Pressing is an essential part of sewing construction. While it may seem straightforward, achieving consistent and professional results takes some know-how—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
The Right Setting for the Right Fabric
It’s important to use the correct iron setting for the fabric you’re working with, as each iron can vary slightly. In our Ohio studio, we most often use the Oliso Mini Iron, so the recommendations below are based on this much loved iron.
- Low temperature (Setting 1/Dot 1) — best for synthetics.
- Medium temperature (Setting 2/Dot 2) — ideal for wool and silk.
- High temperature (Setting 3/Dot 3): — recommended for cotton and linen.
What about velvet? To remove wrinkles from our luxurious Hand Dyed Velvets, we recommend no direct heat. Set your iron to steam, and hold the iron an inch away from the backside of the velvet. This should relax the fibers without crushing the velvet pile.
Interested in Velvet Embossing with an iron? Check out our tutorial HERE!
*Before pressing your fabric, it's always a good idea to test a small scrap piece of it to ensure good results.
Don't forget the Carry Bag for your Oliso Mini!
The Right Motion
Lift, press, repeat! That’s the secret to crisp seams and smooth, wrinkle-free fabric. Instead of sliding the iron back and forth (which can stretch or distort your fabric), simply let the weight of the iron do the work. Combine that with the right heat setting—and a touch of steam when needed—and you’ll have beautifully pressed results every time.
The Right Tools for the Job
Our must-have pressing tools:
- Wool Pressing Mat
- Wool Mat Cleaning Tool
- Flatter Smoothing Spray
- Tailor's Clapper
- Hot Ironing Rulers and Templates
Wool Pressing Mat
Pressing on wool is a game-changer! Our 11" x 13" Wool Pressing Mat is 100% wool and made in the USA. It holds heat, so you’re pressing both sides of your fabric at once — hello super flat seams and faster results. The grippy surface keeps fabric in place, resists scorching, and even doubles as a mini design board (you can pin right into it!). Portable, easy to store, and simple to clean with the Wool Mat Cleaning Tool by The Gypsy Quilter. See how this genius tool works below!
Flatter Smoothing Spray
Flatter Smoothing Spray makes ironing effortless. This starch-free smoothing spray relaxes wrinkles, freshens fabrics, and leaves everything sleek, soft, and static-free. Made with plant-derived, renewable ingredients (no sulfates or silicones), Flatter is gentle on skin and kind to the environment.
How to use: At a distance, spray a very light mist over your fabric - a little goes a long way. Press with steam or a dry iron at the recommended setting. Reapply for extra crispness.
Clean and Fresh Scents
- Yuzu: Clean with a peel. Pucker up and give your laundry some love with a kiss of tart citrus + crushed eucalyptus.
- Fig: Fresh-picked clean. Fig is ripened with sweet fig and lychee and crowned by dandelions.
- Celebration: Inspired by the essence of Red Tea. Sweet, delicate and absolutely delicious, this perennial favorite smells like good, clean fun.
- Scentless: For your sensitive side. Scentless keeps your laundry wrinkle and fragrance-free.
- Pineapple Grove: Be a pineapple. Stand Tall, wearing a lily filled crown, and always be sweet on the inside.
- Lacey: Lacey combines spring blossoms with sweet bergamot creating a light yet alluring fragrance.
- Wild Mint: For the wanderers and adventurers. Take a wash on the wild side with spicy geranium and a hint of mint and citrus.
Tailor's Clapper
Get perfectly flat seams every time! A Tailor’s Clapper is an essential tool for quilters and sewists who want crisp, professional results. Made from natural beechwood, it absorbs steam and moisture from fabric to lock seams in place. The routed grooves on both sides make it easy to handle, while the smooth surface presses everything from quilt blocks to garment seams, pleats, and creases.
For best results: press with a steam iron, then apply the clapper with firm pressure to set your seam. Pair it with Flatter for unbelievably smooth results—even on bulky wool.
Available in three sizes:
- Small: 1-3/4" tapered to 1-1/4" W × 7-3/4" L
- Medium: 2-1/2" tapered to 2" W × 9-1/2" L
- Large: 3" tapered to 2-1/2" W × 11-1/2" L
Hot Ironing Rulers and Templates
Inspired by astronaut helmets, the Kearing Hot Ironing Rulers and Templates are revolutionary! Seriously, they are the best thing since sliced bread! They are transparent, non-slip, super thin, yet resilient and flexible, and they withstand temps up to 428°F and short term ironing up to 536°F!
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