Avoid the homemade look with this sewing tip

[@sandragingerich4420]

Think others might agree with me that it would have been nice to see the dramatic difference if you would have use the same material. Even the weight of the material was different. Thanks for demonstrating the ironing/press. I love the finished results😃

[@SewSewLounge]

The weight of both fabrics is the same actually. I didn’t have enough of the batik for more than one top and the solid purple fabric is discolored in places so that wouldn’t work for something to actually wear. But thanks for your comment. I will keep that in mind for next time 😉

[@Febiza919]

Adding- the two most important tools i made were a mini pressing ham (out of scraps) and a “clapper” (dollar store piece of wood). If you steam press anything, press down on it with the wood and it simultaneously: 1) absorbs the heat and moisture and 2) Cools the pressed fabric in that position so the fold or seam is CRISP. I mean you press a seam open and it stays open and flat immediately. Pleats look like a dream. Hems are flat and perfect. I’ve also used cardboard or anything I had lying around that could flatten it and absorb the heat safely. Try it! I promise it will change everything.

[@SewSewLounge]

I have to admit that no one has ever explained how to use a clapper prior to your comment. I will try it! Thanks for the great suggestions. I usually just wait for the fabric to cool as the steam dissipates.

[@SyKnife]

The clapper is an indispensable tool in tailoring. I learned about in my technical apparel design and manufacturing program. Home sewers don’t seem familiar with it from what I’ve seen on YT.

[@NadiraJamal]

This! I have a bunch of wooden coasters that I use sometimes too

[@Febiza919]

@@SewSewLounge it really is game changing because it speeds up the cooling process and makes the finish look more professional at the same time. A great first test is with DIY bias binding- press some sections with and without the piece of wood afterwards and you'll see the difference.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@Febiza919 thanks for the tips!! I need to get a wooden clapper!!

[@tigrezangel]

If the two sample blouses were of the same fabric and color, we probably could see the difference better. But, yes, pressing makes a difference

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@thecurator2626]

While the second garment was much better with pressing, I think using the same fabric for both garments would have made it easier to see the differences as patterns can often hide flaws or make it hard to see what you’re trying to demonstrate.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@christopherandamandasmith6595]

I was given a pressing ham years ago from a seamstress....I had no clue what it was, used it for a door stop until that was kinda useless and ended up giving it to a thrift store. 🤦‍♀️ now, after learning to sew better and watching lots of videos, I keep seeing it pop up and regret getting rid of it! 😂 As my mother always sarcastically says, "never throw anything away!"😉

[@SewSewLounge]

I find that the second I give something away I need it. I had a beautiful magenta purse that was a little too small. I gave it to my cousin after holding on to it for years. Then I made my wool Valentino cape which it would have matched perfectly!! Lesson learned!!

[@saundrayork767]

I've been sewing 50+ yrs so it may be unfair to have me point out the differences. But what I do wish someone would do sometime is make the exact same item (pattern, fabric 7 notions) to show newbies the difference in how the item wears when one tends to all the details, as you do. It would also be interesting to mark the time -- beginners always try to save time by omitting details when its only a 10-min that drastically improves not only the way it looks but how comfortably it fits. Good video. Thanks

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@koalasez1200]

Agree. Also, fabric with a design shows far fewer “flaws” than a solid color piece. I agree w/other comments that doing both tops with the same solid color would highlight the differences.

[@ramonahansraj6587]

​@@koalasez1200I agree with you

[@melindamosbey8257]

Great info Difficult to tell differences w/ solid vs print fabrics

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching.

[@cherylhuot4436]

When I learned to sew way back in the 60s, my teachers always said you should spend more time at the ironing board than the sewing machine. It’s the difference between looking homemade and professional.

[@SewSewLounge]

It really is! Lucky you had teachers who taught you well 😉

[@deejcarter2003]

I love how you went through pressing the whole garment step by step.❤ I do wish you did another solid top because the comparison would have been easier to see.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching!

[@angelaescoffery7728]

150% right.I am a fashion designer that is what I always say to my sample makers.If you don't press as you go it looks home made..great tips

[@SewSewLounge]

So true! I really appreciate your comment ❤️

[@lynnpersonalandslp5619]

Great teaching on the ironing process and the second garment does look nicer! The lesson would be better using the same fabric for both the un-pressed and and pressed garments -- only one variable to compare. The pattern of the second fabric introduces a second variable which may be hiding the impact of the pressing.

