I am always burning my fingers when steam ironing a seam open or setting a seam. Is there a technique I am not aware of? Could I use a bone folder to hold the seam open while ironing? :cry: Thanks, Glenn

Hi Glenn
they have a thing you can put on your finger to protect it from the heat. Its like a thumble only its for the heat.

Some quilters don't use steam, others use a small iron made by Clover. I use chop sticks to hold the seams down when I use steam. I still steam myself from time to time. I am sure others will share more tricks of the trade.

I use half of an old clothespin, not fancy, but it keeps heat and fingers apart

I don't think you really need the steam for pressing seams open. Also, there is a mini iron that works great when working with smaller pieces. If I remember correctly, I think it is Eleanor Burns who just does finger pressing with seams.

I forgot to turn the steam off before trying to press and fold a turned under edge--ouch!

I sometimes use a flat head screwdriver. I love steam!! A bone folder work too.

I have a wooden stylus and when I can keep it out of my dog's mouth, it works great for alot of things. Also those useless (because the are never sharp)long letter openers would work. Mostly I take the chance and sometimes burn my fingers but I don't use steam.

A "wooden" iron works just fine for most things. It's cool and dry. You really don't need steam, it shrinks and/or distorts the fabric.

Steam hurts! A bone folder, chopstick, wooden clothespin, stiletto all work well. I utilize the point of my iron a lot and try to keep my other hand out of the way until the piece cools. I have asbestos hands from cooking, but that steam hurts.