Tailor's clapper
 

This gadget, even though expensive, fascinates me but the videos I have seen are only shown with garments, hems etc. Does anyone have it and does it really set the block seams on quilt blocks. Nancy's Notions is having a sale and free shipping on $30 or more so putting in a free shipping order. Let me know if have this and like or dislike it.
Thanks,
Evelyn

Try this link here on QB. http://www.quiltingboard.com/search....archid=8986226

Link not working....?

Oops!! Just do a search here on the board for tailors clapper. That's what I did. Not sure why the link won't work. 5 different threads came up about using a clapper in quilting

so does anyone use them for quilts I guess I really am most curious about

I found a brand-new one at a thrift shop for a dollar, so I bought it (why not, right?) and have tried it out.

If you press with steam, I think it does help to sort of draw the moisture back out and make the seam crisp. But pressing with steam gives you the danger of warping the block, so I don't usually press blocks with steam. Using the clapper with no steam doesn't seem to do much.

So sort of a mixed result there.

For pressing seams, my favorite gadget is a seam strip. I think that's what it's called - basically a half-round piece of wood with a muslin cover over the top; you put it under the seam you're pressing open. I bought a set of 3 sizes and I LOVE those things. I hate pressing seams open but this makes it a lot easier.

I got one and have used it. Works fine. I don't always remember to use it, and don't always need it. I use it more in sewing.

It is good to use on a Bulky multi seam intersection.....must use steam.....purpose if it is to absorb the moisture faster than just press/steam air dry, and to really flattened that bulk. Yes Nancy's notions has one on sale. Good price...

I just brought one at Joanne's a week or so ago,when they had 70% off notion wall.I think it came down to $15.00. I haven't tried it yet. That was the first 70% off sale I ever made it to.

I purchased my clapper in 1955 and have used it ever since. Until recently, I used it only for garment sewing; but after seeing Nancy's video, I have used it on quilt blocks that needed to be flatter. I can't believe that I had never thought about using it for quilt blocks. It really works!

There should be a video on Nancy's Notions or Sewing with Nancy showing it being used for quilting, plus here is one for prize winning quilts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_5Xpl53HKc

I use one each time I press seams. I have about worn mine out. The handle is getting wobbly. It's an old model with handle. It's easier to clap with a handle.

My dad made mine. Easy to do if you know anyone who works with wood. Because of the shape and because I use it while ironing, I keep trying to sit mine on the end just like the iron.lol I use mine all the time. Some seams just stay open better with it.

I've used a clapper and seam roll lots of times but not for quilting. The clapper will help make your seam flatter. That's what it's for.... getting seams flatter for wool suits.... because wool is so thick. And the seam roll is for putting inside a sleeve that you've made to press the seam open. Sleeves are so skinny and the roll will fit inside, giving you a place to press open where the seam edges won't show through to the front side.

I guess I don't see the need for these tools on quilts. And, I've made my own lots of times. For a seam roll, use a magazine, roll it up tightly and cover it with denim or other strong weaved fabric. I usually fold the edge of the fabric under and stick pins in to hold things tight. I put rubber bands or string at the ends. Clappers are just pieces of wood with rounded ends and curved edges. Factory made ones are dented on the sides so you can hold on easier but that's not necessary. We had to make our own when I was in college.... tailoring classes.