Pressing: The Tailor's Secret to Perfect Seams | Masterclass feat. Barbara of Royal Black

Barbara has loads more tutorials on tailoring and corsetmaking over on her Patreon; go check her out! / posts
More of her work on Instagram: / royalblack_couture
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Editing by @DannyBanner
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Soundtrack:
“Simple Pleasantries” - Arthur Benson
“Careless Wandering” - Arthur Benson
“A Box of Happy Memories” - Ofelia Moore
“Painting the World” - Raymond Grouse
“In Our Days” - Raymond Grouse
“Mixed Emotions” Arthur Benson
“Tiny Butterflies” - Ofelia Moore

[@bryanstellfox8521]

I'm actually a carpenter, and I'm always searching for ways to be less wasteful. The way I see it, the tree I'm using spent 150-300 years growing just for me to use it. Anyway, this video inspired me to make tailors hams with my saw dust. Even if they don't sell, I'm happy knowing it's not in a landfill or in my burn pit.

[@azrani2023]

I love that you do that thats great

[@mandarintomato9205]

If I lived near you, I would certainly buy one

[@Sassa328]

Other idea would be to make mushrooms depending on your wood! I’ve seen diy mushroom kits with a bucket and wood chips. Just another thoughts in case of interest :)

[@tkjfreedman]

I have been a life-long sewist, but a few years ago, I began also learning fine carpentry (making dovetail joints, piston-fit drawers, etc). I was AMAZED at the parallels, and how much each hobby informed the other. Essentially, in my opinion, they are extremely similar crafts, both making three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional materials. Fine carpentry requires even more precise measurements on the straight edges, but tailoring requires more curve manipulations. Otherwise, they’re the same. I’m surprised there’s not more overlap between the hobbies, which are still quite gender-based.

[@nonyabidness1623]

Wonder, wonderfilled, Idea! Great!

[@matthodek]

I like that she stresses that the heat and moisture are only the first part of the process and it isn't really complete until it is cooled in the proper shape. That is something I think I have been missing and will need be mindful of in the future. Thank you both for the useful information, and I hope to see you together in more videos!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I really hadn't considered the importance of a clapper before this, but it has very definitely made it to the top pf my sewing tools wishlist!

[@shadowsun5704]

Same for hair

[@KlingonPrincess]

My sewing life changed once I bought a clapper (after seeing Bernadette using one). I love these technical videos

[@SSNUTHIN]

It is the same with hair; the curl isn't set until your hair is completely cooled.

[@KlingonPrincess]

@@SSNUTHIN this is why my curls always fall 🤗

[@medicwebber3037]

You think to yourself, (not in a arrogant way): "I'm pretty sure I know this". Then you see a pro do the thing and you think to yourself: "Wow...I'm not operating on that level and had NO IDEA how important this is or how to do it properly". That's the difference between knowledge, competency, and then mastery. THANK YOU BOTH for doing this video!!

[@MsMuppet1985]

Exactly! I was thinking I know how to press. Now rethinking the entire process!

[@softwaifu]

Watching professionals do their thing is always magical to me for this reason!

[@TeacherRuthCoelho]

Perfectly said!

[@liv97497]

Ironing and pressing really is an art in itself. My grandmother once told me how she got a fabric professionally pleated for a skirt, hated how they did it, undid the pleats, and permanently pleated it herself using only household items. That skirt is still pleated today 😂

[@gg79139]

That’s how I learned, too!

[@miahan8988]

How did she do that? 😳

[@IrishAnnie]

I had the most beautifully pleated skirt. It was ivory. When it needed dry cleaning, the guy who worked there cringed when I brought it in. The third time I brought it in he told me he couldn’t do it. It was too time consuming. He REFUSED to do it. So, disgusted, I washed it myself in cold water, line dried it. I put it on the ironing board, pinned it as I pressed, and it was beautifully pressed in no time. Patience. I owned it for YEARS and got so many compliments when worn.

[@charliem3434]

This made me remember that Bernadette did a video in a place that out permanent pleats in fabric. What a process! Good for your grandmother!!!

[@guzuse7199]

I'm attracted you those hands. I need a tailors Advil..anvil🤭

[@MagpieRat]

My dressmaking teacher at university referred to that first press of the seam as-sewn as "marrying the fibres" of the cloth and thread, and it's always stuck with me. Sewing the seam brings them together, but it's not until they've been through heat and pressure together that they are truly "one", each indented into the other and ready to work together. It's kind of sentimental and old-fashioned, but it was memorable enough to make sure I always remember to do it!

[@michaeltriba1307]

Nice comment, Ms. MagpieRat! 🤗🤗

[@Tvianne]

Lovely (and true) image!

[@Diniecita]

That is kind if sweet. I love it.

[@sevenandthelittlestmew]

I like that! Marrying the seams. I was always taught it is called setting the seam, but I think your teacher made it more thoughtful in how it is important to do before you press your seams open.

[@e.d.3993]

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing this wonderful class lesson!

[@blakeknight9454]

I appreciate that she provided alternatives for people who don’t have a professional steam iron or specific ironing tools. This was a very informative video. Thank you.

[@Kifflington]

The Internet gets a lot of flack relating to the dumbing down of culture but videos like this (and channels like this) are a wonderful balance to that, taking things that were fading away or becoming lost and kicking them right back into the light. It's uplifting to watch a younger generation of adults attaining mastery of things worth keeping.

[@JeanneOlson-vv9tl]

@kifflington and yet, it’s incredibly difficult to find a person in their middle-age years that can simply sew a button properly. And for my sister (owner of a nearly 40 y/o alteration business) to find a skilled seamstress, or tailor = nearly impossible.

[@D4ngeresque]

Sad truth is most people doing this sort of stuff are still woke weirdos fully immersed in whatever the current mental-illness-of-the-day is and not having any functional relationships to have kids or pass any of this down. Just look at their social media and it's all the same gender and minorities obsessed crap. Who cares if they have a hobby. So does everyone.

