Dressmaking Pressing Tips and Tools

Pressing isn't the most exciting part of sewing, but it is one of the most important parts. If you can understand, why, how and when to press your sewing and dressmaking projects they will look beautifully finished and professionally made. In this video I'll talk you through the basics and also demonstrate some key pressing techniques sharing the tools I like to use to get the best results. You can find everything I talk about on our website and I've included links to our website and the relevant products below.
► Sew Essential www.sewessenti...
► Instagram / sewessentialuk
► Prym mini iron www.sewessenti...
► Sew Easy mini iron www.sewessenti...
► Prym mini ironing board www.sewessenti...
► Silk organza www.sewessenti...
► Hemline tailors ham www.sewessenti...
► Hemline sleeve roll www.sewessenti...
► Prym tailors ham www.sewessenti...
► Prym sleeve roll www.sewessenti...
► Tailors point presser and clapper www.sewessenti...
► Prym iron cleaner www.sewessenti...
► Best press starch spray www.sewessenti...
► Prym silicon finger guards www.sewessenti...
► Dritz Ezy Hem measuring tool www.sewessenti...
► Prym sewing and knitting gauge www.sewessenti...

[@cathymackay5534]

Who would've thought there was so much to learn about pressing! Thank you so much xxx

[@annettecowburn1096]

Now I know why the Clapper is shaped like that. Who knew ironing could be interesting. Thanks Lucy.

[@SewEssential]

Haha well I'm very proud of myself if that's what I've achieved lol!

[@janetlink9756]

Thankyou for this tutorial. Love your blouse

[@SewEssential]

Thank you, it is McCalls 8040, a really lovely pattern, you can find it here www.sewessential.co.uk/misses-tops-mccalls-pattern-8040 although sadly the fabric has been discontinued. We do have lots of other lovely ones to choose from though.

[@carolg.6838]

I have to finish watching. Great info. My mom was an excellent seamstress. Everything she made me was great. Once in my enthusiasm I tried on something not quite complete and was disappointed. She said "honey it is not pressed yet". Of course when pressed and completed it was perfect!

[@SewEssential]

Brilliant! It is so true it makes such a difference.

[@lunasmum6869]

I absolutely hate ironing clothes and sheets but, when I am sewing, I really enjoy it!! Anybody else like that?

[@sharonoconnor7769]

I’ve been sewing for many years and your tips on pressing garments are wonderful! Really they are at the level of tailoring.

[@SewEssential]

Oh wow thanks Sharon that is so lovely to hear, I always worry that people might not find my tips useful so it is always good to hear when even an experienced sewer does.

[@marathorne6821]

I never realised why the tailor's ham is covered with two different types of fabric! Now I know👍 Thanks, Lucy!

[@SewEssential]

It's a pleasure I'm glad it was a useful video for you.

[@heidiwatts1310]

Those finger tip guards look very useful. 😮

[@SewEssential]

Definitely, I really like them.

[@mrstukutela5126]

Thank you, Lucy! I love watching how to use those sewing tools. You are also a really good instructor! This is definitely one for my sewing library!

[@SewEssential]

Oh thanks so much I'm so glad you think so, I try really hard to get things across clearly.

[@tammymasson2343]

You explain things in such a clear and easy-to-understand manner!

[@SewEssential]

Thank you Tammy I'm so glad to hear that

[@chrissienovachkos5572]

Thankyou Lucy. xxx

[@SewEssential]

It's a pleasure.

[@robynlaszlo6128]

Thank you for the tips and tricks they really help me been sewing for a while but i feel like I've started a new chapter in sewing

[@pamelalucioni2917]

Thank you for such a good and informative video

[@SewEssential]

Thank you for the lovely comments, I really appreciate them.

[@india239]

I ordered silk organza online. I specified that I was using it for a pressing cloth. ( I had been offered polyester organza). You can imagine how ticked off I was to have a whole load of polyester glued to the sole plate of my iron.

[@SewEssential]

Oh dear, we only sell the silk organza

[@carolg.6838]

Yikes.

[@lindecarr1982]

Very interesting I picked up some good tips.

[@liza_lou]

Very helpful! I enjoyed the video.

[@india239]

I’ve got a Laurastar iron ( Swiss brand). They were boasting “ dry steam” and I just ironed a tricky length of fabric, absolutely perfect and yes, dry steam, no splashes of water

[@SewEssential]

Wow that sounds good

[@vivlee3840]

I've just watched this again and learned so much. I love your videos and I'm glad you covered the tailors clapper!

[@lynnw4458]

Another fabulous video, full of helpful hints and tips, thanks Lucy.

[@traceystewart6232]

Brilliant, thank you for sharing Lucy Take care.

