Using a Press Cloth

[Todd]

I have not had very good luck using a press cloth...

The fabric just doesn't seem to come out as smooth as it does with direct contact wtih the iron.

Any advice?

Is it just me and I need more practice?

Thanks.

Todd

 

[Ivan Kipling]

You may need more practice. What cloth are you using?? There are professional type cloths, available . . . I use an inexpensive silk scarf. For me this works fine. You might need to be using more steam or more heat, as well. I don't recommend using a hot iron, directly on your important garments.

 

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Ivan Kipling

You may need more practice. What cloth are you using?? There are professional type cloths, available . . . I use an inexpensive silk scarf. For me this works fine. You might need to be using more steam or more heat, as well. I don't recommend using a hot iron, directly on your important garments.

I have tried a few things.

1. an odd plastic mesh contraption from Wal Mart
2. a piece of teflon
3. an old pillow case

 

[Ivan Kipling]

Oh. Well, some sewing stores carry 'professional pressing' cloths. They're made of a no stick, semi-sheer fabric. I like them. You can see what you're pressing underneath. I'd look into something like that, or perhaps you could use a lightweight silk scarf. I have found that to work very well.

 

[Despos]

Here are few points to consider.
The weight and thickness of the cloth. I use a heavy cotton drill or a thin piece of cotton coat pocketing material. Depends on what is being pressed. When using a press cloth you need to move slowly. I also use a spray bottle to dampen the cloth to make steam and then leave the iron in that one spot to dry the cloth. Using a spray bottle I can control the amount of moisture and how much steam I need. If you use a home iron it is very light weight and you need to apply pressure when pressing. Take your time and let the garment dry after pressing. Best to press wools the day before you want to wear them. If you press a trouser and then wear it, the press won't hold. Pressing a garment takes more skill than you might think. Experiment a little.

 

[Ivan Kipling]

Interesting, and sage advice, Despos!! I've been pressing for many years. Still learning the trade.

 

[a tailor]

go to your local fabric store. buy one yard of cotton drill. throw it in the washing machine. this takes out the starch and softens it . cut it in a few suitable sizes .
you now have a life time supply of press cloths, one should be a long one for
trouser creases.
follow chrises instructions for pressing.
remember the steam softens the fabric but the heat from the dry iron is what
dries the cloth and gives the firm finished press.

 

[chewy]

I can't find this cotton drill stuff anywhere. What about an old pinpoint shirt? Can I cut that up and use it with similar ease/effect as the drill stuff?

 

[misterjase]

i can recommend a purpose made pressing cloth from a small rural craft business here in Australia - Interface Pty Ltd. it is called the 'Best Boy Pressing Cloth'. check it out at http://www.interfaceaustralia.com/bbpc.htm. the item can be shipped to anywhere in the world.

 

[ozonemania]

I use muslin for pressing cloth. It's cheap, picks up any excess residue/detergent from clothing, transfers heat and steam well, and widely available.

 

[misterjase]

Originally Posted by Despos

Here are few points to consider.
The weight and thickness of the cloth. I use a heavy cotton drill or a thin piece of cotton coat pocketing material. Depends on what is being pressed. When using a press cloth you need to move slowly. I also use a spray bottle to dampen the cloth to make steam and then leave the iron in that one spot to dry the cloth. Using a spray bottle I can control the amount of moisture and how much steam I need. If you use a home iron it is very light weight and you need to apply pressure when pressing. Take your time and let the garment dry after pressing. Best to press wools the day before you want to wear them. If you press a trouser and then wear it, the press won't hold. Pressing a garment takes more skill than you might think. Experiment a little.

i have also been told to use a wood block to complete the pressing/drying after applying the heat from the iron.

 

[bengal-stripe]

Originally Posted by misterjase

i have also been told to use a wood block to complete the pressing/drying after applying the heat from the iron.

It's called a tailor's clapper and is used to set creases in soft wool (like flannel):

http://www.darrellthomas.com/display.php?cat=6

Put damp cloth over garment, iron, take cloth away and immediately,
while the fabric is still worm, damp and steaming, pound clapper down with great force.

 

[Asian Afro]



It's called a tailor's clapper and is used to set creases in soft wool (like flannel):

http://www.darrellthomas.com/display.php?cat=6

Off-topic, but I just want to say that it's very strange to see a link on SF to a store that I pass almost daily on my way to and from work. Most of the pictures and links I find on SF are from faraway places, usually not in Canada. This is the first time I see a link to somewhere local to me.