[@glacialimpala]

Good riddance, the fewer people know these things the more valuable the work will become @@JeanneOlson-vv9tl

[@Starry-zy8bb]

I'm genuinely sad that I'm the only teen I know who can sew. I was taught almost entirely by KZbin channels like this one

[@TheEphjanGamer]

I can knit. Whenever I show someone something, regardless of how easy it was to make, they react in amazement. It’s pretty sad. I’m happy that they like what I made, but these skills that were once common are rapidly disappearing.

[@ginamariakleinmartin6503]

My great grandmother was a seamstress in Sicily (ladies gowns) and did piecework in Brooklyn, and she taught my mom (who taught me) that pressing was NOT optional. I was taught to iron the pattern and the whole fabric separately, then iron the pieces after they were cut, and then each seam as it's sewn...

[@captainnathan3690]

While there are millions of wonderful, talented seamstresses/tailors world wide, I must admit that Italians are always a notch above in this category. The women & men immigrants who came to America in the mid-1800’s and 1900’s worked from their homes (or some in sweat shops) and hand sewed the most beautiful clothing. There are still some surviving garments today and the workmanship would blow you away. So sad that this is yet another “art” being lost to fast & furious cheap crap. Even designer labels are sadly lacking. And don’t get me started on the fabrics!!! Ah, well, God Bless your great grandmother.

[@healgrowlovecommunity8397]

Absolutely fascinating! Barbara has achieved the impossible and made ironing look attractive and appealing. I'm now looking forward to taking my future garments to the next level. Thanks Bernadette and Barbara.

[@e.d.3993]

More Barbara and Bernadette videos!

[@loganl3746]

"...pressing is where the real magic happens." The same thing happens with knitting its final step: blocking. You wet the item, then stretch the whole thing out on a mat and secure it in place with lots of pins. it stretched out the stitches so they're all evenly spaced. It's really important for items with lacework. If you don't block lacework, it looks completely different!

[@suehogan901]

Likewise with cross-stitchery and tapestry work when you need it to be flat and square to be framed

[@friendstastegood]

@@suehogan901 With painting too actually. Once you fill a canvas with oil paint it will stretch a bit so when it's almost entirely dry you need to hammer in the little wedges at the corners to stretch it flat or it's just not going to look good. Also why if you paint with watercolors you need to leave the paper glued or taped in place until it's completely dry, much longer than you'd think, until it's completely shrunk back down and the tape/glue has pulled it flat again.

[@zvezdoblyat]

With blocking, it only done once or after every wash?

[@kiralee7607]

... I'd like you to know that I've been knitting casually for 20+ years and you just changed my world lol. For some reason it never occurred to me that I could fix all of that curly weirdness AFTER I was done knitting? Why did I never just Google it? It seems so obvious now haha

[@KayDubs77]

@@zvezdoblyat It depends on the garment. A knitted sweater can be gently patted into shape and left to dry. But a lace shawl will need to be re-pinned and dried after washing.

[@Serenepeds]

This woman is so elegant, seemingly without effort. It’s such a pleasure to learn from her.

[@azrani2023]

Right? Also it was so calming to listen to her voice. Like, she could explain anything to me and I would gladly doze off into a state of tranquil satisfaction haha. and then Bernadette's excitement in the introduction was SO endearing. Loved this

[@Maatjuhhh]

Yes! She easily could have been a princess or an authoritative..

[@ladymcbeath]

I've been a quilter for 35 years. Pressing is such an important part of what I do and I just realized I've been DOING IT ALL WRONG! Thank you for this. My work is going to be so much better now. I can't wait to incorporate these techniques!

[@annamcb1529]

Do you have an Etsy shop?

[@savinathewhite]

Thank you both! I have a saying, there are three things that make the difference between an acceptable garment, and an exceptional garment - measuring with precision, stitching with patience, and pressing every stitch that you sew. It is a pleasure to see that I am not alone in the commitment to pressing (and cooling) every seam as I sew it! I will most certainly head over to Royal Black, to find more shenanigans.

[@DawnOldham]

My mother irons all of her clothes, whereas I just pull things from the dryer and wear them. Of course, even at 80 years old, she looks beautiful and I always notice what a nice outfit she is wearing. What a difference ironing in general makes. I plan to give my mother one of these tools as a gift!

[@raraavis7782]

I like to compare ironing your clothes to applying a good moisturizer to your face. Is it absolutely necessary? Well, for some skin types (and fabrics) it is...for others not so much. But man, does it ever make a difference in how fresh and 'well taken care of' you look!

[@HRH_Queen_JoJo]

Did you really have to make this point? :)

[@gg79139]

I ALWAYS ironed my scrubs, creating crisp lines, fresh fabric that looked like new. ( a little spray starch never hurts, either)but coworkers always asked why my scrubs looked so new. MY IRON!

[@rachellederanger1012]

My mom definitely believed in ironing! I can still visualize her in the kitchen with a pile of freshly washed clothes, a glass coke bottle with an aluminum, mushroom shaped sprinkle top on it. Then for some reason, that I can't remember, she would put some of them in the freezer to wait their turn. She kept a spick-n-span house and somehow made time to iron even the unnecessary things lile sheets & undies and diapers! I said all that to preface the story that I still smile and shake my head at... Mama and Daddy had 6 kids in 7 years in the 40's & 50's (i shake my head at this too, but its not my point), so she said she always had 2 at a time in diapers and often on her hip. Anyway, while preg. with #6, she was ironing away, her water broke but she finished her ironing before going to the hospital!😂 I wish I had even 1/2 of the mothering and homemaking skills that was in her. I pulled out her old vintage iron with the cloth cord a few days ago to use on iron-on vinyl for t-shirts and stuff. It brought back memories of her iron-on embroidery patterns and the clothes that she made for all of us, and the quilt rack that she could pully up and down from the ceiling... I've probably bored y'all by now but it's felt good to me to share. BTW... when #6 went to school, she got lonely and babysitting wasn't enough, she and Daddy applied for adoption and along came ME! It took about 5 yrs for Catholic Charities of Houston to pick just the right baby! (...i was about 4½mo) I wish everyone could claim the wonderful life that i was picked to be part of. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Mama kept on keeping on until August 21, 2021 and im missing her terribly right now 😢

