How to Make a Tailor's Ham ... and Why You Need One

A tailor's ham is the perfect tool to make ironing curves a breeze. It allows you to drape your fabric over its many curves and lay it flat for pressing.
A tailor's ham commonly comes in 1 of 2 shapes: a ham or sausage. The ham works as mentioned above, but a sausage ham is good for putting inside of a pant leg to press the seams without causing unwanted creases.
In this video, I also share how I use a tailor's ham, how they're made and discuss a bit of their history.
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Download the Pattern → cornelius.ooo/ham
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00:00 - Introduction
00:35 - All About Hams
03:28 - How to Use a Ham
04:25 - How to Make a Ham
10:38 - Wool & Saw Dust Ham
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Music by Mr Tav - Perfect Drive - thmatc.co/?l=84055670
Music by Sonic Nothing - Retrogade - thmatc.co/?l=E83940DC
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#sewing #sewingtutorial
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[@SparkyOne549]

Another tip, don’t use denim with stretch. Only 100% cotton denim.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Yes, a very good point. Any stretch would not be ideal!

[@eamonbamon]

Cornelius, thanks so much for this video and both patterns. Your ham patterns are by far the best on youtube. I made both this evening, one with wool on top (cotton bottom) and one with cotton on top (wool bottom) and then I stuffed with fine sawdust. They turned out perfect. I am a very happy "novice" sewist and can't wait to try them out.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's awesome. May they get plenty of use! Thanks for watching and happy sewing.

[@solste1]

I’ve been using a wool sock stuffed with other socks, not knowing tailors hams were a thing😂 this will be much better! Thank you!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

But I imagine said socks were still plenty useful :)

[@GM-qq1wi]

To avoid making a mess and needing to re stuff the shape as often, it requires the original form to be as compacted as possible before it's enclosed in it's cover. I have a method (I don't know if it's original) that results in hams that are as stiff as a rock. I pour sawdust into a simple ham shaped cover twice as large than the desired size and stomp it viciously into a solid little mass about half its size. Trim off the excess fabric after hand basing the layers together, close to the shape. A little excess fabric doesn't matter, this layer can be ugly, as long is the form isnt bumpy. To cover it; drape the bottom peice of fabric over the form and use long stitches with upholstery thread to pull it over the shape tightly by stitching from one side over to the other. Then drape the top peice over the opposite side. Stitch with long zig zag basting stitches between both peices of fabric (like a corset) all the way around, tuck in the edges neatly and extra fabric before cinching as tight as humanly possible. Keep the zig zag stitches in place while hand sewing the folded edges down and closing any tucks/pleats with tightly spaced stitches in upholstery thread, then take out the zigzag basting stitches. If it becomes soft over time, you can just sew a new cover onto it, even tighter than before, leaving the old one intact, this will avoid the need to take it apart to restuff it.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, this sounds like a great way of doing it as well! Thank you for detailing your exact technique in the comments here for others to read!

[@djsaxe520]

I’m not sure if I understood everything but I am in need for a ham and the local carpenter could only provide really fine sawdust powder so this might be a route to go for me

[@mam7470]

You just popped last week and watched your explanation about sleeves and i've learned so much and you are funny too. Now, just printed your tailors ham and will make it hopefully tonight. Thanks for the pattern and for everything that you share!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice! Well thanks for checking out my videos and may your ham turn out as you hope!

[@astelierzun]

Best video I've ever seen about tailor's ham. Thanks for the thorough explanation and pattern! I've made one before, but I want to make a new one with your method. That asymmetrical shape makes so much sense. To others who do not own a ham yet, GET ONE OR MAKE ONE IMMEDIATELY. Pressing seams is secret to making garments look professionally made. The ham helps with pressing properly!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You said it better than I could. Pressing is important :) Hopefully you get around to making one yourself.

[@sherrijones6605]

I have been following sewing videos for years and just found you this morning. You are hilarious and so much fun to watch. Thank you for all the great knowledge and humor to go with it.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for the very kind words and thank you for watching! I am glad you found my content and all the best.

