Sewing Essentials Part 3 - Ironing Essentials

Anyone who sews knows pressing and ironing are an essential part of sewing. Seams have to be pressed to seal in the stitches and then pressed open or to one side. Hems are ironed in and sleeves are steamed. Below are items I use in my sewing studio every day and where you can purchase them.

I. An extra large ironing board the one I use is wider than the normal size ironing board and has a place to rest your iron on one end. It is called the Honey-Can-Do Adjustable Deluxe Ironing Board with Iron Rest

Honey-Can-Do Extra Large Ironing Board

2. I wasn't crazy about the striped cover that came with the ironing board so I purchased one with extra padding. Padded Cover

3. My ironing ham is used for so many things like ironing open seams. The curved seams conform to the shape of the ham. There is a cotton side and a wool fabric side.They are acually called a Dress Makers Ham and you can purchase one by Dritz online at Farmhouse.  https://farmhousefabrics.com/pressing-tailor-s-ham-by-dritz-8-28-20

There are also lots of You Tube tutorials on how to make your own.

4. The rajah pressing cloth is used to to press in creases or take out creases. The heat of the iron releases a chemical that is like magic. The chemicals won't harm your fabric. I purchased mine and Farmhouse fabrics and here is the link: https://farmhousefabrics.com/rajah-pressing-cloth

The fat quarter silk organza pressing cloth Available at Farmhouse Fabrics is a great pressing cloth. You can use it to delicate fabrics plus it protects your iron from getting residue and sticky spots. https://farmhousefabrics.com/fat-quarter-silk-organza-18-x-22-soft-white

5. Parchment paper is very useful when ironing. It protects your iron and your fabric.

6. I discovered the wool pressing mat while watching a Farmhouse Fabrics Gab & Gush. The heat gets into the wool and both sides of your fabric is pressed. Below are two links where you can purchase a wool pressing mat. Amazon - https://amzn.to/3NtBRQ0 or Farmhouse Fabrics- https://farmhousefabrics.com/wool-pressing-mat-thick

7. Now let's talk about starchs. There are several opinions on when and if to use starch on fabrics. I use three types of starch depending on what I am working on. First is Mary Ellen's Best Pressed Starch. This is my favorite starch to use with heirloom sewing. It is light weight and gives a beautiful finish to the garment. 

https://amzn.to/41eFbV5

If I use Magic Sizing for "touch-ups". It is a light weight finish and gives so much body to your garment.  https://amzn.to/4498xpg

Faultless Starch has been around for years and is a trusted brand. There are several types but I like the gold can the best. You can find it at grocery stores and big box stores but I usually order several cans at a time and purchase it through Amazon.  https://amzn.to/3JGuyUa

Thank you for staying until the end of this post. I hope my suggestions help you in your sewing journey. I am an Amazon affiliate so if you order from one the Amazon links in this post, I receive a small commission. Have a great day!