I use a Kool Finger on the hand that is holding the seam open (when I haven't already pressed it with the wooden iron) but sometimes the steam comes up around the hand that's holding the iron so I bought an "Ove Glove". It's a really high-heat resistant oven mitt/glove that's available at most drug stores or maybe even Wal-Mart. It has grips to help hold the iron and works wonderful.