Sewing Sunsets

Sewing is fun!  It’s fun to sew a garment for yourself or for someone else.  There is such a sense of accomplishment!  However, when sewers, especially beginning sewers, are disappointed in the results, it may be because pressing during sewing construction was ignored.  Pressing can make the difference between a final project looking “homemade” or more professional.  Pressing really is a sewing technique!

It’s always wise to check pressing requirements for the particular fabric that you are using for a sewing project.  Some fabrics , such as velvet, require special care. I would  advise beginning sewers to stay away from these fabrics, as well as slippery fabrics like chiffon, until you have more sewing experience. Of course,if you’re brave, go for it!

I like to sew with 100% cotton fabric, so I set my iron on the cotton setting and use lots of steam.  Sandra Betzina has lots of good information in her book, “More Fabric Savvy”.  Most of the information in the book centers around how to preshrink the fabric, which interfacing is appropiate, the correct size sewing machine needle for the specific fabric, and lots of other information. There is also a small section in which she mentions pressing.  There is a small section about pressing  here at www.sewseamless.com/Page11.html .  I learned a long time ago that the “secret” to sewing well is proper pressing during sewing construction.

Some people may say they do not like to iron, but pressing isn’t ironing! Pressing is using a lift and press type motion with the iron instead of a sliding motion as you would use if you were ironing a shirt.  I don’t really like to iron either, but I’ve learned to enjoy the pressing process because my final projects look so much better when I press well during sewing construction. And if it’s raining or chilly outside, the steam from the iron warms me up and makes the sewing room feel cozy.