[@solarwinds-]

Thanks Cornelius! Generous of you to give us the pattern for free. I've been shopping on line and all the hams are squishy tiny little things. Saving about $25 bucks, mak'n my own. Got all the materials already.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, well hopefully your ham turns out and it's as firm as you want it to be! Thanks for watching and happy sewing.

[@solarwinds-]

@@CorneliusQuiring I'm using an old oversized towel rolled up really tight. I encased it in a log shaped cover that's really really tight. Works pretty good.

[@deegee3729]

The sound of those scissors cutting was so satisfying. Lol. I have terrible ADHD and have found your videos to really keep my attention so I wanna thank you for making it interesting

[@CorneliusQuiring]

A compliment of the highest order, thank you.

[@imakequestionablechoices7446]

Never clicked on a video faster. Been really wanting one of these but didn't want to pay 30 dollars for a glorified pillow.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Good on you for making one yourself!

[@allydouillette4661]

Made both of these -- haven't filled the sausage yet but the ham is done! Thank you so much for the pattern and reels, without them i never would've found you!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh nice, godo on you for making some hams. Hopefully you get plenty of use out of them!

[@Shwettyapple]

This was right on time. Great use for scraps and I’ve been jonesing for one of these for a while.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, well hopefully you're able to use up a hole bunch of your scraps! Thanks for watching.

[@clarazolud4835]

Love this! What a great video😊 my friend told me I could only use saw dust....well tomorrow I am going to sit & cut up all this cotton fabric scraps I have from quilting and make both ham & sausage! Then maybe scramble a couple of eggs 😂. Thank you. I too love your scissors ✂️

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful, well may all the cotton be used up and your pressing life made easier :) thanks for sharing and happy sewing. Also yum on the eggs.

[@sherrillsturm7240]

Great tailor's ham pattern. I've been putting off making one b/c I wanted more angles. You created a pattern for one that is just what I wanted.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh wonderful, I'm glad to hear it! Happy sewing.

[@musikkfamilien]

Thank you, Cornelius👏👏👏 Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻 Hello back from Canada.

[@debbiekimpton7089]

I'm a complete beginner and I'm digging your videos. Thank you

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you. Thanks for watching.

[@phemyda94]

Thank you so much for the pattern! The darts really make for a superior ham. I made a beautiful linen one and it only took me three nights of snipping and stuffing fabric scraps... 😂

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it. Sounds like a well used 3 nights :)

[@Collectivecrafting45]

I definitely need to make a sleeve roll. Thank you.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Good luck with making one!

[@sandrasmith4539]

Thank you for sharing your how to and pattern. Loved the green pants.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you and thanks for watching. Happy Sewing.

[@sheilabuitenhuis6307]

Been sewing garments for a year now. These have been on my to do list. Making mine today! Thank you for the free pattern. Your easy to watch and follow, great job!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it. Hopefully it's as useful to you as it is to me.

[@ifeanyieluwa4322]

I made one today using sawdust. Thank you for the tutorial. It was a great help

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, good on you. Hopefully yours gets as much use as mine!

[@JohnLothe]

I really enjoy your work my friend, thank you for sharing.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you and thanks for watching. 🙏🏻

[@MsWalkaLot]

Mine's so pretty! Made of leftovers and some wool stuffing I already have! Thank you XXX

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Nice! Good on you.

[@nettykanyoncrafts]

Very informative and easy to follow instructions, and thanks for the patterns!!!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@tracyfrost]

That’s fantastic I love your explanations.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it!

[@barbaraness4507]

You speak very calmly, and explain everything very well. Because of these things I did subscribe today!!!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@LayzaaV]

Dear Cornelius, thank you very much for your tutorials and all the knowledge shared. I just found your channel and I am addicted to it! I wish you all the best 😊

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh wonderful, I am glad to hear that my videos are of use to you. Thanks for watching.

[@carolinamedrano2355]

Thank you so much for the tutorial and the pattern, I can finally make my own ham❤❤❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

nice!

[@SarahK86]

I already have a tailor's ham. But I really could use a tailor's sausage. I'm going to use your pattern and sew one up. 🙂

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, I hope yours turns out well.

