Lesson 7 - The Importance of Ironing & Pressing Ham in Sewing

If you’ve been following  This series, you’ve already learned a lot about sewing basics—from understanding pattern drafting to mastering the sewing machine. But here’s something that many beginners overlook: ironing and pressing!  

Have you ever admired a well-made outfit and wondered why it looks so polished? The secret isn’t just neat stitching—it’s proper pressing. 

Ironing is what transforms a garment from looking “homemade” to professionally finished. No matter how straight your seams are or how carefully you follow sewing instructions, if you don’t iron correctly, your garment won’t have that crisp, polished look.  

In today’s session, we’ll dive into:  

• Why ironing is a crucial step in sewing 
• The difference between a heat iron and a steam iron
• The role of pins in achieving precision before sewing 

By the end of this lesson, you’ll understand why ironing and pinning are non-negotiable steps in professional sewing. Let’s get started!

A lot of times, I meet lazy tailors. Now, don’t get me wrong—they sew, but they are too lazy to iron properly. 

Ironing is what transforms your hard work into a professional finish. Even if your stitches are straight and you’ve followed seam allowances meticulously, a poorly ironed garment will never look polished.

Ironing isn’t just about running an iron over fabric—it must be done right! Some people claim they ironed, but their clothes still look bulky . That’s because they didn’t press correctly!

We use two types of irons in garment production:

• Heat Iron – Directly applies dry heat to fabric
• 
  
• Steam Iron – Releases steam to soften and shape fabric

Both irons have different functions that you should research and learn how to use properly.

A Pressing Ham, is used alongside the iron, it is a must-have tool for ironing the curved areas of a garment. It helps prevent creases and ensures a flawless, smooth finish, especially when ironing bust area. Some people call it bust ham or tailors ham. If you haven’t used one before, take time to research and watch video tutorials online! 

Using Pins for Precision Sewing: A Beginner’s Guide

When it comes to sewing, precision is key. You may have the best fabric and the perfect measurements, but if your pieces shift while sewing, your final result could be off. That’s where pins come in!  

Many beginners assume that pinning is optional or that only novices use pins, but the truth is, even expert tailors rely on this simple tool to keep fabrics aligned. 

Pins: " A small tool with a big impact!"

• Pins help hold fabric pieces together temporarily.
• They prevent fabric from slipping when cutting patterns.
•  Pinning before stitching ensures accuracy and reduces the chances of seam errors that require loosening.

⚠ Caution: Be careful when sewing over pins! A pin can break your machine needle if hit at the wrong angle.

PS. It is safer to use pins perpendicularly to the seam direction. 

Don’t just take my word for it—do your research!

Watch video tutorials online to learn about pressing and pinning, in garment production.

Assignment:

1. Look up videos on the right way to iron and use a pressing ham.
2. Research pinning techniques for accuracy in sewing.

Share one thing you learned from the assignment in the comment

Next Lesson: Introduction to Interfacing in Sewing

Previous Lesson: How to Sew a Perfect Zipper