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.

I NEVER use the steam feature on my iron, i keep a spray bottle of water on the ironing board and use that to spritz the fabric before piecing; and if i need to open a seam for pressing i use a wooden pencil. sometimes the point to open and the eraser to hold the seam open while i press. i've been sewing for 45 years so i've had LOTS of burns...always looking for ways to avoid them...sometimes fingerpressing is enough to open the seam and get you started.

If they are small pieces, I just use the little seam roller from my wallpapering supplies and roll it right at the table. Works wonderfully!

Hi Glenn,
I don't use steam. But I think this maybe one of those
personal quilting things.
Some quilters use steam, some don't.
Personally I never saw a reason to use steam.
:thumbup:

I love steam and I fingerpress first then plop that 'ol iron down, give it 5 secs to sit and take it away. Used to use a tongue blade but since I am no longer working I don't have access to them.

I saw on Fons & Porter Tips to use a leather thimble when pressing seams. Suppose to keep the heat & steam away from fingers. Haven't tried it because I don't have the leather thimble, but it would be worth a try if I had one.

I use a used, cleaned popsicle stick.

I bet its fun to eat the popcicle too. :-) I can see me "borrowing" a tongue depressor from my doctor during the next visit too. He's kind of used to odd requests. One tongue depressor is really tame for me.

The little roller used to flatten wallpaper seams works really well. Has a nice handle so your fingers are out of the way of the steam.

I use a wooden skewer or a popsicle stick.