The pressing kit
Good pressing makes home-sewn things look shop-bought. Here is what you need, in the order to buy it.
Bobbin's checklist
A pressing cloth costs nothing: a scrap of plain cotton works. Start there.
A pressing cloth costs nothing: a scrap of plain cotton works. Start there.
$Just starting
- Steam iron: any iron with steam and a clean soleplate.
- Pressing cloth: stops shine and glue on the right side.
- Ironing board with a smooth cover: lumps in the cover mark the fabric.
$$Sewing most weeks
- Tailor's ham: for darts and curved seams.
- Seam roll: stops seam edges showing through.
- Spray bottle: for a little extra moisture.
$$$Ready to invest
- Clapper: flattens thick seams on wool.
- Sleeve board: pressing inside narrow tubes.
Sources
All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.