At First Stop Cosplay, we are passionate about teaching those new to sewing as much as possible about sewing tools and their uses. Decades of combined experience have made us experts in sewing tools and equipment. That’s why we do our best to spread knowledge by sharing sewing tips, tricks, and game-changing techniques.

A good, reliable iron is one of those must-have tools for sewing, but how helpful is a tool if you’re not sure how it’s used? Read on, because these ironing and pressing techniques are a crucial part of what we like to call “Sewing 101”.

Let’s see what separates ironing from pressing, and how each technique can help you achieve a sharp, polished look!

Ironing Basics

If you don’t already iron while you sew, it’s time to start. It's recommended to spend as much time ironing as you do sewing. Always refer to the fabric manufacturer’s instructions (or do some quick research) to ensure you use the right heat setting for your fabric. For example, silk requires low heat and a pressing cloth, while most cotton requires high heat.

In some cases, it’s important not to iron directly on the fabric, opting for steam and using your fingers to smooth wrinkles instead. In other cases, such as sewing with pleather, it’s best not to iron at all to avoid damaging the fabric. So remember, when in doubt, always double-check the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Importance of Ironing:

• Smooth Seams: Ironing the seam flat helps it lie smoothly and fit the body accurately.
• Crisp Hems: When sewing a hem, folding and pinning can be tricky. Ironing the hem before and after sewing ensures a straighter, cleaner finish.
• Professional Finish: Regular ironing throughout the sewing process leads to an overall better garment while helping you achieve sharp lines and smooth curves. Wrinkles are for bulldogs and raisins, not fabric!

Tips for effective ironing:

• Use steam: Steam helps relax the fabric fibers, making it easier to iron out wrinkles and press seams flat. However, not all fabrics play well with steam. Most irons provide a list of different fabric types with insight about when (or when not) to use steam.
• Pressing cloth: Use a pressing cloth (you can purchase one or simply use a clean piece of fabric, ideally lightweight cotton) to protect delicate fabrics from being damaged by direct heat.
• Iron settings: Always check the fabric’s care instructions and set your iron to the appropriate temperature. Most fabrics (especially those sold at retail stores such as Joann’s or Fabric Wholesale Direct) come with crucial laundering and care advice.

In the market for a reliable and budget-friendly iron? We’ve tested our fair share, and our favorite brands so far are irons by Black & Decker and SINGER.

Ironing Seams Open

Do you iron the seams flat while working on your sewing project? If not, it's a good habit to have. Ironing seams open means ironing or pressing the seam allowance flat on either side of the seamline. This results in a smooth appearance from the outside and ensures that the seam allowance stays in place, making it easier to sew subsequent seams.

How to do it:

• Sew your seam: Finish sewing your seam as usual.
• Set up your iron: Make sure your iron is set to the appropriate temperature for your fabric.
• Iron the seam allowance: Open the fabric and iron the seam allowance, then iron right down the middle of the seam.
• Iron around the seam: Iron around the seam to remove any creases caused by pinning and sewing.
• Check your work: Ensure the seam allowance is lying flat and smooth on the wrong side of the project. Then, flip it to the right side and iron over the seamline once more, checking that the seam lays completely flat.

Ironing vs. Pressing: What's the Difference?

Ironing and pressing are two terms that are often used interchangeably in the sewing world, but in reality, they refer to different techniques:

• Ironing: This involves a back-and-forth motion with the iron. Ironing is typically done the vast majority of times, throughout the sewing process and once a project is finished, to remove wrinkles and give the fabric a smooth appearance.
• Pressing: This involves an up-and-down motion, where you lift the iron and press it onto the fabric without moving it back and forth. Pressing is used in select circumstances during the sewing process to avoid shifting or warping the fabric, like creating crisp pleats, or ironing on a patch or applique.

Understanding the difference between ironing and pressing is crucial for achieving the best results. Some situations require either pressing or ironing to get your garment looking its best, and both are essential techniques that every sewist and cosplay crafter should master.

So, plug in that iron, select your fabric, grab your sewing kit, and start crafting an impressive cosplay, today!

Keen to Keep Learning?

Beyond this guide, we also offer a wealth of free educational content in our FSCO Sewing Academy, covering every detail of cosplay and sewing. We’re committed to continuously expanding our resources and supporting our community along their cosplay journey, so let us know if there’s a specific topic you’re curious about that we have yet to cover!

Ready to flex your new knowledge? Check out our one-of-a-kind, easy-to-use sewing patterns by exploring our shop, or read about what comes with every pattern purchase.

Our Discord community connects you with our team and fellow cosplayers, ready to assist with any questions or challenges you may encounter.

Interested in knowing what else makes First Stop Cosplay unique? Read this.

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Got questions or want to share your sewing machine experiences? Drop us a comment below!

Let's create something amazing together!

Written by Karina M.

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