Originally Posted by redmadder
Hitting it with a hammer? That's a tailors trick. Spritz with water, press, and hit it with a hammer. Sew right over it. And the Jean-a-ma-jig works too.
Yes. this is exactly how I was taught to hem jeans. Give it a few whacks with a hammer. I also have a Tailor's Board, a wooden pressing tool. Looks kind of like a sleeve board, but has no padding and a point to really press points. It's also shaped so you can use it to hammer seams. I think we called it 'clapping' seams. Used to make my husband's suits. Sheesh, what a lot of work, but we were totally broke. Remember hand feathering rolled lapels...