Using a clapper and point presser

A point presser and clapper is a wooden tool with a pointed top for pressing hard-to-reach areas such as collars, and a flat clapper base. You hold the clapper on a freshly steamed seam to trap the steam for a flatter seam or a harder crease.

Pinny's tip
The clapper helps on thick fabrics such as wool and denim.

What you'll need

• Point presser and clapper: often sold as one wooden tool.
• Iron with steam: the clapper works by trapping the steam.

Step by step

1. For a collar point, slide the work over the point and press the tip with the iron.
2. For a seam, finger press it open, then steam it well, as long as your fabric can take it.
3. Place the clapper on the seam and hold it there for about 5 to 10 seconds, until the steam is absorbed and the seam has cooled.
4. Hold the clapper a little longer on thicker, bulkier fabrics.

Common mistakes

• Skipping the test. Check your fabric can handle the heat and steam first.
• Too little steam. The clapper works by trapping steam, so use plenty where the fabric allows.

Watch it done

• How to Use a Point Presser & Clapper on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• Get great pressing results with a Tailor’s Clapper by Nancy’s Notions on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• How to use: Point Presser & Clapper by The Confident Stitch on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

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

1. Seamwork: How to Use Every Pressing Tool
2. Miss Maude: What is a Tailor's Clapper?
3. YouTube: Get great pressing results with a Tailor's Clapper (Nancy's Notions)
4. YouTube: How to use: Point Presser & Clapper (The Confident Stitch)