Ironing and Pressing

What’s the Difference? Ironing: The process of using an iron to remove wrinkles from damp, washable clothing. Heat and pressure are used to flatten the fabric. Ironing is done with a gliding or sliding motion, BACK AND FORTH. It is done to the entire garment after laundering.

Pressing: Involves NO sliding of the iron. The iron is placed on the fabric and then lifted, in an UP AND DOWN motion. Moisture is added from a pressing cloth or from steam in the iron. It is often done to apparel between wearing and during garment construction.

Number One Rule! PRESS AS YOU GO! Why? The number one rule when it comes to ironing or pressing is: PRESS AS YOU GO! Why?

WHY “PRESS AS YOU GO”? Construction process easier: It flattens and sets the stitches so the seam lays smooth and flat. It gives you a crisp, more professional-looking garment. Grainlines improved and straightened Pieces cut to the right size

Steam Iron A heated piece of equipment that flattens creases and shapes. 6

Ironing Board A padded, flat, heat-resistant surface used for ironing and pressing. 7

Ironing and Pressing Equipment Tailor’s Ham Used to make an even curve on seams and darts while pressing.

Seam Roll Pressing small curves or long seams in narrow places

Pressing Mitt Pressing hard to reach places

Sleeve Board Mini ironing board that lets you press sleeves easily.

Sleeveboard For enclosed seams such as sleeves

Point Press Pushes out points on projects to get sharp, even points.

Point presser For pointed areas such as collars and cuffs.

CLAPPER or Pounding Block Pounding seams to flatten them

NEEDLE BOARD Preventing pile fabrics from being crushed while pressing

PAPER Preventing impressions of seams from being pressed through to the right side of a garment

Pressing Cloth A thin cloth placed over fabric while ironing. It creates extra steam when wet. It also prevents scorching and shine marks on fabric while ironing.

Other Important Info -1. You should use distilled water in steam irons because then it won’t leave behind mineral build-up that can clog the steam vents. -4.Always iron WITH the grain of the fabric to prevent permanent stretching. -9.A straight seam should be pressed flat and then open. This sets the stitches so the seam will lie smooth and flat.

Temperature Settings -It is very important to pay attention to the temperature settings when ironing different types of fabric. -2.Most steam iron settings are broken into: High - Cotton & Linen Medium - Wool & Silk Low - Synthetics -Synthetic fibers are extremely heat sensitive and can be irreversibly damaged by high heat.

Dials on most irons Low :Synthetics Medium : Wool and Silk High: Cotton and Linen

Natural Fibers Cotton and Linen HIGH With Moisture Wool = Medium extreme heat and moisture will cause wool fabric to mat or shine Silk = LOW, be careful not to water spot or cause to shine Cotton and Linen HIGH With Moisture

SYNTHETICS MEDIUM RAYON, POLYESTER, LOW NYLON, ACRYLIC, SPANDEX, ACETATE, MODACRYLIC Will glaze, melt, pucker, shrink from high temp VINYL = NOT HEAT Finger press MEDIUM RAYON, POLYESTER, Less heat sensitive than other synthetics

12.Using Fusible Interfacing The side of the fusible interfacing with the glue or adhesive should be placed on the wrong side of the fabric. Press and hold for 10-15 seconds using a press cloth and steam.

Ironing Extreme or NOT ???

What do you think? Have you ever thought about your daily ironing and pressing becoming a highly dangerous sport? It is now, no need to just iron you might as well participate in extreme ironing.

Extreme Ironing Extreme ironing (or EI) is an extreme sport and a performance art in which people take an ironing board to a remote location and iron a few items of clothing. According to the official website, extreme ironing is "the latest danger sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt." Part of the attraction and interest the media has towards extreme ironing seems to center on the issue of whether it is really a sport or not. Some locations where such performances have taken place include a mountainside of a difficult climb; a forest; in a canoe; while skiing or snowboarding; on top of large bronze statues; in the middle of a street; and underwater. The performances have been conducted solo or by groups.

Extreme Ironing