[@SewSewLounge]

Yes! Thank you!

[@beebuzz959]

One reason you want to press instead of iron, especially in the production of a garment, is ironing can stretch things out, and then they can get sewn into that stretch permanently with stitches. Stitches can hold it in place so it's less apt to stretch after it's sewn, and the fabric doesn't always stretch, but can. When it does, it looks really wonky and out of sorts. Pressing provides a nice finished, more tailored, more professional looking item.

[@SewSewLounge]

Very true!

[@newbengraham4775]

you're right about pressing, but this particular project shows another factor-- fabric. that pattern is best in a lightweight woven or knit fabric. the lack of darts adds to the boxy look in a regular woven fabric. but you did a good job. thumbs up.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! 😉

[@jenniferaiello3997]

I made my first garment in 2nd grade, a cotton zip up hooded jacket with pockets, almost 50 years ago. My grandma and my mom were/are amazing sewists. My grandma's mantra was that the most important tool when you sew is your iron. It truly makes all the difference in the world!

[@SewSewLounge]

My grandma has the same mantra about pressing! I wised I’d learned to sew earlier but my family lived overseas and Grandma was living in Louisiana. The sewing gene skipped my mom and my aunt 🤣

[@yesiamsharon]

Sewing with Nancy taught me to press my seams every time.

[@SewSewLounge]

Not everyone learned to sew from Nancy! I didn’t; my private sewing teacher taught me. As a result my sewing grades improved.

[@yesiamsharon]

@@SewSewLounge I am self taught. I watched Sewing with Nancy. I purchased books. I bought DVD's. I watch KZbin.

[@kristiswa]

YAY! Fantastic! Finally a video about the importance of pressing...BUT...I was taught (I'm so old that I took home ec. in junior high in the 60s) that "you should press in the manner in which it was sewn." In other words, on a seam, keeping the fabric in the position as if you were still sewing it...press the stitching down BEFORE opening up the seam and pressing it that way. In all of the hundreds of videos I've seen, only one KZbinr mentions this step. And she didn't stress it enough. It sets the stitches and makes the next step of pressing more effective. So I agree with cherylanon5791.

[@SewSewLounge]

Interesting. I’ve never heard about pressing in the direction of sewing. But then again I never took home ec 😢. I have pressed seams to set them before pressing open and didn’t really notice a difference. I might revisit that step.

[@erlindaselga2480]

As a retired Family and Consumer Science teacher (formerly called home ec) students made garments that looked professional and nicer than store bought with finished seams by using a serger. Your “pressed” top also looks better due to the fabric.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@Bronte866]

Here are some of my tips that I’m sure many others already know about - Fabric stores offer a lot of poor quality fabrics. A good quality fabric will forgive a percentage of sewing inexperience. Measure the garment to fit *you.* Measure over and over like a carpenter. Use the best quality buttons & zippers you can afford. Consider using more buttons than called for. If appropriate, add more outside stitching than called for. Double sewing seams will cause a garment to hold it’s shape through washings much longer. Line things. Lining is super easy and most patterns don’t call for it. It gives you a more substantial, weighted & more finished-looking garment. Even hot weather garments can be lined w natural content lining. If I pretend I’m making the garment for Princess Catherine I seem to do a better job Lol.

[@SewSewLounge]

Those are great tips! But thinking about sewing for a princess would probably stress me out too much to be able sew 🤣

[@Jaggerglam9043]

Hhahah :) I do pretend I’m making a garment for Princess Kate :) it does come out better )) Great advice, I appreciate it. And, yes, double stitch, as much as you can, amen.

[@MPam1619]

I'm not a meticulous person. I'd much rather throw something together and be done with it. However, as i've gotten older i've come to see the value of slowing down and doing things well. Your video underscores this point perfectly. Thank you.

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome! I was a “get it done because it’s due tomorrow and I can’t fail my sewing class” kinda gal. Now I need to remind myself I’m not being graded and I can take as much time as I need to sew it right 🤣

[@bolaakintoye7365]

Very helpful but it would have been nice to see the second example in the same fabric as the first....

