Pressing Tools and Methods

The following are helpful pieces of pressing equipment:

Ironing board — A sturdy surface with a narrow end; it is adjustable to various heights. It should have a clean, finished surface, and is usually covered with an asbestos or a cotton ironing board cover.Iron (steam and dry) — A steam and dry iron with a wide range of temperature controls, which is the most effective tool for pressing the many varieties of fashion fabrics.

Needle board — A small rectangular board covered with wire needles. This board is used while pressing napped or pile fabric such as velvet and corduroy. The needles prevent the pile from matting.

Pounding block or combination of pounding block/point presser — A smooth hardwood block used on fabric while it is still moist for making strong creases such as on trousers, collars, hems, pleats, and facings.

Pressing cloth — A small open-weave piece of cotton (cheesecloth) or muslin. The pressing clot...