[@ifeanyieluwa4322]

Thank you for this. It was helpful ❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh wonderful, I'm glad to hear it. Thanks for watching. 🙏🏻

[@estherlysandraam3500]

Thankyouu for the wonderful videos🙏🏻

[@allisonpuetzarts8114]

was just trying my first princess seam and discovered i needed this tool! thank you for the free pattern! now i have a use my tiny fabric scraps as well!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, that sounds like a win-win!

[@belindagreen6899]

I just made one using an old wool blanket which i lined with an old cotton tablecloth and i did two layers of tablecloth for the other side! I filled it with wood shavings i had packed with some wine which i felt were a little too large so i used a liquidizer to make it into smaller pieces. It worked out great. Thank you for your informative video and pattern, I could not have done it without you.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, that sounds like a well crafted ham that you made! Hopefully it gets plenty of use. Thanks for sharing.

[@tourdion66you]

Thanks for sharing this Infos and the Pattern, this is a nice little project. For my convenience i made a bag out of a old Shopping-Bag, put it in the Ham and fill it with the Wood-Shavings. That work out just fine.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice. That sounds like a good solution as well. Hopefully yours is getting plenty of use.

[@gemmadixon2151]

Wonderful video! Absolutely subscribing. Thank you for such clear and helpful information, I think I'm going to shed my scraps and stuff my ham while catching up on your videos 👍

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh wonderful! Thank you and hopefully your turns out well!

[@LucyL00]

This is awesome, thank you!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@SaraVV]

I have to make this. Great video!! Thank you ❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🐓🙏🏻

[@nyaraichabikwa3522]

I am new to your channel..thank you so much for the patterns. Being a beginner tailor i so needed these. Thank you. And i must say love the humour..😅..

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ahh, thank you. I'm glad to hear you appreciate it.

[@Lobstrique]

you channel is m favourite sewing-related find on youtube lately :) love your style, love how useful the videos are and how beautiful they are!! i def need to try this ham pattern, mine doesn't have darts and it's smooth on the seams

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it. If you make one, I hope it's as useful as I find mine to be.

[@sorayapetersen1982]

I love your yak! I learn a lot from it😀

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Then I shall continue to yak :)

[@Asalashjari]

I really like your content. thank you :)

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@barbarakanczua7778]

Thanks a lot :) Greetings from Poland

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thanks for watching right back from Canada.

[@jeffreylong4128]

Chef's kiss

[@CorneliusQuiring]

[@tedhobgood]

Very helpful tutorial, thank you so much. I already own a storebought ham, but am planning to make a very oddly shaped one for a very specific ironing circumstance (I make pro wrestling masks), and your tutorial has given me some good tips on what I might try when I attempt to make it. As an aside, love your video making style, love your branding. Keep on rocking.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh wonderful, may it be the oddest of shapes and work for you just as needed :)

[@TheJasli123]

Thanks 😊

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🙏🏻

[@elizabethalexander-pukerud7951]

Woot new pair of scissors! I probably don't need another pair but I'm expecting a couple of friends to come over. I know they do not have fabric scissors! Now we can cut all same time

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Aren't you just a wonderful friend! How nice of you to gift them.

[@juliewholohan2850]

Great video…could you critique the scissors you use the are awesome! Thank you👏👏👏👏

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for the suggestion, I will consider it for a future video.

[@Lugoslori_atelier]

Thank you 🎉

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thanks for watching!

[@Lugoslori_atelier]

Hi there, just to inform you that I’ve made mine

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, I am happy to hear it.

[@kittybrowning]

Just wat I need although I've not got sawdust that ppl norm advise to use so gonna have to use stuffing for this for now and scraps then get some sawdust at a later date Ty

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it. Hopefully yours turns out well and you eventually get some saw dust.

[@FridayFrida]

Great tutorial, love the hat, thanks for the pattern! (oh, ill be watching "Firefly")

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@silviawolter]

Hello Cornelius, thank you very much for the free pattern and the video. I just came back from the Baumarkt (yay, Germany here) and got a bag full of sawdust. I will let you know how it ended 😂

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice! Well I look forward to hearing how it turned out. Happy sewing.

