Pressing Station
with instructor Steve Butler
Class 125
What is it?
We’ve all seen it. Two friends make the same sewn project using the same pattern and similar fabrics and threads. Both friends are accomplished sewists so we’re kind of expecting the finished projects to look the same or, at least, similar. And yet somehow, they’re not. One is a little more rumpled and uneven. The intersecting seams don’t lie flat and the stitch-work stands out so far as to be obvious when it shouldn’t be. And there’s something about the darts that just isn’t right. But the other one, well the other one is quite the opposite. What is the sewing magic at play that allows us to view one and say “nice work” when while viewing the other we can only say “nice try”? It’s simple and it’s just one word. Pressing. One word but it’s just as important to our process as measuring, cutting and sewing. Basically, pressing makes our quilt block, sewn garment or home décor project pieces come together more accurately, without puckering or pleating. It’s the difference between “handmade” and “homemade”. 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 five very useful pressing tools to assist us. The Hold It Precision Stiletto, Hot Hemmer and Hot Ruler, Fabric Folding Pen and Roll & Press. Each has its place and each contributes to that much sought after “finished” appearance.
What do they 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 that process. Five of them are particularly essential to pressing seams – the Hold It Precision Stiletto, the Hot Hemmer and Hot Ruler, the Fabric Folding Pen and the Roll & Press.
Hold It Precision Stiletto – The Hold It Precision Stiletto is a tool that is flawless in design and function. It resembles a long pen and should be held as such. One end has a gentle curve and sports a pointed tip. The other end is straight and has a silicone coated tip that is somewhat angled and flattened to increase its holding function.
- The Precision Stiletto is perfect for holding fabric in place for precision pressing. Doll clothes, appliqué, mitered corners, or any other close or small work can be held safely in place while ironing. Use either the pointed or the flattened silicone tip, whichever is most suitable. Both are heat resistant so you can iron right up against them.
- The Precision Stiletto is equally adept at the sewing table. Fabric manipulation across the needle plate of either a serger or a sewing machine can pose problems with the confluence of needles, feed dogs, presser feet, pins, fabric and fingers. The stiletto allows us to hold the fabric sans hands right up to where the action takes place and allows more visibility and control for truly precision stitching.
Hot Hemmer & Hot Ruler – Clover’s Hot Hemmer and Hot Ruler will revolutionize the way you do hems, mitered corners and pressed curves. They truly are the “go to” tools for anyone who does hems, mitered corners or pressed curves. Both are made of a nylon-based fiber board that does not retain heat when ironed, does not slide on smooth fabric and are loaded with useful measuring and angle markings and cutouts. The Hot Hemmer is 6″ x 5″ with a rounded corner for pressing curves and a square cut out corner for measuring in and over at the same time. The Hot Ruler is 10″x 2 1/2″ and is designed for completing longer hems in minimum time.
The Hot Hemmer and Hot Ruler have many useful applications. Here are a few.
- Measure, fold and iron any hem in one smooth motion. Measure, fold, press. Repeat as necessary for the length or your project. Pleats anyone? Yes, you can use it to measure, fold and press pleats as well.
- Ever try to make a perfect 45° mitered corner? No problem. Just measure to desired depth at the desired point, fold your fabric along the miter line and press.
- How about pressing a curve, say to make a patch pocket? Just gather your fabric around the curved portion of the Hot Hemmer and press. Remove excess fabric and attach to your garment.
- The corner cutout of the Hot Hemmer can be used “lefty” or “righty” to measure trim lines or seams. Quick, accurate and no mistakes.
Fabric Folding Pen– Clover’s Fabric Folding Pen is essentially a felt tip pen that allows us to trace either straight or curved lines and then fold our fabric along that specific line and either finger press or iron to form a sharp, lasting edge. The applications are endless and make fabric manipulation quick, easy and precise.
- English Paper Piecing can now be done without all of the stitches. Let’s you form all of your shapes quickly and easily and get on to the fun part of creating your finished product.
- Any crease or hem you want to form can be made very quickly with our without an iron. Use a straight edge to lay down the wet bead line and then simply fold over and finger press or iron. Even the most detailed designs can be accomplished.
- The Fabric Folding Pen is a natural for appliqué or reverse appliqué. You can either trace or freehand any line that forms your design. These “relaxed” fibers will allow you to easily manipulate your fabric around that line.
- Ever go to a sewing class and have to wait forever to use the iron? No more. Take your Fabric Folding Pen and you’ll be ahead of the rest of the class all night.
Roll & Press – A revolutionary accessory 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 folding heavy laminates. Keep it at your sewing station for quick and easy work.
How do I share it?
Clover’s Pressing Station essentials represent the perfect, most purposeful tools for fabric manipulation at both the pressing station and the sewing table. There are lots of craft applications too. In both design and function there are no more useful durable tools. A quick in-store demo or during a class everyone can instantly see how many ways these tools can be applied to what they love to do. They will quickly become the essential magic to helping them achieve handmade instead of homemade.