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@cherylbowen4229]

I learned in Home Ec class in high school to press as I sewed. My teacher also had a sponge in a saucer of water to wet edges and then to press.

[@SewSewLounge]

Nice. Thanks for sharing!

[@MegInASheathDress]

Great video. Probably the most important step to get a couture look or at least not a homesewn looking garment.

[@SewSewLounge]

Absolutely! And pressing is such an easy thing to do to greatly improve the look of your garment.

[@nylirama]

I think this is very informative, but it would be better if both blouses were made with the same fabric. The printed blouse looks like overall, fits better. Is that due to pressing as you go or because it is a different material with a different hand?

[@SewSewLounge]

The hand of both fabrics is the same. The solid fabric is discolored in places so I didn’t feel bad about using it as the bad example, but I couldn’t use it for the good top. Pressing makes all the difference.

[@heathercassarkis2809]

Should have used the same material to compare properly.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@joanwood9480]

Agree. The first one looks too big and it's difficult to see the improvements because of the pattern on the fabric. Altho I am very aware of how important pressing/ironing is.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@joanwood9480 thanks for watching

[@redlady222]

Nice. It would have been easier to see the comparison if the fabrics were the same. The pattern on the pressed shirt, makes it really hard to see the difference.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching!

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

I knew all this, but review keeps habits sharp. Excellent video!

[@SewSewLounge]

Awesome, thank you!

[@twilatharp3386]

Hi Toni, I've always pressed my seams start to finish and the side benefit is that with hems, if you press them, you don't have to bother with pins.

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s a really good tip!

[@kathy22030]

I have been sewing for 30 years but learned so much from your excellent video! Thank you for doing this and glad you popped up when I was watching completely different video.

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying my video ❤️

[@gilda1586]

A better comparison could have been made by using the same fabric for both examples

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@samdumas8692]

Press as you sew is essential 😊

[@SewSewLounge]

It really is!

[@jori7398]

Such great advice! I press everything constantly. To me, pressing is just as important as sewing. ❤️

[@SewSewLounge]

It is! And it makes whatever you sew look better, even when it’s not perfect.

[@kirtirege1044]

It would have helped better to note the difference between pressed and unpressed if she had used the exactly same fabric for comparison.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@lilolmecj]

Pressing is the most simple step to vastly improve your outcome. It can be a bit tedious, but if you have enough space in your sewing area you can just set your ironing board at the same height as your sewing table, and rotate around. I nearly always use a press cloth just as standard practice. Also investing in a seam roll and a ham will help a lot. I bought a ham on deep discount a long time ago, I actually didn’t even use it for years, but once I did, I am so glad to have it. The ham and seam roll are more important in highly fitted, tailored items especially with curves. On those twisted seams, take the time to pick them out and re-stitch. If it is worth your time to sew, it is worth doing it right.💕 I am not promoting perfectionism, but little things like that do affect the way a garment lays.

[@SewSewLounge]

My thought is that if you are taking the time to sew something, why not do the best you can? It may not be perfect while you are learning new techniques, but doing a good job has always been important to me too. I bought my ham and seam roll back in college and I’m glad I made the investment. They have both served me well and lasted all these years.

[@teleriferchnyfain]

I also use a wooden clapper.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@teleriferchnyfain I’m just not sure what to do with a clapper 😂

[@teleriferchnyfain]

@@SewSewLounge It's to use on heavier material, woolens mainly. Holds the steam or heat in & the material in place until it cools. Works a dream on thick seams. I use mine for doll clothes (I make 1:3 scale doll clothes a lot) because the seams are thick in comparison to the size of the little clothes.

[@SewSewLounge]

Good to know!

[@llawrencekronk4886]

Dear Toni, I think a clapper also helps a lot, depending on your fabric. And they're easy to make at home. Thanks for the teaching. Have a good week. Mrs. K.

[@SewSewLounge]

I am going to have to get one!! Thank you for the recommendation. You have a good week too Mrs. K ☺️

[@cm128]

You,use a clapper for tailoring!

[@janedoe-vh4uk]

Great job explaining the hows and whys. Good refresher course. Thanks.

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad you enjoyed it and it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@eggnamaa]

sick weezer poster man, thx for the tips

[@SewSewLounge]

I ❤️ Weezer.