[@silviawolter]

@@CorneliusQuiringImma do ist today! Got a new Vintage machine (Singer 411g) and i was busy refurbishing it. It works! The ham will be the first project. Bis später!

[@silviawolter]

@@CorneliusQuiring it‘s done! I am sure I didn’t put enough sawdust, I saw after I closed it. I might fill it better later. I linked you on instagram!

[@angelinakrocher7589]

Danke!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Your support is greatly apprecaited!

[@jabeavers]

I have a commercially made sleeve roll that was not filled with sawdust and is quite soft that I need to take apart and refill. Thanks for the vids!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's gonna make a world of a difference. The firmer the better, as long as it isn't a literal rock :)

[@jabeavers]

@@CorneliusQuiring yeah, I can't even use it right now it's so soft.....

[@michellet22]

Great video! How did you clean off all the saw dust from the ham once you were finished?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Just a good ol' fashion vacuum cleaner :)

[@michaelmatienzo3073]

Cornelius!! Can you make a video on how to sew those pants without waistbands. Like with Hollywood trousers or Drop loop trousers??? I cannot understand how they do it. It would be a big help if you make a video about it. Thank you.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I will certainly consider the idea. I think you left this same comment on insta so I appreciate the enthusiasm. Thanks for watching.

[@patriciajrs46]

The sawdust at sawmills probably is free, often. That's because they don't realize that it can be used with cement and other materials, like lime slurry for thickener to cover straw bales in walls. Great stuff sawdust.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

indeed!

[@ImAsMadAsAMango]

Thank you so much for this! I made my ham yesterday. The longest part was cutting the fabric into tiny pieces and stuffing it, my hand was killing me 😭😅

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I know eh! It's amazing how much scraps can fit on one ham, eh?!

[@jessdrewthis]

I love Taylor ham, it makes pretty good breakfast sandwiches. ..wait, wrong video. _(Seriously though, good tutorial 👍)_

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Now you've got me hungry. I could really go for a ham sangie :)

[@thezacharycolby]

I'm definitely going to be making both of these. Question: Does the sawdust variety leak sawdust at all? Or sort of poof dust? I wonder if using a wool coating with a backing on it might help prevent that...

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Between the thicker fabrics (coat wool and medium weight cotton twill) and the double sewing, I haven't had any leaking or poofing issues with the sawdust. My biggest challenge was to vacuum the sawdust off of the outside as it was rather messy. There's still a bit there.

[@thezacharycolby]

@@CorneliusQuiring Nice, thanks! I really appreciate your videos! Keep up the great work!

[@ArvidDoerwald]

@@CorneliusQuiring Hello Cornelius, I used a nailbrush, light wet (only light!); worked very well.

[@VafaJioFreed]

I can never have enough of the yak so bring it on 😅

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Then yak away I shall :)

[@illeib2565]

Great! and all video are great and so much fun to watch.... I learned and still learn a lot with your videos! Thank you.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am happy to hear my videos are of use to you. Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@sebnemsebnem5692]

Hello from İstanbul 🎉🎉

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Hello back, from Canada.

[@sewsinead1700]

Hey 👋 just about to make one for myself and my Mam. Going with the sawdust option with a wool top layer & cotton fabric bottom layer , for the inner lining suggestion would you just double to pattern to make a lining or what would suggest please ? Fantastic video and super neat 📏 thanks 🙏

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I personally didn't even put in a lining. With thicker dense fabrics, I don't think it need. But really, anything that won't melt with the iron :)

[@sewsinead1700]

@@CorneliusQuiring thanks so much for the reply, I made the ham with some Irish wool and doubled up my lighter cotton on the bottom and it soooo nice. Making one for my Mam for her birthday also 🎁 Love the pattern & tutorial thanks so much 🥳

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice! I'm glad yours turned out as you hoped and good on you for making on for mam. I imagine it'll be much appreciated. Thanks for following up to let me know.

