Try 'how to quilt using a tailor clapper by Angela Wolf' this is a utube but can't copy and paste so I hope I have remembered it correctly. I did a google search pressing clapper for quilting and found some explanations.

What a great class to get to attend. Was it put on by your LQS or someplace else. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

I never use steam. If I need moisture I use a spray bottle.

The Steady Betty is a foam substance that grips fabric and does not melt when ironed. When you iron your blocks or patches, the fabric won't move or slide around. It comes in several different forms, such as a 14" x 14" board, or an ironing board cover. It works great and I like it, but it can get rather expensive. I've found that covering my ironing board with cotton duck works just as well. Having said that, I have purchased Steady Betty foam strips for my rulers. No more slipping while I'm cutting fabric. :)

Here is a site with a picture of a clapper on Amazon. I have a big one and a smaller one. An appliqué instructor also said a small block of wood that is clean and well sanded works just as well, except you don't have the handy handle for applying pressure. They really do work - they absorb the heat from the fabric. It's like magic!

http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Hand-In...essing+clapper

Checked out pressing clapper on YouTube and Amazon. Added it to my wish list. Thanks for the hints?

thanks for the photo link. I have seen these for years and years and never knew what they were for! Duhhhh! Why did I not ask? I just learned my new thing for today!

This workshop was at the Home Ext. office.

If you can find the foam back vinyl to cover a thin board (foam side out) it will work the same as the Steady Betty. No, nothing melts. The foam back vinyl use to be sold at most fabric shops for outdoor use. I haven't seen any in a long time in the stores. The Steady Betty is well made, two covered boards together. I used a 40% off coupon for Joanns online to buy the largest size. June Tailor use to make the smaller clapper but discontinued it. Golden Hands now makes the new ones with and without point presser. Nancy Notions sells them. If you find one at a yard sale, grab it. The older ones cost a fortune.

Thanks for the pic. I also have seen these and wondered what they were. Thanks for the post and all the tips. One more I heard the quilt teacher say the other day. We iron clothes,we press quilt blocks. I try to remember this now. Next time I see a clapper I will know what it is and buy one.