ILoveToQuilt

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.

quiltingcandy

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

PaperPrincess

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

ILoveToQuilt

So basically no use in quilting?

cjsews

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

GingerK

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,

AliKat

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.

QuiltnLady1

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

Jane Quilter

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:

ManiacQuilter2

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.