[@karmelicanke]

Thank you Rachel for sharing such wonderful memories of your Mother and your childhood. Born in 1950, I too remember my mother using the pop bottle with metal sprinkler to dampen cloth prior to ironing. She also put rolled,dampened items in the freezer. At the age of five with my precious $2, we went to Eaton's department store and I purchased a pink metal, plug in iron with which I pressed the face cloths every Tuesday afternoon. Mondays were wash days. Occasionally after ironing, we enjoyed a Coffee Crisp chocolate bar and a cup of tea as a treat. I miss the old GE non steam irons which were wonderful for pressing cotton and linens. These days I scour the thrift stores searching for one. Otherwise, what is a good, reliable iron to purchase today?

[@thepupil1013]

That's beautiful

[@donnacoleman4624]

My mother was the same, she ironed EVERYTHING. Im sure my dad had the best pressed boxers in town😂 There were 4 of us kids born from 1949 to 1960. She sewed our clothes, kept everything sparkling, baked cookies and bread and the neighborhood kids all called her "mother". My dad was equally as awesome and I miss them everyday. U and I are very blessed to have had such wonderful parents. ❤

[@alitiasenikau2093]

Oh, you painted a picture so warm and true and though fading these memories linger on. Thank you so much for sharing and allowing us to peep through your window.

[@Pinkroses-summer23]

I enjoyed reading about your life and loved ones. Warmed my heart. Precious memories to share and valuable insights in to life. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas 2023.

[@dancooper-jones]

I'm so glad that she made a point of saying about tailors hams being inferior if they aren't made with a sawdust filling. I have seen so many "professionals" giving advice about how you can make a quality tailors ham with fabric scraps, and it honestly annoys me and makes me question the advice they are giving to people. these people have so many views and followers, and they are giving shoddy advice. can you make a tailors ham from scrp fabrics? yes. will you get the same consistent results that you get from a traditional ham? no, there is no way it can happen because it doesn't retain and reflect heat properly.

[@mx.noname4710]

ohhhh thermodynamics. That's so cool.

[@NinaKeilin]

I have an old one made with sawdust. You can’t find those anymore.

[@dancooper-jones]

@@NinaKeilin I just bought a bag of sawdust meant for a parrot cage. Was a couple of quid and after making 3, I've still got over half a bag of the stuff left. I even stuffed them until it was literally falling out the top when I tried to sew it closed!

[@NinaKeilin]

Wow that’s a great tip!

[@albinopolarbear8229]

So if you stuffed it with paper it should work

[@daveturnbull7221]

Where were you two when I joined the army back in 1974! In less than 25 minutes you've transformed my understanding of the whole process and I now know what I did wrong for all those years (just think how many extra duties I would never have been given had this video been available then). I really enjoyed watching this and will now have to go see if I can find my iron under all those cobwebs in the back of the cupboard 😁

[@colleennewholy9026]

This is bringing back memories, of my grandma trying to show me all the stuff she learned while in Boarding School

[@allamasadi7970]

Which regiment were you in , I was in Artillery

[@allamasadi7970]

Which regiment were you in , I was in Artillery

[@daveturnbull7221]

@@allamasadi7970 Royal Engineers for me - 23 years in total.

[@hameley12]

Hi Dave! I sometimes wish the same whenever Bernadette or Abby posts a great topic I never knew I needed, too. I think Bernadette and the team were time-traveling back then and gaining all this knowledge to bring it to us in the present day. 😄

[@mxheathcliff]

Call me weird, but I always look forward to the pressing process! It magically transforms the maybe slightly lumpy seams into beautiful crisp joins. 🥰 So exciting to learn about the clapper - and more uses for a clothes brush! I feel like I learnt so much that I didn't even know I didn't know, and things I had a vague inclination towards doing now have new purpose.

[@sion-dafyddlocke9913]

Not the only one. It makes a world of difference, but also keeps stuff out of the way. FYI- if you’re US, a clapper is called a tailor’s block. I’ve never seen anyone over here clap fabric with it.

[@e.d.3993]

I also didn't know how much I didn't know! Great way to put it! I agree completely!

[@morganlefay921]

This has been the most useful video I have seen in a while. I've been taking fashion classes for almost 4 years now, and they have never touched the importance of pressing and the different ways to protect the fabric, not even in textile class. The education in my country is a bit off, so I take the time to learn by my own, watching videos as this one and I'm truly grateful for this!

[@jennywalker9572]

When my mum first taught me to sew, she said that the sewing mantra is: "When in doubt, press".

[@Chibihugs]

I have never enjoyed ironing, definitely a chore but sewing taught me the value to it. Barbara made it into an art. The clean crisp lines are so good! I was enthralled, thank you for not only showing the uses of the tools and methods but also for explaining why they work. Fantastic video. I now feel the urge to go for a press a few projects properly.

[@daisanders82]

Pressing is always so satisfying and this really shows it's magic. I remember my old tailoring teacher in Uni was adamant that we press and not to rush. Plus she was always saying: 'don't be afraid to do some light day-dreaming when doing some pressing as you want the fibres to set'. Obviously that's not to mean you're letting the iron sit on the garment for 5 mins blasting at high heat but enough to let the steam and heat do its magic. PS: I love the spoon hack.

