If I was to give you just one tip to improve your sewing, it would be this: to press more, press properly, and keep pressing!
For all projects, but particularly for patchwork, it makes the world of difference. Every time you don't press your seams, you're potentially pulling out every seam by a millimetre or two; and when you have multiple seams to a block, this can quickly add up to your finished block becoming way out of the measurement it should be!
What's the difference between 'ironing' and 'pressing'? Ironing is gliding the iron over the surface of your fabric to smooth it out, which is great to do before cutting. Pressing is placing the iron down and NOT moving it around, instead lifting and re-positioning in the next spot. Why is this important? It allows the weight of the iron and gravity to do it's best work in flatting your seam, and also stops you accidentally contorting the fabric one way or another.
The key to good pressing: good tools. A decent steam iron is a must-have, and I'd highly recommend the Oliso x Tula Pink iron for anyone who is going to use it a lot - you won't want to go back to using a regular iron once you try these sewing-specific irons! The Pro Plus is one of our most-bought products, which goes to show how great it really is...
Or for a more budget-friendly alternative, the Sew Easy travel iron is also great for simple pressing - and bonus points for being easy to take to classes!
Beyond your iron, make sure you have an adequate pressing surface too. I hate getting my big ironing board out, so I use one of these pressing mats most of the time instead as it's easy to get out and use on any surface. I also love the mini pressing board for getting inside things like bags and spot pressing. Or opt for a multi-mat that can be used for both cutting and pressing!
For the crispest pressing of seams, you would traditionally use starch spray. However, we prefer to use a more modern eco-friendly alternative to classic aerosol sprays, like this handy scent-free Best Press - which presses so well and leaves no residue either.
