Pressing & Finishing
Pressing Cloth
A pressing cloth is a barrier. Laid between the iron and the garment, it lets heat and steam through while keeping the soleplate off the fabric, which stops scorch marks on delicate fibres and the shiny patches that a hot iron leaves on wool. It also stops the soleplate from picking up fusible interfacing, which ruins both the iron and the garment.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Cotton, silk organza or muslin |
| Size | 30 - 45 cm square |
| Weave | Loose enough to pass steam |
| Colours | Natural, unbleached |
| Use | Wool, silk, fusibles, dark cloth |
| Alternative | A clean cotton tea towel |
Technical parameters
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Steam pass-through | The reason cotton and silk work |
| Heat | Blocks direct contact |
| Fusibles | Essential under a fusible |
| Cleaning | Wash separately, no softener |
| Damp use | A damp cloth adds steam |
| Spares | Keep two or three |
Safety
A pressing cloth is thin and can scorch through if the iron is left in one place. Keep the iron moving, do not let it sit, and let the cloth cool before you handle it, especially if you used it damp.
What it is for
A thin cotton or silk cloth laid between the iron and the garment to protect the fibre from scorching and shine.
Compatible fabrics
Compatible stitches
Working notes
- Use a damp cloth for extra steam on stubborn creases.
- Always use one under a fusible interfacing, or the iron will be ruined.
- Wash without fabric softener, which leaves a residue that can transfer.
- Silk organza is the best cloth for seeing through to the seam.
Related tools
Steam Iron
The single most important tool in the room after the machine. Heat, moisture and pressure set the shape of a garment.
Tailor's Ham
A firmly stuffed curved cushion for pressing seams that are not flat, like darts, sleeve heads and hips.
Clapper
A block of hardwood you press down on a steamed seam to trap the heat and flatten it. The most underrated tool on the bench.