[@alexandrasmith7682]

My Grandmother was a tailoress. One side of her workroom had an ironing board, and a set of shelves with all her pressing equipment to hand. She taught me to press and honestly, it is a task that I love to do. It isn't just when you are constructing. Get your equipment out, a nice chair, and put some wonderful music on or a favourite movie on the television and give your clothing the caress of the iron to show how much you love it. You will also look so much better when you go out! Ideas for good pressing cloths can be an antique handkerchief - no lace or embroidery as it marks your fabric. If you need to use a rounded shape and don't have one to hand, use a soft clean towel rolled (not ideal though). As an aside, when I married at 21, her wedding present was an ironing board, iron, all my pressing equipment .... And a beautiful carved wooden box with a complete set of shoe leather and suede polishing equipment! This was such a great piece - I really enjoyed it!

[@louisegogel7973]

🧵✨💖✨💖✨🪡

[@jesshothersall]

Can also use an old silk scarf not good enough to wear any more, maybe with a hole, or torn, but still able to be enjoyed as the fine ironing cloth.

[@alexandrasmith7682]

Great thought, Jessica!

[@dashingkangaroo6372]

I bought a new wardrobe when I moved to Portugal and I was looking for information on how to properly iron stuff. I can't wait to show my wife how good I am after I practice all of these.

[@lissataylor12345]

Bernadette, thanks for featuring Barbara. She is an incredibly talented seamstress and tailor. I always listen very closely when she shares her knowledge. ❤️

[@guillaumegirard7340]

Someone once told me "It takes pressure and heat to turn coal into diamond", but until I saw this video, I've never taken it that literally !

[@Coffeegirl739]

What a beautiful comment 👌

[@guillaumegirard7340]

@@Coffeegirl739 Thank you !

[@catzkeet4860]

Why not? It’s literally true. Heat and pressure realigns the molecular arrangement of coal to the extremely regular lattice of a diamond. It’s not just a saying.

[@guillaumegirard7340]

@@catzkeet4860 Thanks for the answer ! I did know how diamonds were naturally made, but I figured the saying meant to say something like "putting efforts into something is usually worth it". But I understand why my first comment was ambiguous because of my use of the word "literally"

[@mercedesreeder2666]

I am constantly finding examples of how much more useful instructions are when they tell you WHY you’re supposed to do something. I always thought “well, as soon as it gets washed, it’ll go right back how it was, so there’s no point ironing seams as I sew!” I never would have guessed that pressing actually alters the fibers and creates a lasting effect. If only Vogue had mentioned that on patterns rather than just saying “Press.” I was self-taught and none of the sewing books I read ever explained that. I made a lot of mediocre garments; maybe it wasn’t lack of talent but just lack of following directions lol.

[@captainnathan1651]

One more comment: IRON YOUR CLOTHES and anything that’s on “display”! People think I’m nuts because I iron top sheets and pillow cases. My husband loves change-the-sheets day because getting into a bed with fresh, ironed sheets feels so nice. Also, I’m told how I “always look so nice and put together” when I only took the time to press what I wear. And even if your garment is an old one, it doesn’t look it at all. That’s it!

[@lynnm6413]

In times of energy shortage I would really forego ironing sheets…that just seems like such a waste of money, electricity and work…maybe spend that time with your partner making laundry day come sooner and that would probably please them more!

[@captainnathan1651]

@@lynnm6413 Thanks for the energy lecture but I don’t consider ironing my sheets a waste of money or electricity. It’s a little pleasure that we both enjoy. There’s enough misery and miserable people in the world from people who spend other people’s money to assuage their own personal guilt over…well, everything. We’ve worked very hard for these very “little” things.

[@fredahwiwu5219]

So so true 😂😂😂 people think i am rich because my clothes are clean and well ironed...

[@nerdy1701]

@@lynnm6413 my iron on high uses 1100 watts. If used for 15 min a day that comes out to an energy use of 10 dollars per year. Well worth it for ironed sheets.

[@LS-vq2or]

I don't have the energy to do it but the times I did iron my sheets after cleaning them they were SO soft I highly recommend it if u have the time and energy too. But I find it super hard tho to iron a duvet cover for example so it takes forever and that's also why I don't really do it as much as I'd want to

[@melimsah]

"Tailors Ham (do not eat)" I giggled!

[@katmusswoodwind]

yum, same... no wait *yup 😂

[@sarahmwalsh]

I never learned to press a seam in one direction first before opening the seam allowances to press them, and I think that's probably because it seems counter-intuitive to do that. But Barbara explained so well how that prepares the fabric to take the pressure, heat and moisture to set it into the final state you want it in! I was also mindblown by the spoon trick. Thank you for an informative and yes, highly satisfying video!

[@suek7086]

I agree. I never knew that.

[@NinaKeilin]

I learned this many years ago, on some old TV shows. A revelation.

[@stoplimitingme]

I genuinely appreciate the time she took explaining exactly why pressing is important and exactly what it is doing to a garment. I know when someone just tells me "well, just because" that doesn't really make me want to do it, especially if I'm very busy.

[@staceyhollerauer6712]

I have slowly been learning how integral pressing is as an amateur sewer (I’m not nearly good enough to be anything approaching a seamstress), and this video was the kick in the pants I really needed to develop the patience I need to create long-lasting, higher quality garments. Every video I watch has people who are actual experts making everything look SOOO EASY, but it’s likely they started out just like me, missing the key steps because the people who are best at their craft never think to include the intermediate steps to their success. I really enjoyed this video, speaking as a complete rube, and would love more in-depth tutorials on the absolute, complete basics, because so many KZbin channels, even for beginners, skip all of the real basics on how to achieve a more expert final product.

