Many times, quilters get caught up talking about tips and tools. Irons and paraphernalia are a hot topic of discussion! (Pun intended!) We compare the brand of iron and the reason why we love a specific one! My thoughts are not completely different than that!
I use and like an inexpensive iron. In fact, I try to find the least expensive one I can that is also heavy. This time, the two criteria converged in a Black and Decker iron from Walmart. In fact, this iron has lasted five or six years! I know other quilters like several different brands of high-end irons. However, I also know that irons break pretty frequently for quilters, since we're known to leave them plugged in for hours on end. The other thing that seems to kill an iron is using water for steam. When I use steam, an iron usually gives out within the first year or two. Instead of steam, I use a plethora of other things to achieve flat seams.
In place of steam, I use either a continuous-stream spray bottle of water or a bottle of spray starch. I really like Mary Ellen's Best Press for this type of work. It's a good starch without flakiness. Both starch and water can help with making flat seams!
A quilter's clapper also makes very flat seams. The idea is that it puts weight on the seam while the seam cools from ironing. This makes for really crisp seams! Quilter's clappers come in a variety of sizes and weight, but it's essentially a block of unfinished wood that absorbs the heat well. Etsy has pretty ones that are personalized with the quilter's name on them!
I have a few pressing tools that aren't shown in this picture which I own for garment sewing. I have two tailor's hams from my mom that allow me to press curved seams. I also have a Drizt EZ Hem which allows me to turn under an exact amount of hemline to press. And I have a silk organza pressing cloth for pressing fine fabrics or laces for garments. These three items are rarely used in my sewing room but are uniquely specific to their jobs when needed!
I guess all this pressing talk just goes to show that quilters have a set of tools that they use and prefer! I hope you're having a good Monday!
Stacy
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