What is it? – These are pressing issues. Shakespeare might even ask, “To press or not to press, that is the question.” Well, no matter who is asking the question, the answer is the same, a resounding yes to press. Some very important things happen when we press each seam as we sew it and they make all the difference between something that looks “finished” and something that looks much more amateurish. Pressing as you go allows your project to acquire the intended shape more quickly and allows you to spot problems and make timely adjustments. Often we face a series of complicated construction steps in our sewing processes involving several seams. It is absolutely essential that we press one seam before sewing another seam that will cross it. Once we’ve sewn one seam across the other we’ve lost the opportunity to properly press the first seam. Any irregularities that result are now a permanent part of our garment or sewn project. Ever wonder why some garments looks so smooth while others have puckered seams that are just impossible to get out? Chances are the seams of the former were pressed correctly as the garment was constructed. Taking the time to press every seam is the magic that makes all the difference. But if we’re going to do it, it makes sense to do it right, right? Procedure – press the seam flat first and then press it open or to the side. Tools – the right tool for the right job. And that’s where Clover comes in. If pressing is so important to the creative process then precise pressing is essential. To that end Clover has developed three very useful pressing tools, the Roll & Press, the Hold It Precision Stiletto and the Point 2 Point Turner. Each has its place and each contributes to that much sought after “finished” appearance.
What does it do? – Fabric manipulation is at the very center of any sewn project. We measure it, mark it, cut it, fold it, pin it, sew it and press it. Clover manufactures tools that assist us at every step of the process. Three of them are particularly essential to pressing seams – the Roll & Press, the Hold It Precision Stiletto and the Point 2 Point Turner.
Roll & Press – The newest in the Clover line up of pressing tools. Think finger pressing on steroids. Several design features make it unique. First of all the handle is ergonomically designed to make it both comfortable and easy to manipulate. The roller is designed with a slight arc so you can “finger press” seams without leaving edge marks. The roller also presses without pulling or distorting our fabric as we press. Perfect for everything from paper piecing to heavy laminates.
Hold It Precision Stiletto– The name says it all. This tool allows you to hold seams precisely where you want them for either the sewing or pressing processes. All of us have burned a finger trying to hold a seam and press it or cringed a little as we push a seam ever closer to the machine needle as we’re sewing complicated seams. Worry no longer. The Precision Stiletto is designed to help us with both. It’s made of strong, durable plastic with an angled point at one end and a silicon “grippy tip” at the other end. Both ends are iron proof so get as close as you want and either gives you a perfect view of your seam as we guide it beneath the machine needle. No burns, no punctures. Problem solved.
Point 2 Point Turner– This is truly the Swiss Army Knife® of point turners. Every surface has a use. The large flat blade on one end is perfect for finger pressing. Easily open and press seams before or instead of pressing. There are two turning points, one at either end. The sharp point is perfect for more acute angles like collar points. The broad point on the other end is perfect for seams that are more open allowing us to turn them on grain without distorting our fabric. The long edges on the sides are great for turning long seams, both straight and curved, and the sharp edge on the end is a perfect hera marker. This is a very handy tool indeed.
How do I share it? These are all necessary notions. Make sure they are used in every class you or your associates teach. Once your friends see how useful they are they will all want a set. Put them out at the checkout area with a sign behind them that says, “Ask me for a demonstration”. When they ask, tell them. Make it easy for your friends to find out what is so cool about these very cool tools from Clover.
