Tailor's Clapper

A few weeks ago, at the Sew Savvy Retreat, a woman told me about the tailor's clapper.  She said the best way to get nice flat pressed seams was to use a steam iron and a tailor's clapper.  I ordered one from Nancy's Notions and I love it!  You press the seam with a steam iron and then immediately lay the tailor's clapper on the pressed seam.  The wood absorbs the moisture and leaves you with a perfectly pressed, flat seam.





Here is what Nancy's Notions (http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/tailors+clapper.do) says about it:
A trusted tailor's tool—handy for quilters, too

More details from our Sewing Advisors: 

• Press and flatten fabric without burning or scorching
• Gives flat crisp area with no shine
• Grooves for easy gripping
• Directions for use:
  • Step 1: Use iron to pump heat/steam into fabric
  • Step 2: Lift iron and press clapper down over the ironed spot 
  • See flat crisp area—no shine
• Dimensions: 2-1/8"W (at narrow end) to 3"W (at wide end) x 9-1/2"L x 1-11/16"D