[@sarahreinhold5018]

Yes! I get this exactly. It took so long to learn about different weaves of fabrics, bias directions, thread tension, and types of needles for different types of fabric because the beginner channels didn't cover that, and the DIY project channels or medium level channels seem to assume you already know about all that. So this video here is really amazing because it wasn't something I ever would have considered particularly important and I'm about to start a new big project that I'll definitely be able to make look better just because I'll be pressing it

[@Blue_Caribou]

Pressing also helps in alterations - as I discovered yesterday. I had bought a second hand pair of lightweight trousers for summer, and knew I would have to take them up using interfacing, overlocking and a whip stitch rather than a double hem due to the weight of the fabric. I went to check the "Iron setting" on the label to iron in my new hem before adding the interfacing... and discovered that the fabric required the lowest setting, while my iron-on interfacing tape required the middle setting! Whoops... If I hadn't gone to iron in my hem first, I may well have ruined my fabric adding the interfacing! Sew-in interfacing it was - and six hours of hand sewing later, I'm very happy with my new trousers!

[@gg79139]

Isn’t it great???? I’m so thankful I was taught to sew.

[@IrishAnnie]

I have ruined synthetic fabrics when the iron was set too high. My husband always ironed with a high setting and I can remember ruining a brand new shirt when I set the hot iron on it. I was sick about it. Never again!

[@IrishAnnie]

@@gg79139 Same here. I know grown women who cannot even sew on a button. Thanks MOM!!!!!!! ❤️

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Encouraging folks to find equivalents in our own environment is so wonderfully inclusive!

[@amberlindsey7112]

I was making some baby clothes and actually used a dowel too press the little straps. I was glad too see when she mentioned the wooden spoon.

[@lisaemery879]

This was WONDERFUL! When I was in high school 47 years ago we carefully made our own hams with sawdust. I have used it all my life and it is still one of the tools close at hand in my alterations shop. Thank you for this charming and informative video. I learned and relearned so much!

[@amberlindsey7112]

Are they very hard to get stuffed so they are stiff? I have a purchased one and was wishing I knew how to make some because they can be quite expensive. I make lots for my grandkids and wish I had smaller hams.

[@lisaemery879]

@@amberlindsey7112 I do remember we spent a lot of time pounding the sawdust down layer after layer so it stayed hard. And it has. We used two layers of cotton duck sewed a couple of times around.

[@Moto4me89]

Thanks for everything you do! I have recently purchased your book and I find your videos interesting and inspiring. I am currently teaching myself dressmaking and, while my progress is slow, my motivation, knowledge and curiosity continue to grow because of content creators like yourself. Thank you again! Ps Barbara is also fabulous!

[@aubreybjork2070]

SHE HAS A BOOK? **going right now to find it**

[@Nineathy]

I really enjoyed this! I've gotten pretty consistent at pressing as I go, but I never considered the importance of truly waiting for seams to cool all the way down again before continuing on. Loved learning these nuances about things I'm sure many of us take for granted and increasing my understanding of them!

[@heidim7732]

That was the big take-away for me too. In the past I have scorched my fingers in trying to take up something I'd just ironed, but that is now anathema to me!

[@suek7086]

I have been sewing since I was 12, now 72, and have always pressed as I go. However, I never understood the concept of softening the fibers or waiting until the fabric cools.

[@lesasmith427]

As a quilter I have discovered pressing is VERY important. Especially to get perfect points. Plus it makes sandwiching and quilting much easier.

[@KatBlaque]

I will get to the point eventually. I get so excited with finishing my garments that I don't do any... "finishing", but you really should lol. Truly makes a difference. Loved this video.

[@haileydixon7239]

Starting to quilt has really began my love of ironing. My favorite non-ironing ironing tool is wool dryer balls! Perfect for curves, I use them all the time on front seam masks!

[@elephants98]

😲 that's such a great idea! I wouldn't have thought to use those, but that's another alternative if you can't afford/find a tailor's ham! Enjoy your quilting!

[@jesshothersall]

@@elephants98 Make a tailor's ham, there's lot of videos, it's how I made mine, and now we know to use sawdust too

[@wangofree]

This is the equivalent of blocking your knitting. It transforms a slightly wonky, lumpy piece of fabric into a smooth, even garment. Magic indeed.

[@lynnzerben]

When I was in high school my dad taught me how to iron. I can't remember the exact words, but one of the things he said was that he hated whoever discovered that pressing cloths made them look soooooo much better, lol.

[@gg79139]

I learned to iron pressing my older brothers shirts. My mother actually had a sleeve steamer! This was 1960. It came natural to press and sew.

[@dianakudajarova1611]

I'm a beginner, and this has made by far the most difference in my sewing! Thank you for making this video - it totally transformed how I think about pressing, and gave me some great practical tips to use.

[@stellinal9613]

Tasks like this really make you slow down and pay attention to the details. Almost meditative in a way.

[@mala3isity]

I started sewing when I was about 10 and one of Mom's steadfast rules was press as you go. Since the machine was a novelty, the punishment for not pressing was no use of the sewing machine. It only happened once when I was excited about finishing and skipped the pressing. Yes, I had to redo the sleeves, a week later. Bummer but I learned my lesson.

[@meganbose1857]

I had no idea they let such steamy content on youtube. (I'll see myself out)

[@cherryjuice9705]

In my training we basically had two kinds of teachers. The industrials or the seamstresses. All of them were wonderful but it was hilarious to see them discuss how to actually finish a garment. The industrials told us only to press after a new seam and if needed. The seamstresses told as all of the things in the video. At the end it was a fight about quality vs. time

[@SueK2001]

I was so spoiled when I was making garments in my teens because my family ran a dry cleaning business and I had access to all these tools plus all the pressing machines. Not having access to those tools anymore, I’ve forgotten I need to iron and press my seams more often lol. And that wooden spoon hack is genius! Thanks for this video tutorial!

[@michaeltriba1307]

Please see my comment about my dad's mangle, Ms. Sue K! 😁😁

[@SueK2001]

@@michaeltriba1307 That’s very cool! Awesome that the cleaners displayed your family’s mangle!

