fabric or cause it to melt, pucker, or even smoke! ( I know all of this from sad, sad, experience…especially with synthetic fabrics….) If you are unsure which setting to use test it first on a scrap of the fabric that you are planning to use to see how it reacts to your iron.
#7. Iron all fabric before beginning any project.
Before cutting any fabric for your next project iron it first. (Yes, I said iron and not press. In this case ironing is perfectly acceptable.) Ironing will help to ensure accurate cutting. Even if it may seem unnecessary, time consuming, or just a plain old pain I promise it will be worth it in the end and will always help to give your project (whatever that may be) a more professional look.
Pressing should indeed work hand in hand along with you and your sewing machine through any project…whether it be in constructing a garment or creating a quilt top. Proper pressing techniques can make the difference between a good finished product and a great one.
Now, depending on your project there are further pressing tips, trick, and techniques that can be discussed. But as a general rule the 7 tips I shared today are always good to follow as a rule of thumb.
Thank you Moda for having us over today to share a few things that we’ve learned in our adventures in sewing!
-liZ
***NOTE: I understand the you only should press your seams over to the dark side OR you should make sure you press your seams in an alternating pattern OR you should just press all seams open controversy….I understand…I’ve heard more than one (or one hundred) arguments about which way is the ONLY way you should press your seams…and guess what…I don’t think there is only one right, true direction to press your seams. I really don’t, I think we lean toward the way we were taught when we started quilting.
Me, I usually go with the alternating method…but then again…it depends on the project. So while my photographs show my seams pressed open I am not suggesting that is the only or the most correct way to do it. 🙂
That was a really interesting read and I must say: I had no idea that there is a difference between ironing and pressing. Thanks for the lesson
oh great, I’ve been “ironing” ignorance my whole life!
Awesome!!! I had no idea there was a difference either…however, I am a newbie to the whole sewing thing! Yay, for learning something new everyday! 🙂
I’ve been sewing for probably 20 years and never knew #3 – to press seams flat before pressing them open. Thanks!!! Love your blog! Please address how to press (or iron? 🙂 ) a bubble skirt. Thanks!!!
I think pressing with your iron while sewing is the difference between handmade and homemade. I don’t read very much in blog posts about understitiching, but I still think it is important. It makes your pressing even more imPRESSive.
Deborah @ Sew Much to Give
The envelope is a great tip!
This is great advice. I hope I reminder to use it next time I see. Thank you.
Love the envelope idea. I notice a line when I press especially on white fabric.
I did know the difference between pressing and ironing although I tend to iron more than press. Practice, Practice. I agree also there is more than one “right” way to press seams. I like to press open to reduce bulk, but again, just depends on what I’m working on.
I’ve only been quilting about 2-1/2 years and have so much to learn. Thank you for the info. I will definitely be trying the envelope trick.
What are your thoughts on starch when ironing before cutting fabric for quilt? Personal preference or does it help cut more “square” ?
I enjoy working on quilts. The only thing I was taught was if you “PRESS” seams open the stitching is more likely to pop open after so long of a time. Enjoyed your pages Thanks