How to use a tailor's ham

A tailor's ham is a firm, rounded cushion you press curved seams over, such as darts, princess seams and sleeve heads, so they keep their shape instead of being flattened.

Pinny's tip
The wool side takes high heat and steam; the cotton side is for cooler fabrics. Check which is which on yours.

What you'll need

• Tailor's ham: the main item.
• Iron with steam: steam helps shape the curve.
• Press cloth: stops shine on wool and dark fabric.

Step by step

1. Find the part of the ham whose curve matches the seam you're pressing.
2. Lay the garment over the ham, right side down for darts, so the seam sits on the curve.
3. Press with an up-and-down motion rather than sliding the iron.
4. For darts, press the fold towards the centre or down, as the pattern says.

Common mistakes

• Pressing curves on a flat board. You flatten the shape you just sewed.
• Moving it while it’s warm. Let it cool in place.
• No press cloth on wool. It can go shiny.

Watch it done

• What is a Tailors Pressing Ham by SewVeryEasy on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• Tailors Ham Ironing Secrets Professionals use Daily by Sew Anastasia on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• How to Make a Tailor’s Ham … and Why You Need One by Cornelius Quiring 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. Tilly and the Buttons: How to Make Tailor’s Hams and Sausages: Guest Post
2. Tilly and the Buttons: Pressing Your Sewing Projects
3. YouTube: What is a Tailors Pressing Ham (SewVeryEasy)
4. YouTube: Tailors Ham Ironing Secrets Professionals use Daily (Sew Anastasia)
5. YouTube: How to Make a Tailor's Ham... and Why You Need One (Cornelius Quiring)