[@michaeltriba1307]

Thanks so much, Ms.@@SueK2001 ! We rarely have need of any dry cleaning as my wife Lenore and I retired in 2020 and rarely have to dress up to go anywhere now. 😉 I should go back to that Dry Cleaner and see if they still have it, as they are only 2 miles away! 😁

[@IrishAnnie]

Lucky you!!!!

[@joangibson859]

What an enjoyable and informative session. I have been sewing since age 9 when I was able to join 4-H. My mother sewed and became a workshop leader. We followed tailoring techniques and pressing was stressed. Now 77, I tailor the mostly Chanel-style suits I wear as a member of DAR and also the evening clothes for the State Conference and Continental Congress in DC. I have every tool she showed, except for the cloth brush....might look for one of those along with an old linen tea towel as I have been using muslin along w/ silk organza scraps from underlining silk skirts. I actually use Vogue Designer pattern jackets which I gave my late mother in the 1960's. So glad I became a presser when learning to sew. It has served me well. One of my favorite tools is the Sears ironing board from the early 1960's which had flanges that are spread on each side to make the board a rectangle. I hardly ever use it in the tapered shape. Now I also have a large pressing pad which I use on the old library table over my cutting mat for large flat pieces.

[@medaarbour73]

My mom started teaching me to sew when I was age 8, and like you, I’ve been sewing ever since - I’m now 65. For so many years I served as a volunteer costumer for local community theatre and children’s theatre. It was great fun, but the combination of short time frames and the usual absence of anyone else who could sew really caused me to let my skills slip. I’m so looking forward now to being able to spend proper time while making and/or altering my own clothing. You’re an inspiration. Thank you!

[@DepressedExpress_]

She seems so proud of what she does, yet so modest.

[@stefkadank-derpjr1453]

I am so grateful that my generation was one of the last ones who were required to take Home Economics to graduate. The first half of the semester was focused on the kitchen it included how to make simple meals and breads/pie crusts and also how to can food and also dehydrate. Then Semester 2 was centered around sewing. Starting with placemats and napkins and finishing with dresses or jackets. We learned so much and all of the women around my age (58) should have a basic understanding of sewing. All this said....I was sewing my Spring dress for the class and we had only 1 iron and about 17 girls. Pressing was also religiously stressed by our teacher. One day I was excited to get my project on the sewing machine and didn't want to wait for the iron to be free so I was just "pressing" the seam open by sitting my butt on it and sort of rocking back and forth in the chair. My teacher came by and asked "What on Earth are you doing"? I told her pressing my seam own with my butt and she whacked me in the back of my shoulders with her yardstick. Oh yes....corporal punishment was not only allowed but our parents didn't mind. After that experience in front of my classmates I always press my seams open with an iron.

[@dadbod9776]

Home Ec classes so beneficial…we were the lucky ones. Times then shifted from domestic skills to “employability” outside the home. Fortunately these videos are preserving a lifestyle and art form. You real can express yourself through cooking and sewin. Grateful for these two women and youtube.

[@creativeplanetjanet]

You were just using your own built in pressing ham. Smart! 😀

[@yaelhoefs4791]

This is so interesting!! I love that Bernadette invites others to explain and talk about their expertise in a way everybody can understand!

[@cherylhuot4436]

I’m so glad to see you covering this!!! I’ve been sewing since I was 12. My very first teacher taught me about pressing even before she showed me how to use the sewing machine!! People have always asked why my projects don’t look home sewn and can’t believe it when I tell them it’s not my sewing skill, it’s because of pressing!

[@ondelynbanks2009]

It’s great to see this info being shared so cohesively! This is the same info I learned in millinery. One point: when Barbara shows the pocket being lain over with another layer of wool and then a pressing cloth, she doesn’t show what can happen if you Don’t use this method. You’d have a severe dip, a trench, in the cloth around the inner seam allowance. It’s a disaster if that happens. This process keeps the fabric pressed but not deformed into itself.

[@mandarintomato9205]

This video is still on my mind, 10 months after watching it. I wasnt even looking for this info, but it changed my perspective on pressing a lot

[@angelmaden1559]

I learned to sew as a little girl on my Mom’s featherweight Singer my Grandfather bought her at a tag sale so she could sew my baby clothes. Pressing was always important. Her ironing board was always set up next to her machine. My best memory was learning her and my little dog had made friends. I came home hearing her talking when no one else was home. I entered her sewing room to find her in full conversation with floofy one who was curled up under her ironing board. They had clearly been there most of the day! ❤️

[@Sheri...]

Aw, that's so sweet, Mom conversing with the dog.

[@Ellanion]

I love this video! She makes so cool stuff, and she's so cute and nice when she goes like "and if you don't have this super specialized tool you can use this instead" ♥️ I'm so used to experts being all "if you don't have this super expensive tool you don't deserve good results because not being able to afford it shows you don't care!" and instead you two are so sweet and helpful and kind and positive and just ♥️♥️♥️♥️ Thank you! ♥️

[@nickimum1]

My Grandma always taught me to press every seam but I hadn’t really understood how it changed the fibres! That makes complete sense and thank you for teaching this 52 year old lover of sewing some new techniques!! Great video

[@TamarKnochel]

This is by far, one of the best sewing videos I've ever seen! Pressing is such a huge part of sewing, and now I understand WHY!!! I just added almost all these tools to my Christmas wish list! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!!!

[@elisabethm9655]

Excellence simply can’t be rushed…true craftsmanship does not bear sloppy shortcuts and it always shows. Thank you for showing us the ‘secret how’ of a professional job. And that spoon handle? Out of the box brilliance!

[@ydakda7233]

Beautifully expressed. ❤

[@Tom68446]

When I was about ten years old my mom let me sew scraps of materials together and practice seams. Then I had sewing in seventh grade when I learned how to make a skirt. The first thing I learned was how important it is to iron seams as I went along. Today a professional seamstress this is what I still do! But I also will take the garment into a professional cleaners for a good clean and press job!