[@MJ-ce4ln]

Hi! I'm a self-taught. Your video will definitly help me to improve my sewing projects ^^ I knew that pressing were important but knowing why it really helpfull. I just think for the purpose of your experimentation, using the same fabric for both cloth would help to the side to side comparaison :)

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NadoCrowFriend]

Totally agree: Pressing is the Secret to gorgeous results when you sew.

[@SewSewLounge]

Totally true! Glad you agree 😉

[@andronika8847]

My mother, dressmaker, used to say: "Well pressed is half sewn."

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s a great saying!

[@MsJoybird1]

Pressing when you see is so important! It does make a BIG difference!

[@SewSewLounge]

It really does!!

[@LouiseMaurice]

Thank you. It has taken me years but I have now lost weight and have already started knitting for myself. I have fabric and patterns ready but I haven't started with that yet. I am so glad I saw this video before I start and will be looking at all your other tips.😄

[@SewSewLounge]

Congrats! I'm so excited to hear that you will be sewing for yourself. Thanks for watching ❤

[@ragathnor326]

Pinning helps to keep the seams open as well. You share good tips.👍

[@SewSewLounge]

Pinning does help keep the seams open! Great tip. Thank you for your comment ☺️

[@doloresw]

I findpressing and using a clapper makes really clean pressed seams and hems.

[@SewSewLounge]

Everyone has been telling me about using a clapper-I have to get one and try it out!!

[@Romcom356]

My mum was a professional dressmaker and her mantra was “The iron. Is your friend.”

[@SewSewLounge]

My grandma says the same thing! I love my iron❤️

[@teleriferchnyfain]

My home Ec projects looked fabulous - of course I was taught to press as I went, finish seams, etc. I took home Ec 6 years - jr & sr hs. I’ve been sewing (professionally & for myself) for decades. You are absolutely correct - pressing makes a huge difference & is very necessary.

[@SewSewLounge]

I wish I’d been able to take home ec. I lived overseas for high school and it wasn’t an option. It sounds like you had a great experience.

[@HappyWithMyHeadset]

Thanks for mentioning poly thread. I generally use a sew-all polyester thread and it hasn't occurred to me to consider its different heat needs compared to my fabric. I've mostly been lucky, I guess. Also, you've done a lovely job on your top! Beautiful neckline and the 3/4 sleaves are flattering and practical.

[@SewSewLounge]

I’ve had problems with poly serger thread more than poly sewing thread. But now I’m careful I don’t make a melty mess! I really like my top too and I’m looking forward to wearing it ☺️

[@sewing-Susan]

I haven’t ever had thread melt. However, spot on re: pressing as you go.

[@SewSewLounge]

I’ve only had serger thread melt and I had my iron super high with max steam because I was pressing canvas. So maybe it wouldn’t happen under normal circumstances but I figured I’d mention it just in case 😉 thanks for watching!

[@louisemorris1581]

Thank you, I always press as I sew but it has never occurred to me to press the sleeve hem before sewing the side seams. That will make sewing a lot easier in future.

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome! It’s such a game changer ☺️

[@susanneely5810]

I always heard, "If you dont have time to press, you dont have time to sew." After a few weeks of learning to sew, I leaned gow true it is.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@susanneely5810 that is very true. It takes a little longer to press while you see but the end result is totally worth it!

[@SueRosalie]

PRESSING after nearly every step is #1 and you can always tell when people don't do it. #2 is correct under stitching of facings. #3 is edge stitching (where appropriate) only using a edgestitch foot.

[@SewSewLounge]

Very true!

[@cindyhappel7376]

I was told when I started sewing that pressing was the most important part. Great video!

[@SewSewLounge]

Pressing so important and makes your garment look so professional! Thank you for watching ☺️

[@janehobbs2788]

Wish you had used the same fabric for both samples so that we could compare more easily

[@SewSewLounge]

The purple fabric is damaged. That’s why I used it for the unpressed version.

[@sandragingerich4420]

Agreed.@@SewSewLounge

[@morganlafae1882]

I was taught to sew by my Great-Grandmother many years ago. I was unaware that people didn't know the basics (pressing), but now I understand why some clothes look so sloppy!

[@SewSewLounge]

It makes such a difference!!

