Ironing or Pressing... What’s the difference?

Ironing “Ironing” is done with a back and forth motion. (Ironing can cause fabric to stretch) Ironing is the process of removing wrinkles from damp, washable clothing. Heat and pressure are used to flatten the fabric. Pressing “Pressing” is a lifting & lowering motion, gradually overlapping until the area is covered. Pressing involves no sliding of the iron. The iron is placed on the fabric and then lifted. Moisture is added from a pressing cloth or steam in the iron. This is good for wool and loose/bulky textures. It is often done to apparel before wearing. It is also done while constructing garments.

●Often it is pressing that makes the difference between a professional- looking garment and one that looks homemade. ●Fabric grainlines can be improved & straightened. ●Removing creases and wrinkles before cutting ensures that the pieces will be cut to the right size. ●Makes the construction process easier. Why is it important?

1.You should always use _____ water in irons because ________________... You should always use distilled water in irons because it reduces mineral build up and makes the iron last longer.

2. Explain the temperature settings on the dial of most irons. Most irons have a chart that indicates the correct temperature settings for various fibers. To use the chart, you must know the fiber content of your fabric. For fiber blends, use the temperature suited to the most heat sensitive fiber in the fabric. Low - Synthetics Medium - Wool and Silk High - Cotton & Linen

3. What is the purpose of a pressing cloth? To prevent shine or iron marks on fabric.

4. Why is it important to iron with the grain of the fabric? To prevent stretching the fabric out of shape.

5. When ironing a garment, you should start with... the small areas (collar & cuffs) followed by the back and finished with the front.

To prevent shiny spots! 6. Why should you iron dark, dull fabrics on the wrong side?

7. Why would you want to have cotton and linen be damp? They wrinkle too much to press well without being damp. It relaxes the fibers, so that they can be smoothed out and/or flattened.

8. The cardinal rule in sewing is “Press as you go”. What does this mean? To press each seam as it is sewn, before stitching adjoining or crossing seams.

9. Why should you press seams flat before pressing them open? It flattens and sets the stitches so that the seam lays smooth.

10. Why use a needle board on velvets, velveteens, and corduroy? The raised nap would flatten out and become shiny without a needle board.

11. Using a lifting and lowering motion is pressing. Using a sliding motion is ironing.

12. How should fusibles be applied? The side of the fusible with the glue/adhesive should be placed on the wrong side of the fabric. Press and hold for seconds using a pressing cloth and steam.

13. How should a straight seam usually be pressed? Flat and then open.

Identify the following pressing tools and tell what their purpose is… Sleeveboard For ironing or pressing enclosed seams, such as sleeves.

Needleboard To preserve the nap of velvets and corduroys.

Point Presser For point areas such as collars and cuffs.

Tailor’s Ham For pressing darts and curved seams.