[@corasgrove3474]

I use a rolling pin as an improvised clapper, but I love the spoon idea. I've always found it so hard to neatly press narrow tubes.

[@vinciblegaming6817]

Dowel rods are my go to for those. They cost Pennies at craft and lumber stores and come in a variety of diameters.

[@seabreeze3906]

I had been using chopsticks to help me with pressing narrow tubes.

[@sirennoir258]

I'm glad I'm amongst people who understand why I have 3 different irons and two different ironing boards.

[@lizthedisjointedzebra692]

OH YESS! I am not very good at pressing my seams, yet, this is perfect timing as I just did a thrift fabric haul and have a million ideas in my head, but I have been wanting my seams to improve! I honestly see you being a sewing professor at a prestigious university, that is everyone's favorite teacher hahah. I want a sleeve board SO bad! Right now I just use two fluffy socks, one inside the other, over my hand bahahahah. Super janky, but it kinda works until I can obtain a proper sleeve board.

[@MizzMaree7]

consider taking a paper towel tube, stuffing it with something firm, then covering it with layers and socks.

[@hazelelder7946]

I second this idea, I use the tubes from foil or Saran wraps they are much sturdier and can be covered in muslin.

[@gg79139]

I WANT a Clapper!!!!!

[@estherpettigrew3042]

I’m thinking cardboard shipping tubes for posters could suffice. Or the circular cardboard tube that some jigsaw puzzle felts are wrapped around? Or if you have a good sander (or a friend with a good sander), just round off the corners of a small board?

[@jronkowski4346]

I can’t believe how much I enjoyed a video on pressing. A true professional has skills and good tools.

[@mistycook5384]

After watching your video, my sewing game has improved about 50% due simply to pressing. Wonderful!! Thank you for this information!

[@chasmosaurskickingcretaceo7836]

This was really informative. One of my frustrations with home-sewn garments is that they have a "mushy" appearance, which obviously comes from my ignorance of pressing them correctly. I can totally see what I've done wrong in the past. Thanks so much to both Bernadette and Barbara!

[@aerolb]

Barbara is always an informative presence in your videos! This video was very educational and really shows how to finish off a project properly.

[@My_mid-victorian_crisis]

Thank you so much!!!! When I teach sewing, I often talk about the difference between ironing and pressing. Ironing is gently removing wrinkles while pressing is USING HEAT AND PRESSURE TO BEND THE NATURE OF THE CLOTH TO YOUR WILL!!!! (using my most metal voice). My students love it and always remember to press their seams.

[@DipityS]

Barbara was lovely to watch - her passion and knowledge and experience shows through in her working with the fabric and she's also one of life's naturally elegant people who move like dancers. I felt privileged to be able to learn from the skills of someone who really knew their stuff.

[@oseasviewer7108]

A delightful and charming video - the room in which it is set is beautifully arranged - I wish I had a workroom like it well lit and equiped. I once watched a tailor perform the same pressing ritual and instead of using an electric iron she used a traditional charcoal heated heavy cast-iron iron. Heavy work but the result was consistent and close to perfection.

[@SSNUTHIN]

I was in my early 20s when I finally embraced ironing during my sewing. I didn't mind ironing finished garments, but while sewing it felt like a serious pain in the butt, but I realized in time it was nothing compared to trying to press a garment that wasn't pressed while being constructed 😅. It is genuinely worth it.

[@trishgrant2715]

Loved this! I made tailors hams using cotton duck from my stash, and clean redgum sawdust from my neighbour who is a master furniture maker. I asked for a small amount and got a pillowcase full! So I made two sets, one standard size, one child size, and still have lots of sawdust left.

[@dora1829]

I recognised Floor Jansen's corset at first glance!! OMG you're the one who made it! Such a perfect piece Barbara 😍 Thanks for a very educational and entertaining video and I hope Floor's gonna rock another corset from you when we see her on stage in a few days!!

[@robxnlouise3117]

This was so incredibly useful. Something so SEAMingly obvious is actually quite the artform

[@womensarmycorpsveteran2904]

As a professional seamstress with many many years of experience, I’ve always stressed that the most important tool is your iron. Finally someone to demonstrate and drive the point home. My sewing heart is singing happy songs.

[@Whyohwhymybrain]

I hate ironing but I want to create my own jumpsuits and have them look professional 😭 thank you for the masterclass, I learned so much from her, especially letting us know cheaper accessible swaps to achieve the best look!

[@gg79139]

You won’t regret it! Press and see, see and press!!!! It’s magic!

[@kyleegaston754]

I could listen to Barbara say "crisp" all day long.

[@dcy665]

Very interesting presentation. One can imagine the seamstresses of the past nodding their heads to acknowledge one who knows her craft.

[@LeighIR]

When I would watch my Mother sew, she would stress how important it was to iron the seams. As always, she was right! When we were going through the family "barn", we found my Great Aunt's Goeffering iron. It took us a while to figure out what the thing was, as it didn't have the stand. You'd have a blast with that iron and some lace or ribbons!

[@looloo4029]

I am going to look up the kind of iron you mentioned above. I have never heard of it.

[@LeighIR]

@@looloo4029 I may have misspelled it, so look up goffering iron. It looks a long brass tube, in which a cast iron tube is inserted. From what little I know, the cast iron part is heated in the fire, then put back in the brass part. You can then iron tight curls in ribbon or make ruffles.

[@doublevisionmedia1432]

@@LeighIR I think I’ve seen something similar being used in a KZbin video on the old way artificial flowers and other garment decorations were made.

[@anticapitalisthomedesign]

Pressing is SOOOO critical!

[@sleepyghostproductions7529]

The trick with the wooden cooking spoon is going to make it so much easier to press seams when making doll clothes!!!

[@MrZuniboy]

a small wooden cutting board would make a nice little clapper too!