[@ThirdStoryThreads]

Pressing always makes the difference! We even see that when we receive client quilts you can tell the more experienced ones based on the seam presses. :)

[@SewSewLounge]

It really makes all the difference with any fabric for any kind of project! ☺️

[@elizabethmusso5946]

I don’t do much sewing these days, but when I do I always press as I go. Recently, I have started starching and pressing cotton fabric after pre-washing it. It makes it nicer to cut out and sew with.

[@SewSewLounge]

Good tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@irnalonso]

Thanks for addresing this! I was taught this way and I'm annoyed by so many videos or tutorials that skip both pressing and ironing.. Yes, pressing is boring and time-consuming, specially when you don't have a lot of space, but it is so worth the time! I hope people will follow you tips

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you for your comment. I think once you get into the habit of pressing and getting professional looking results it’s a lot less boring to do it.

[@grenade8572]

I just finished my very first outfit (very easy circle skirt and a I-needed-5-monthes-to-do-the-pattern-and-sew-it fitted shirt). I'm very proud that everyone in my family told me they couldn't guess I did it myself and thought I had bought it. ^^

[@SewSewLounge]

Woo-hoo! That’s awesome. And I’m sure you agree, the BEST feeling ever ❤️

[@joycesmies4309]

Ouch, Toni! Comparing a garment looking like a Home Ec project is l 5:55 ike comparing a sophomore essay to a published novel. I taught sewing to many students. They had to learn by doing. Experience makes a difference as well as pressing.

[@SewSewLounge]

I don’t agree with your analogy. Home Ec was when many women were first taught to sew and it didn’t go well for a lot of them. Most of the women in my family are still traumatized by the experience. I didn’t learn any of the tips I share in this video, or most of my videos for that matter, from my professors in the fashion design program at college. I learned about pressing from a private sewing teacher and went on to read more about how to do it better. It’s all depends on your teacher. And pressing is one of the basic steps that can make a beginner sewing project look much better when the sewing isn’t perfect.

[@joycesmies4309]

On behalf of myself & any other former Home Ec teachers who traumatized students in the past, please accept my apologies.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@joycesmies4309 based on your comment I feel like you haven’t traumatized your students: they probably learned a lot from you ❤️It’s unfortunate that’s not the case for a lot of women.

[@teleriferchnyfain]

I took home Ec in the 60s thru jr & sr hs - we got trained in tailoring & couture sewing in my senior year.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@teleriferchnyfain wow! I didn’t get those kind of courses in college. That’s awesome.

[@adindarf415]

1:51 You're right, that's what my tailor teacher (or whatever you call it, because I'm currently taking my tailoring courses) taught me when I'm getting the back side of the dress I sew with curly ugly line, you have to do it before sewing the other part or it'll be hard. Note: It was curly because I didn't set the presser foot properly. Sorry for the bad grammar😅

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s crazy because it’s such a simple thing to do that makes such a huge difference in the end result. I’ve done the exact same thing you did! 🤣

[@YogaladyToronto]

I took a tailoring course. We made tailored jackets. The instructor INSISTED we take our finished jackets to a dry cleaner service or special garment pressing shop to STEAM PRESS our jackets. WOW! What a difference that made!

[@SewSewLounge]

I’ve done that before with mixed results. I think it depends on the quality of your dry cleaner.

[@Acapulc941]

I love that you finally solved the mystery for me of why things home made vs not. But mostly I love knowing that there is such a thing as a pressing ham. Blah ha!

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m glad I could solve the mystery for you! 😉

[@janegilson1886]

I am guilty of not pressing as I sew. And I'm also guilty of crappy "ironing" when the project is done. I will definitely use all these tips. Thanks for sharing your tips.

[@SewSewLounge]

You are very welcome!

[@farvista]

I had no idea that NOT pressing as you sew was even an option. I don't think that I'm even CAPABLE of not pressing. My grandmother would haunt me from the grave if I slacked on that.

[@SewSewLounge]

🤣 if my grandma had been the one to teach me to sew I would have learned the importance of pressing a lot sooner. Now it’s second nature and like you I can’t imagine not doing it.

