Finger Pressing
 

I've never been too successful at finger pressing, are there any tips or tricks?
I am going to a workshop next week. We have been told that we can't bring irons. They will have some pressing stations set up, but not sure how many. I've only been to one other class with pressing stations and spent more time in line waiting for an iron than sewing, however, I might be just anticipating problems that won't occur in this coming session:-) Just want to be prepared!

I have fingernails which I find are helpful. They do have the little wooden or plastic notions that might help you do some finger pressing. I got mine at JAF made by Clover. EB use to use a wooden one. These have a small square at the end with a diagonal cut at the end that you use to press with. Have Fun !!

I have done this a few times when I am in a hurry. I push the fabric to one side, usually toward the dark. If you press your seams open, maybe you could put something heavy on top of them for a few minutes and see if it works.

Princess: What about some of those wooden pressers or just recently I saw someone using a caster roller? I'm with you a hundred percent, would be lost without an iron. Just can't get those flat seams any other way.

i just pieced a lot of blocks this way and it did work, but better when I shot a bit of steam on the ironing board and used the manual presser over that spot. Kept the seersucker bubbles from flattening and gave me a soft edge. I suspect the fingernail approach would be better.

hugs,
Charlotte

With all the technology available why isn't there a small battery rechargeable iron?

I find that if my fabric is well starched, it is easier to finger press....

When I try to finger press, I feel like i'm distorting the fabric. I would be lost without my iron.
Sue

I use a spoon but I hold it in my hot little hand and gives off a little heat. Also if you hold it against the sewing machine light bulb, it'll give off enough heat. A craft/popsicle stick works also.

Well, if there's a place to plug in your machine, could you plug in one of those little Clover mini irons. You could take a plug adapter that would allow you to plug two things into one outlet. Maybe take along a short extension cord, too. Also take a small pressing board that you could set beside your machine. Careful with those little irons, though, they get very hot and you can easily burn your fingers. Just an idea. I don't have much luck with finger pressing either.

You could get a wall paper seam roller. Works pretty good!!! I got mine at a hardware store I think... http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...3S92Z2XD6MR2S1

Saw a quiltcam of bonnie hunter's today (one of her older ones). She finger presses most of the time. She said she wasn't ironing it till the block was done to press therefore, doesn't even set the seams which I often don't.

Why were you told to not bring an iron?

The room used for the workshop may not have a big enough breaker to handle a lot of irons and machines. I don't know of any other reason a small travel iron would not be acceptable. Were you told no irons allowed or no need to bring an iron as they were provided? I would take a small iron and have it in case you have a spot to use it.

I'm guessing the venue's electric wiring can't handle that many irons. They draw a lot of juice.
...
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I actually think I have one of those wood gizmos... forgot about it!

If you have any of the wooden, spring-type clothespins, you can take one apart and use the rounded edge to fingerpress. Also, if you have a Purple Thang, you can use the flat end. I have a pair of snips that have a rounded cap, which makes a good presser, too.

I know at the Houston International Quilt Festival classes, you can't bring an iron. They usually have one or two set up in the classroom and maybe another in the hallway that you have to share with another class. This is because of fire codes and the load they place on your electric system.

I have used the handle of a toothbrush to finger press. It actually worked quite well.

Dina

Different sites have different rules. To me it would be rude and an imposition for someone to try to bring something they shouldn't. Especially irons, no matter the size.

Remember that irons are a fire hazard and could burn fabric or flesh by accident.

Likewise when asked to keep your work area to size, that means you shouldn't bring a large rolling tool chest or your own table.

You should ask before you go if you want to bring something else, besides chocolate, that is.

I am not good at finger pressing much either. I do however have a wooden roller to press seams by my machine. Works great.

I use a bone folder because my nails are short.

I use half of a wooden clip clothespin to finger press. It has a slanted end and is just the right size. They usually slide apart easily at the metal spring.

The funny part is that my husband sees it laying by my machine and puts it back together thinking it is broken and he'll fix it. This has happened numerous times and I just take it apart again and not say a word. It has now become one of those little unspoken tender spots of love.

I use my grandmother's darning egg (they put them in the toes and heels of socks to sew up holes) and it is so smooth and I use it to "finger press" my small pieces. Oh, yes, I am over 50 so you can tell that little darning egg is very old and very treasured.

finger pressing
 

I use a small wall paper roller (designed to roll the edges of wallpaper seams). It is about an inch wide and
works very well for pressing seams.

Dismantle an old wooden clothespin and use one side. You can get a sack of them for cheap at Walmart some dollar stores have them

How sweet!!

I've used the wooden press, and it's worked fairly well.

I use a wall paper roller that is used to roll the seams as you put up wall paper. It is a little wheel about an inch wide on a handle.

I think this is the best tip! It doesn't have to be stiff but starching really helps when you are finger pressing. I usually starch all of my fabric before I cut.

I use that little wooden thing and it works great. Years ago when I was in Paducah at Eleanor Burns tent sale, they gave us one free. Works like a charm and they sell these at most any quilt store.

Just grab a Popsicle stick and a soft emery board and create your own 'wooden iron" to take with you.

Do you have a mini iron or a bone presser/creaser (I think that is the name of it)-mine is made out of bamboo and looks like a large tongue depressor with a point on the end. I use the both of mine when I go to the daughter's in UT and I don't want to take a large iron/board (she doesn't have either !LOL). I don't really have any good luck with finger pressing at all.

I agree...quilting without an iron is like sewing without thread?

They should have the venue at a place that can handle quilters and our electronic devises, they all go hand in hand.
jeri....but I'm not a pro by any means

That is so sweet, my DH don't set foot in my sewing room unless he is grabbing one of his guitars. I know...strange to have 5 guitars in my sewing room, but I have to share ;)

Tessagin - what a great idea, using a spoon. I'll have to remember this . . . thx!

I remember my mom finger pressing. She would pinch the seams and then kind of fan fold them as she went along. Hard to describe but it doesn't distort the fabric especially if you have a bias. I have used the "little wooden iron" but prefer to do it mom's way.

I use a small plastic wallpaper roller on a firm surface...works great.

the little wooden pressing thingy works well.

I was at a retreat once where irons were limited because they take lots of electricity and can cause problems with thrown breakers I am thinking this is the reason as they know how many will work to save an overload

I love using the wooden clothes pin half as mentioned earlier. That beveled inside edge works perfectly. Just be sure to check for any rough edges first!