I seem to follow a very silly pattern with some sewing techniques. I only value or comprehend them until I experience the pain of not doing them. Like following pattern instructions, precise cutting, using the right fabric, and lots more. One of the things I want to do on this blog is to share helpful sewing techniques and practices from my bucket. I just don't want you to have the same troubles I have had. I am sure you will still have your struggles but hopefully I can help.
The first one I want to share is about ironing. The iron is your best friend! Sometimes the only difference between a professionally looking skirt and a frumpy one is ironing. So here are 7 tips about ironing
1.There is a difference between ironing and pressing. Ironing is moving the iron back and forth across the fabric. Pressing is holding down the iron on the fabric and lifting it up. Ironing is for removing wrinkles from fabric or clothing. Pressing is usually done during construction and smooths out what you have done while sewing You press seams, pleats, darts, hems, etc. Here are two video examples of ironing and pressing.
Ironing:
2. Be aware of your heat setting. Irons typically have a guide on them to help you decide the appropriate heat for the fabric you are ironing/pressing. If you are unsure test a scrap piece of fabric.
3. Always iron your fabric before cutting out. This means your pieces will be the correct size and shape.
4. Press your seams open. This helps your seams lay flat and sets them. Also make sure you press the seam with the right side of the fabric against the ironing board. This prevents the seam from leaving an imprint on your fabric.
5. Pressing cloths and irons are good companions. A pressing cloth is a piece of material used to protect your fabric (and iron) while pressing. Pressing cloths are made of many materials but a good basic one is made of cotton. It handles the heat well.
6. Press after each step of construction. It is time consuming but makes it easier to sew.
7. This might seem obvious but when you finish a project iron it. You put forth great effort to make it, don't let it go to waste by letting it looking wrinkled.
These tips make it appear you will always be using your iron and it is true. When sewing you really can't have a better friend than an iron. It may take more time but you will appreciate the effort when your finished sewing project looks wonderfully professional.
1.There is a difference between ironing and pressing. Ironing is moving the iron back and forth across the fabric. Pressing is holding down the iron on the fabric and lifting it up. Ironing is for removing wrinkles from fabric or clothing. Pressing is usually done during construction and smooths out what you have done while sewing You press seams, pleats, darts, hems, etc. Here are two video examples of ironing and pressing.
Ironing:
2. Be aware of your heat setting. Irons typically have a guide on them to help you decide the appropriate heat for the fabric you are ironing/pressing. If you are unsure test a scrap piece of fabric.
3. Always iron your fabric before cutting out. This means your pieces will be the correct size and shape.
4. Press your seams open. This helps your seams lay flat and sets them. Also make sure you press the seam with the right side of the fabric against the ironing board. This prevents the seam from leaving an imprint on your fabric.
5. Pressing cloths and irons are good companions. A pressing cloth is a piece of material used to protect your fabric (and iron) while pressing. Pressing cloths are made of many materials but a good basic one is made of cotton. It handles the heat well.
6. Press after each step of construction. It is time consuming but makes it easier to sew.
7. This might seem obvious but when you finish a project iron it. You put forth great effort to make it, don't let it go to waste by letting it looking wrinkled.
These tips make it appear you will always be using your iron and it is true. When sewing you really can't have a better friend than an iron. It may take more time but you will appreciate the effort when your finished sewing project looks wonderfully professional.
