What is a "Ham" Used For?
 

Was in the notions area of my local JAF and saw a "ham" (padded doodad). What is it used for and would it be of any help with quilting?

Thanks.

We used them in making clothes for ironing sleeves and darts - it helped keeping them curved and avoided creases.

As quilting candy said, it's used in garment construction for curved seams. It's full name is a Tailor's Ham.

So basically no use in quilting?

I don't think there would be any use in quilting since you want your blocks flat

I disagree. It is really good for ironing multiple seams that go in the same direction. Hard to explain but I will try. If you have ever tired to press a seam close to another seam in the same direction and found the other one was pushed the wrong way, this thingy helps because of its curve.

Edited to add that I had one of these puppies in my sewing room for year because I used to sew clothing. Then read a thread about using a piece of half round wood dowel padded with batting for the same purpose-- being able to iron one seam without messing with the other seams in the vicinity. Works a treat! Used it on a Bargello,

I also use my different tailor's hams. The sleeve ham I use when pressing straight seams as the fabric weight is such that there is never a pucker or tuck or mistake with pressing. It is higher than using a dowel with batting thus more functional, especially with my arthritis.
The regular ham shaped ham I use for curved seams, I only want to iron the curves.
Both are great with my sewing.

Ditto -- I use the tailors' hams when pressing block seams. It really helps get the seams flat.

Yes, The Tailor's Ham is for garment construction to press curves and shapes. But I Made this Quilter's Tailor ham as mentioned by AliKat above. I got the Half Dowel Rod at the Lumber Store. I chose a 2 inch diameter rod and covered it with batting and heat resistant fabric that I use for hot pads. I made mine 60 inches long. I put my seams on it and iron on top of the curve to get a really flat seam like when you add a boarder to a quilt. Works great. See picture below:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...psbohrhuyk.jpg

I agree. I never bought one when I was sewing clothes and I don't think that I have needed one in the 30+years I have been quilting.