Pressing as you sew: the basic routine

Press every seam before you cross it with another one. Set the seam flat, press it open or to one side, and use a press cloth on delicate or dark fabric.

Beginner10 minutes

ResearchedSewSift editorialChecked 1 Nov 2026

Pinny's tip
Keep the iron next to the machine. If it's across the room, you'll skip pressing.

What you'll need

Iron: set to suit the fibre.
Press cloth: silk organza or plain cotton.
Ironing board or pressing mat: close to the machine.

Step by step

Press the seam flat as sewn to 'set' the stitches.
Open the pieces and press the seam allowance open or to one side, as the pattern says.
Press from the wrong side; turn over and press lightly from the right side under a press cloth.
Lift and lower the iron instead of sliding it, which stretches fabric.
Let the fabric cool before moving it.

Watch

Pressing and Ironing Fabric for Sewing (4:15)
By Professor Pincushion · Open on YouTube

The video this technique page has always pointed to, a 4-minute one from Professor Pincushion. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.

Common mistakes

Ironing back and forth. It distorts seams, especially on the bias.
Too hot. Check the fibre; test on a scrap.
Leaving pressing until the end. Many seams can’t be reached later.

Watch it done

Pressing and Ironing Fabric for Sewing by Professor Pincushion on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
Quick tips: 5 tips for perfect pressing when sewing by Seamwork on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
Sewing For Beginners: How To Press A Seam While Sewing by Let’s Learn To Sew on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.