[@mariegauthier5354]

This video and pattern is amazing! I just had a question about the kind of sawdust i should use. At home we have some that's made for animal litter (like hamsters). It's small but not a powder like in the video. Would it work too ?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

As long as it's a proper wood sawdust, it's certainly worth a try. The key is that it needs to be able to take heat without burning.

[@Trinix216]

Quick question, can I use quilting cotton for the outside of this?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I wouldn't see why not.

[@Payoonsri_Maneedeng]

What kind of fabric did you use for each color?(green and white)

[@CorneliusQuiring]

for that one, it's linen on both sides.

[@mubeccelgulkas6935]

Msr.aynısını yaptım

[@jessicavanzuydam6458]

where are you from Cornelius? Your accent is unusually unique. I cannot place it. You remind me of that actor Christoph Waltz. Your videos are very useful. I appreciate them. Thank you for all your hard work and your free patterns and tips and tricks.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am kind of from all over the place. My historical roots are from Easter Europe (Mennonites Prussia) but I personally grew up in Canada and spent some of my childhood in Paraguay. Plautdietsch is also my first language. Thanks for watching and happy sewing.

[@jessicavanzuydam6458]

@@CorneliusQuiring It's nice to meet you. Thank you for your response. You have a very interesting background. How did you get into sewing and what made you decide to share your trade secrets with the world? There are not very many men nor men's sewing tutorials. These are very useful because I find it very difficult to find boys and mens clothing in shops because department stores are very sexist and mainly supply clothing and accessories for girls and women and hardly anything for males in any age. Thank you again for sharing your secrets, they will help me sew for my family.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I wanted to make clothes that fit my unique body shape. I also like to learn and entertain. Combine them all and we've got these KZbin videos. I am happy that you find use in mu videos. Thanks for watching, commenting and happy sewing!

[@Masdivot]

What are the chances of mold forming inside the ham if you have natural products repeatedly being exposed to warm moisture and not possibly airing out quickly?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Candidly, I haven't thought about that or done too much exploration. Good question.

[@cynk956]

Thanks for the great pattern and video. However, I am concerned that you are letting arthritis overtake your knuckles. There are exercises to counteract the metacarpal deviation especially in your right hand. (I'm an O.T. that has worked as a hand therapist!) Thanks again and take care!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I will follow up with my family doctor to discuss my options and nexts step. I appreciate your concern for my health.

[@silviawolter]

How nice of you! ❤

[@fergiron7800]

Como lo puedo descargar

[@CorneliusQuiring]

¿Es el hecho de que son archivos ZIP el problema?

[@sqmridhi]

Can we use sand:)?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Theoretically, yes, but I have never tried it so can't confidently confirm. My concern would be the sand "slipping out" of the fabric.

[@brachidab]

First comment from morocco

[@CorneliusQuiring]

woot woot!

[@fergiron7800]

Hola el patrón no se puede descargar solo descargar birus 😭😭😭😭

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Uh oh. Déjame echar un vistazo para ver qué está pasando.

[@sussymcbuttertits5035]

Can you just put cotton in them ?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

i imagine so!

[@samuelhugo3387]

0:05 steamed hams

[@CorneliusQuiring]

yum :)

[@JB-kg5gz]

If you use sawdust, it's important to remember to not sneeze or blow air at the sawdust when it spills a bit, unless you are wearing some really excellent googles to protect your eyes. Yeah, not telling that story here, but just be careful.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing that word of warning. Important indeed!

[@patriciajrs46]

It's the shape of a ham. Thus calling it such. Do you cook? Get a picnic ham and great northern beans and make enough to freeze some for later. Cook those two together with about 1/2 gallon of water, and until all of the small pieces of ham are warmed all the way through, and the beans are tender. (You cut up the ham of course).

[@CorneliusQuiring]

yum :)

[@patriciajrs46]

@@CorneliusQuiring Agreed. Iove white beans and ham.

[@dellarussell7963]

Thank You! Have a Jesus Christ Merry Christmas, and a Jesus Christ Blessed New Year.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

and all the best wishes back your way as well my friend.