[@littlemissprickles]

My aunt basically tells me half the steps in a pattern don't matter 💀

[@SewSewLounge]

@@littlemissprickles your aunt is right. I think for them as suggestions. A lot of the time there is a different/easier/better way to put something together than the way the pattern tells you to 🤣

[@kinawood7454]

Thought for sure it would include top stitching, clipping, pinking and overlocking. Pressing is important!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@colorcreatecamera]

Super helpful!! I'm just starting to attempt making a shirt, I did not know alot of these useful tips, Thank you!

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. Let me know if you have any questions 😉

[@sandimcp]

What a great video! So well explained. I'm a newbie sewist and this is like a lightbulb for me. Thank you so much. Hi from Kingston, Jamaica! 🙂

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you for watching! I’m so glad my video helped. Hi from Houston Texas 🤠

[@Connie238]

It would of been nice if the same fabric was used to create the pressing effect and put it side by side to see the difference Fabric with patterns don’t show the same effects like plain fabric

[@SewSewLounge]

There wasn’t enough printed fabric to make two (the fabric was from Thailand) and the solid fabric is discolored in places so I wasn’t using it for something I couldn’t wear.

[@TheKitty1952]

Worth the effort, always. Allows for exact placement of matching seams as well

[@SewSewLounge]

Yes! It makes such a difference for seam matching. I forgot to mention that. Thanks for the reminder 😉

[@robinmccubbins8139]

The neck opening is smaller on the pressed one than the solid one. That alone makes it look like it fits better.

[@christines2556]

I noticed that too. The pattern must have been changed to have that happen. Also a patterned fabric will hide more sins.

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s the same pattern. I didn’t and sew the closure on the solid colored one, it’s just pinned. It’s also standing up because the seam wasn’t pressed and it twisted during the sewing process.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@christines2556 same pattern different sewing techniques. The printed fabric looks better because it’s pressed.

[@christines2556]

Were you wearing the same undergarment? The black can be seen under the purple top . If the neck was the same size it would be seen under the printed one too.@@SewSewLounge

[@SewSewLounge]

@@christines2556 as previously mentioned, it’s pinned. Since I had to pin behind my back, I can’t say with 100% certainty that it’s in the same place as the hand sewn closure of the printed top. Hence the look of the neckline being bigger. It’s not. Same pattern and the fabric didn’t stretch.

[@GinaLoriDuncan]

Great practical advice. Love your sewing room. Pressing gives the shirt a crisp, fresh look

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad that you enjoyed my video and like my sewing room. I makes me happy to be in there even when I’m not sewing ❤️

[@GinaLoriDuncan]

@@SewSewLounge Yes, sewing and looking at fabric, tools and patterns is my happy place

[@SewSewLounge]

@@GinaLoriDuncan it’s the best happy place ❤️

[@debbiesnyder4778]

I always press but some of those I did wrong. Thank you for showing me the correct way

[@SewSewLounge]

I went through a lot of vintage sewing books to show a variety of options. Glad you found them helpful!

[@janem3378]

I see the Dritz easy hem guide. Great tool. Found mine at Walmart. Use it all the time

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s so helpful!!

[@songbanana8]

So important advice and straight to the point, thank you!

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it ☺️

[@SyKnife]

The unpressed blouse has a poufy look, most obvious on the hem. In person, the differences between the two would be more obvious than on camera. Pressing seams properly as you sew is the #1 sewing tip to get a nice looking garment.

[@SewSewLounge]

Yes all very true!

[@lorraineperson4935]

Love this practical advice I have never seen anywhere else.m thank you

[@SewSewLounge]

You are VERY welcome ☺️

[@angelagan6803]

Using the same fabric would be ideal, printed fabric is more forgiving IMO

[@SewSewLounge]

I didn’t have enough of the batik for more than one top and the solid purple fabric is discolored in places so that wouldn’t work for something to actually wear.

[@shirleyandrews1152]

OMG! While in Com. College studying Home Ec. (Tailoring this particular semester) & working in a dry cleaners a young lady brought a heavy Satin bridesmaid gown in to be pressed. She was taking sewing at the State College & wouldn’t listen to an insignificant Jr College students opinion re. iron as you go. It was all bunched up especially at the shoulders. When our presser lady saw it she turned pale🙀 She pressed it out & it looked pretty good. The customer came back furious saying the Dress was a size too large now, what did WE do? I politely & discreetly told her “ya shuda ironed as you sewed”. Her arrogance ALMOST made me smile.😢

[@SewSewLounge]

Wow. That’s unbelievable. The presser lady must have had some skill to make an unpressed satin dress look good once it was sewn! What a great story, thanks for sharing ☺️

[@karinaalatorre5038]

great advise, I will do so from now on. The only request I ask, is to show the old garment and the new garment in same or similar color/fabric.

