Pressing and Ironing – JSS2 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (Second Term)

Pressing is lifting and setting down a hot iron on fabric while a garment is being made, and ironing is sliding a hot iron over finished clothes to remove wrinkles.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define pressing and ironing and state the difference between them.
2. List and describe the tools used for pressing and ironing.
3. State the correct heat for cotton, linen, wool and synthetic fabrics.
4. Press a seam open in the correct order of steps.
5. Describe the finishing touches that give a garment a neat, shop-quality look.

What is ironing?

Ironing is the use of a hot iron, moved back and forth, to remove wrinkles from dry, finished clothes.

• Movement: the iron slides back and forth over the fabric.
• Used on: dry, finished clothes such as a school uniform.
• Purpose: maintenance, to keep clothes smooth and neat.

What is pressing?

Pressing is the use of a hot iron, lifted and set down firmly, to shape and flatten fabric while a garment is being sewn.

• Movement: lift the iron, set it down firmly, then lift it again.
• Used on: seams, darts, collars and cuffs during sewing.
• Purpose: creation, to shape the garment as it is made.

What is the difference between pressing and ironing?

Why do we press during sewing?

We press during sewing so that seams lie flat and the garment fits the body well.

• Seams: pressed open so they lie flat.
• Darts: pressed to one side (usually towards the centre) so they follow the body’s curve.
• Finish: good pressing separates a “homemade” look from a “designer” look.

The golden rule of pressing

• Rule: never cross a seam with another seam until it has been pressed.
• Meaning: after joining two pieces, press that seam open before sewing anything across it.

What are the tools for pressing and ironing?

There are six main tools for pressing and ironing: the iron, ironing board, pressing cloth, tailor’s ham, sleeve board and water sprayer.

1. Electric or charcoal iron: an electric iron is better because the heat can be controlled. With a charcoal iron, keep sparks and ash off the fabric.
2. Ironing board: a padded, flat surface. A table covered with a thick, clean blanket can replace it.
3. Pressing cloth: a thin piece of white cotton placed between the iron and the garment. It prevents shiny marks on dark fabrics and protects delicate lace from burning.
4. Tailor’s ham: a firm, rounded cushion used to press curved areas such as shoulders and hip curves.
5. Sleeve board: a small ironing board that fits inside a sleeve, so no crease forms down the middle.
6. Water sprayer: used to dampen dry cotton or linen so wrinkles disappear faster.

What heat should be used for different fabrics?

Every fabric has a temperature limit, so the heat must match the fabric.

• Test first: try the iron on a scrap or a hidden part of the garment.
• Dark fabrics: use a pressing cloth to avoid shine.

How do you press a seam open?

To press a seam open, sew it first, then open the edges and press them flat from the wrong side.

1. Sew the seam.
2. Lay the fabric flat on the board with the wrong side (the inside) facing up.
3. Use the tip of the iron to nudge the two edges apart.
4. Press down firmly with the iron until the seam is open and flat.

In which direction should you iron?

Always iron along the grain of the fabric, which is up and down.

• Along the grain: keeps the cloth in shape.
• Diagonal ironing: can stretch the cloth out of shape.

What are the finishing touches on a garment?

Finishing touches are the last steps done before a garment is called finished, and they give it a shop-quality look.

1. Final pressing: give the whole garment a “master press”. Start with small parts (collars, cuffs) and end with large parts (the body of the shirt or skirt).
2. Clipping loose threads: use small scissors to cut every “jumping” thread. Hanging threads make a well-sewn dress look cheap.
3. Proper folding or hanging: do not throw finished work into a bag.
   • Hanging: use a hanger for gowns and shirts to keep the shoulder shape.
   • Folding: fold along the seam lines so no new wrinkles form.
4. Airing out: steam leaves the fabric slightly damp. Hang the garment for about 30 minutes before packing, so it does not smell damp.

What safety rules apply when pressing and ironing?

Hot irons cause burns and fires, so follow these safety rules.

• Switch off: turn off and unplug the electric iron when you finish.
• Never leave it: do not leave a hot iron face down on fabric or the board.
• Charcoal iron: keep it on a firm stand and away from children.
• Cords: keep the cord from hanging where someone can trip on it.

Class discussion

• Have you ever “melted” a cloth with a hot iron? What fabric was it?
• Why is it important to use a pressing cloth on black school trousers?

Evaluation

1. Define pressing and ironing.
2. State three differences between pressing and ironing.
3. List four tools used for pressing and say what each one does.
4. What heat should be used on cotton, wool and nylon?
5. Write the steps for pressing a seam open.

Assignment

Write the four finishing touches for a newly sewn skirt in the correct order, and give one reason for each.