[@traceystewart6232]

You have certainly got me spending my money! Some good tools there! X

[@SewEssential]

Whoops, sorry Tracey, I promise they are really good though!

[@mellyju]

Really good tips. thank you.

[@Sloths.and.Orchids]

Awesome video, thank you! I haven't got the finger guard and always watch my fingers when I'm folding and pressing hems etc. Enjoyed watching this. 😍🥰

[@SewEssential]

It's a pleasure I'm so glad you enjoyed it and found it useful.

[@marybethlance5248]

I found this video very helpful. I wasn’t sure how to use some of the pressing accessories until you explained them. I will be sure to purchase a few of the tools you mentioned.

[@zibergirl2]

Thanks, I really enjoy everything that you share.

[@SewEssential]

Thank you so much Barbara, that is so lovely of you to say, it means such a lot honestly.

[@india239]

You can also buy a tailors’ ham holder. I have one and it holds the ham in whatever position I need it so I’m not trying to balance the ham, fabric and not burning my hand

[@SewEssential]

Ooooh that sounds brilliant, I'll have to have a look at those.

[@denii9384]

I would love to have a wooden Tailors' Ham Holder! In the meantime, I've cut in half an empty, rectangular, 4L jug of water. I covered the cut edge with duct tape It provides a makeshift cradle for the tailors' ham and allows me to use both hands to hold the iron and manipulate the fabric.

[@michaelgracewatts2943]

Lots of very handy tips, thanks Lucy. Grace

[@SewEssential]

Thanks Grace, I'm so glad you think so, have a lovely weekend.

[@angelamiles2093]

Very informative. Thank you Lucy.

[@SewEssential]

It's a pleasure I'm so glad it was useful I try my best to keep things interesting for you all.

[@swiinka]

Another video filled with brilliant tips and tricks, thank you for posting! For the pressing template I used a piece of cardboard with a straight edge and drew lines at 3/8" and 5/8", works pretty well, but doesn't last very long. Will definitely look into investing in a tool.

[@dawnbarnard4753]

I so look forward to your tips, I've learnt so much Thank you

[@SewEssential]

It's a pleasure Dawn I'm so glad they are useful to you.

[@adrianlw2750]

Thank you Sew Essential for recommending silk organza for pressing. Having just bought half a metre from your online store, I have immediately made this into two, each with a nice neat rolled hem on my overlocker. Combined with the tailors pressing ham & sleeve roll, I should be all set to go pressing! My trusty old piece of dampened poly-cotton sheet still has its place, but is not see-through.

[@angienorman5974]

Great tips!

[@SewEssential]

Thank you I'm so glad you liked them and they were helpful to you.

[@karinpapps4467]

Such a really helpful and informative video. I made my own Taylor’s ham when I first started sewing and use it all the time. Thank you for taking the time to show how and why tools can help.

[@jeanneluddeni3121]

Yeah I have the huge rowenta iron set up and a tiny iron for doll clothes.

[@shahinisripathmanathan5510]

Amazing tips. If you don't mind pls let me know where can buy all of these things. Thx

[@SewEssential]

I don't mind at all, there are links to all of them in the description and they are all available on our website here www.sewessential.co.uk/

[@maryt2887]

I would use the silicone finger for turning under the edges on appliqué. Can’t tell you how often I have burned my fingers turning under 1/4 inch.

[@Threadystitchsew]

Hi Lucy I just watch your video am just wondering what white iron did you use for the cideo

[@thaisoneon]

Did you forget to post the link to the steam generator iron or am I just missing it? Thanks.

[@SewEssential]

I didn't no, sorry i should have said we don't sell them, but you can find them in loads of places online

[@angelajones7852]

No link to the website

[@SewEssential]

If you click on 'show more' you will get the list of links and the website is there, but I've included it here for you as well: www.sewessential.co.uk

[@joycekaminski1943]

What school did you go to in Walsall? I went to Blue Coat, but many years before you I am sure😀

[@SewEssential]

Did I mention going to school in Walsall in the video? I can't even remember saying that lol. I went to Queen Marys in the 90s, it was a lot of fun.

[@joycekaminski1943]

@@SewEssential we had corresponded before when I commented on your midlands accent. You said you had been to school in Walsall, my home town even though I have lived in the USA for many years. I just wondered to which school you had been, my guess was QM.

[@elainelouw371]

Hi I am mad about the butterick pattern B 6801 I have tried to order it online But unfortunately they say not found I am from South Africa and not able to get it in the shops that I have visited Do you have any advice how I can get it

[@margarethelliwell7626]

Butterick B 5997 is exactly the same pattern. (I think the B 6801 is a re-issue but I couldn't get it in the UK). I saw the B 5997 during my search on Amazon for only £7.68, hope this helps.