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad you found it useful. I’ll consider your request 😉

[@CrisTina-tp2jg]

It would’ve been better if you use the same fabric so that way we can compare apples to apples’ as fabric with a pattern is forgiving.

[@SewSewLounge]

They are both apples. Both fabrics are 100% cotton plain weave. They have the same hand. They were pre washed, dried, and ironed the same prior to being cut out. It’s just that one is a Granny Smith and the other is a honey crisp. They look different from the outside but are essentially the same type of fabric.

[@consolw]

I agree with most of these comments. Pressing through all stages is crucial to getting a professional finish on your garment. Fabric choice is key as well. If you are sewing with thick bulky fabrics it stands to reason you wont get a flat seam finish.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching

[@Finny_finn_finn]

I wish you would have used the same fabric for a complete comparison

[@SewSewLounge]

I explained why that wasn’t an option-not enough printed fabric and the solid one had damage.

[@nothingtoseehere5678]

Don't know how got here. I legit can't sew a pillow. But this was very interesting and well presented, I watched the whole thing

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you for watching!

[@abelink9229]

Can we please see a video on rescuing the first top?

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s an idea. But the fabric is discolored in places and it’s not really wearable.

[@abelink9229]

@@SewSewLounge How about decorative embroidery?

[@SewSewLounge]

@@abelink9229 that would be a lot of embroidery 😉 but I’ll see what I can come up with.

[@abelink9229]

@@SewSewLounge Decorative stitch around the border of the discoloured areas? And maybe somewhere else to balance the composition.

[@cherylanon5791]

could you please do this using the exact same fabric....right away I'm thinking---well, yes a large indistinct patterned fabric is going to hide a lot of sins LOL.... and the plain taffeta or chintz with no pressing never had a chance.

[@SomeBuddy777]

@cherylanon5791 Gosh, I looked for your sewing channel and couldn't seem to find it 🤔

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching.

[@aleksandra7420]

Agreed

[@SomeBuddy777]

@@SewSewLounge You're welcome. I look forward to watching more of them and learning from your experience!

[@SewSewLounge]

@@SomeBuddy777 I appreciate your comments and I looking forward to helping you on your sewing journey ☺️

[@Freepeter-ui2vf]

This is so helpful. Thank you! PS. I have that same cat clock! :)

[@SewSewLounge]

You are very welcome! I’m sure you love your clock as much as I do 😻

[@cyndy338]

Just found you and had to subscribe! Thanks for the concise instructions! Will be watching all your videos!👏👏👍🤩🏅😊

[@SewSewLounge]

I'm glad you're here, thanks for watching! Thank you for your encouragement! 🥳

[@angharadswansea9343]

I really like that top. I went shopping the other day and I couldn’t find a single top that I liked. Every store had very similar choices. Horizontal stripes seem to be all the rage right now. The fabrics are so thin and lacking in structure. I thought I might start sewing a few of my own and this top would be ideal for what I’m looking for.

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s a great free pdf pattern. Plus the avid seamstress has all the sewing instructions step-by-step with photos to make it super easy to sew.

[@MaureenMoseley-v2q]

Very helpful tips. Thank you

[@SewSewLounge]

You are so welcome! Glad to help ☺️

[@barbbell6291]

My mother was adamant that pressing was so important; unfortunately being an impatient teenager learning to sew from her, I’d skip those steps. I’ve since learned to press as you go and luckily have ‘mended my ways’. Thank you Mom!

[@SewSewLounge]

Your mom was totally right! 🤣Thanks for sharing your story. I learned the hard way too!

[@nancyleonesio627]

great video ! great tips. you explained everything very well. very helpful

[@SewSewLounge]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching 😊

[@antinn7448]

This is a great! video. Ive always pressed during construction but did t do things like pressing flat wherever possible(before sewing sleeves, putting the sleeve in BEFORE you sew the side sea,s so u can press that seam well. Ex. Again great video!