[@violakarl6900]

As an upholsterer I do have a big appreciation for the steam iron 😌 it seriously is indeed like magic

[@stichhalbierer9329]

I love the two stage outfits she did for Floor Jansen. After two years in the closet they finally come to life.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

This was incredibly useful and educational! i can't wait to greatly up my pressing game, just in time for me to start making some tailored garments (which I had been putting off because I found it so intimidating). And I will definitely be putting some kitchen utensils to use in the sewing room! Thank you to Barbara and Bernadette, my garments will be greatly imprived jsut from what I learned this week, between this pressing video and the arrival of the book- I'm looking forward to putting that into practice too.

[@pigeon1923]

I remember my dad telling me that pressing was mandatory. He honestly could have been a tailor. He taught me how to sew, how to repair and mend old clothes and make them look brand new. I would make things like pencil cases, cushions, head bands and dresses. He taught me how to iron EVERYTHING. He would watch me carefully to make sure I didn't mess it up or burn myself. _(I burnt myswlf plenty of times trying to iron and got a iron mark on my leg to this day)_ He always encouraged my creative side and critiqued me when he saw a mistake. One of my favourite things about my dad is he would wake me up as a kid at 6am, he would make me some cereal or porridge. We would sit, eat and watch cartoons til 7am while he showed me how to iron my school skirts, shirts, blazer, jumper, vest etc. Some days he would do all the ironing before I was awake so we could watch cartoon longer. Then afterwards he would do my hair into 4 twists and we would leave for 8am. Normally letting me go to the sweet shop and cafe to get some snacks as well before dropping me off. As an adult now i want to pass down all the lessons and knowledge my dad taught me to my future kids. They'll never know him but he will always live through me. I think that's quite special to think about. I miss him a lot.

[@haleykirkseygraham]

My mom always says "the iron is your friend!" I learned a lot watching this. Thank you so much!

[@Kimberley42]

I love pressing, but am not that well-versed in it, so this has been really informative and I will certainly be incorporating some of these tips and tricks to up my pressing game. And the "reveal" when you turn over the fabric can be so satisfying. Thank you again for a fantastic video.

[@ardethellis8930]

Ah, she used my favorite spoon hack! I also have well-sanded lengths of different sizes of half-round wooden moulding. I use those for avoiding press marks on seam allowances that have been serged. All of my teachers stressed that ironing/pressing are part of sewing. It makes the difference between clothes looking handcrafted and merely homemade. I did not know about using the cloth brush to restore the nap on wool. I was gifted several pieces of wool so I'll be investing in a brush. Lovely video!

[@emal2170]

This was so relaxing to watch, I feel like I just had therapy.

[@sophiewallace8662]

I believe in pressing, ironing, and preparing the fabric. Actual sewing is just that. The majic happens with the cut a fabric prep and finishing.

[@easilystartled2203]

I love everything about this. The collab, the clarity, the utility, the detail, the knowledge. Just awesome!

[@TheSanraphael]

As an austrian living in vienna i immediatly knew she was based in Vienna by her accent! Nice video and yeah, pressing makes the biggest difference! Bussi aus Wien

[@medaarbour73]

Oh, my goodness. Thank you ladies SO much for this! I’ve only recently discovered how many sewing videos there are on KZbin - I’m a little late to the game, LoL. I’ve been mortified at the complete lack of skills and attention to detail in the dozens of channels I’ve attempted to watch. I can’t even get through most of them because they’re so awful. How dare they call that sewing?! 😄 To find you two lovely ladies very elegantly presenting and preserving these techniques is truly like a breath of fresh air. Just look at you, aside from the expert instruction. You’re dressed(!); your hair is done; you’re in a beautiful room; you have everything you need ready at hand; your camera doesn’t wobble; your editing makes sense; and you both use a pleasing tone of voice. Well done! 💖 I may sound like an old lady, but… well, I am an old lady. I’m 65, and I’ve been sewing and ironing since I was 8, when my mom decided that I was old enough to learn. I’ve never had any formal training - I sometimes use a toy wooden train whistle as a clapper - but I’ve always been open to learning new things. Through Barbara’s sharing of her expertise, I now understand the value of a brush, and now I’ll have to have one. And, her wooden spoon technique is a game changer. I can now sincerely thank C0VlD pneumonia for giving me time to find this one exceptional video. I’ll probably watch it again and again, for enjoyment and appreciation of the care you put into it. And, I’m now a subscriber. 😊

[@STrobairitz]

My Granny taught me about the magic of ironing, which could "fix" any unsightly seams, but I had no idea about all the tools! Thank you Bernadette and Barbara!

[@sophiewallace1460]

This is an amazing video - I feel that pressing techniques aren't talked about as much as sewing techniques and they're so important.

[@francookie9353]

You uploaded this at the most opportune time! I am currently making a cushion cover for a friend; it is not only concave, but has rounded edges. I'm a few steps away from actually sewing the fabric (still patterning the mock-up), but now I know how to at least try and perfect those rounded seams. Thank you, you guardian angel of home seamstresses! 🥰❤️

[@gwynvyd]

The wooden spoon is Life Changing.

[@boops1192]

Barbara is so lovely 🥰 This is why I started following you back in ye olde times. We were just over 5k subs at the time. It’s been so wonderful to find someone as adoring of fine tailoring and the entire process of creating well crafted garments. An item need not be haute couture to be worth the efforts of attentive craftsmanship. Your journey has been a joy to watch. Thank you so very much for sharing it with us all. When I was growing up and even at your age, the possibility of anyone being able to do all-the-things simply did not exist. One major positive for technological advances is the ability to learn anything at midnight. We’re even happy to sit and enjoy a story and a cup of tea.

[@Titamiva]

The Clapper - ingenious tool! How far mankind has come. Civilisation as we know it might rest on the shoulders of this unsuspecting block of wood.