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m so glad you found it helpful!

[@brendamoon2660]

I didnt expect to learn something from this but ive never even heard of an ironing ham

[@SewSewLounge]

Yep. A pressing ham is a lifesaver with curves!

[@marlabeard5352]

Although in the moment, pressing seems like a real pain in the rear, it does improve the overall quality of the garment, and if you want to wear the garment somewhere important, or wear it more than once (and isn’t that the point?), then it just makes sense to do it. Also, sewing is easier when all pieces fit together with seams flat and have the hems precisely laying flat. I feel like if I timed myself sewing 10 with and 10 without sewing while making, I’d find I spent less time sewing the ironed ones and more time with the seam ripper on the unironed ones.

[@SewSewLounge]

Very true! When I was learning to sew, and I didn’t know about pressing seams as I went, I was ALWAYS catching them as I put my garment together. I spent more time ripping seams than sewing them.

[@sonjaconnan2300]

Thx for the ham tip

[@SewSewLounge]

You are very welcome! A good pressing ham makes things so much easier.

[@leck4emba]

Well that is interesting - the difference between pressing motion and ironing.

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s a game changer!

[@mariegarside8830]

Wonderful information

[@saffloweroyl3663]

We called those garments "made with loving hands at home"

[@SewSewLounge]

Nice ☺️

[@SBL1932]

What a great video. Very well demonstrated

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you!

[@HomeHealthandSpirit]

I have been sewing since I was 8 years old and as a Home Economics (FACS) teacher taught sewing for 35 years. The two comments about not pressing making a garment look like a “home ec” project did not sit very well with me. I always taught proper pressing as I am sure all Home Economics/FACS teachers do. With all due respect, the comments came off as insulting to our profession and to our sewing and teaching expertise.

[@misstweetypie1]

I thought she just meant projects that look like they are done by a high schooler with no training, vs a professional garment. My teacher may have taught proper pressing (it was more than ten years ago, so now I don’t remember), but I know that the boxer shorts I made did not have any level of finesse, in the pressing or anything else, which I think was more what her comment was getting at. I understand why you would be offended though. Maybe she had a really bad home ec teacher.

[@HomeHealthandSpirit]

You could be right. Maybe she did have a bad teacher but I felt she unfairly put down the skill of the profession and made it seem like we do not teach pressing. It was not just said once, but twice. What I heard inferred was that projects made in Home Ec. class were inferior and looked like the solid colored shirt because they weren’t ironed properly. The connection between an un-ironed sewing project and Home Ec was emphasized. I felt that was a put down of home economics teachers. We are trained to teach pressing as an integral part of sewing. My classroom had multiples of all the equipment she mentioned. Additionally, I taught my students to use a wooden clapper, a velvet board and even taught them iron safety.

[@KathrynTanner-t8f]

Don't think she meant to demean Home Ec, but that's where many of us learn the basics and the finished result will look amateurish, because it is! That's not a reflection on the teacher.

[@edenelston7668]

It was a commentary on novice garment making, not the people who taught a class

[@SewSewLounge]

My comment was based on the stories I grew up hearing from my mom and women in my family who had horrible home ec experiences and who are still traumatized by it. To this day my aunt can’t look at a sewing machine without feeling sick to her stomach. I wasn’t allowed to take home ec in junior high because my mom didn’t want me going through “that trauma” at age 13. Fast forward to college and I was taught intro sewing by a former home ec teacher who skipped the basics, like pressing and getting fabric on grain. Those skills were crucial to my future classes in fashion design and my grades weren’t great because I didn’t have them. I have since learned the importance of pressing and this video is about sharing that knowledge with women want to make their garments look better but didn’t learn about pressing. All teachers are not the same and not everyone had a good one, if they took home ec at all. It’s not a comment on the home ec teacher or profession, it’s about the end garment not looking good despite great effort during the learning process.

[@akarikyaw]

Thanks so much for the tips. Very helpful. I’m interested in your iron. Can you link the iron you used if possible?

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m glad that you found my video helpful ❤️ my iron is a Rowenta accessteam iron, here’s the model on amazon a.co/d/h5UPuhr

[@leiskaevanson3085]

Same concept as blocking before and after final assembly for knit/crochet?

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m not sure, I only knit scarves and they’re usually a little wonky 🤣