A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

A Pressing Matter

November 26, 2012 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 3 Comments

We are often asked for sewing tips and advice on how we achieve a professional finish on our sewing, quilting and dressmaking projects. One of the most important things, in our opinion, is regularly pressing and ironing the fabric at every stage of the construction. This results in the fabric sitting nice and flat before you sew.

A good iron is an essential part of your sewing tools. Successful sewing relies on successful pressing. Without the correct pressing equipment, sewing can look too “home made”. Well pressed projects have a neat professional finish.

What you need:

  • Good quality steam iron, preferably a steam generator iron
  • A sturdy, height adjustable ironing board
  • Pressing cloth – this will stop the iron marking the fabric or leaving a shine
  • Appliqué mat for any appliqué projects or for when applying fusible interfacings

Many of the fabrics we use, including linen and cotton, have a tendency to wrinkle, so we are constantly ironing. We don’t have room in our sewing room/guest room to set up the iron and ironing board. We use the adjacent laundry and have the ironing board and iron set up. We have an extra large ironing board (135 x 45 cm/53 x 18 inches) which gives us more room to lay out our fabrics, when we have a work in progress. It also has a shelf at the side to hold the iron. It is heavy duty, height adjustable, and sturdy.

We love an iron that has great steam power – which makes ironing so much easier. A Steam Generator iron holds a large tank of water which will keep you sewing and ironing all day without running out of steam. You also need an iron that has adjustable settings so that it is suited for all types of fabrics from silks through to linens. We usually use a Rajah Cloth for pressing.

Having an automatic turn-off feature is something we look for. I can be easily distracted when working on a new project and it prevents me from leaving the iron turned on. There is nothing worse that leaving the house to do school pick-up, only to worry that you have left the iron on.

Look after your iron and clean it regularly (following manufacturers instructions). There is nothing worse that have an iron that leaks onto your project leaving dirty marks. If you are using your iron for appliqué  make sure you use an appliqué mat so that the sticky adhesive doesn’t end up on the soleplate of your iron. This can ruin a project.

The lovely people at Sunbeam recently sent us a Sunbeam ProGlide Plus (SR8700) Steam Generator Iron to put through its paces. Please be aware that I am one of the 5% of Australians that categorize themselves as ironing obsessives (Yes, that means I iron tea towels, pillowcases, tablecloths, all clothing. I do however draw the line at ironing underwear!). I used the iron over the weekend to iron business shirts, school uniforms, work uniforms, and general clothing; and then today to press fabrics for my next project! (I love Vintage Modern fabric – hope to share a new tutorial next week!)

What we liked about the Sunbeam ProGlide Plus (RRP $399)

  • The iron itself is really light, as the water tank is separate, and it is a good ergonomic design
  • Fast to warm up – approx 2 1/2 minutes
  • Produces lots of steam. It even has a steam lock function and can be used for vertical applications such as curtains. 
  • Great for delicate fabrics like silk. We just waved it over the fabric while it was pumping out steam to remove wrinkles. 
  • Water tank has a great capacity – 1.4 litres (this is nearly 5 cups full of water). Enough  to keep you ironing for hours without having to refill. Perfect for sewing marathons!
  • Will switch off after 15 minutes of non-use.
  • Able to use tap water. It comes with a a descaling tablet and has a Calc Cleaner reminder light (the iron has not yet been used enough yet for us to have trialled this feature).
Overall, it you are looking for a new Steam Generator Iron, the Sunbeam Pro Glide is well priced with all the features you need.
You can see how we made our Laundry Wall Decals here.
Disclaimer: This is not a paid sponsored post. We did receive a Sunbeam ProGlide Plus to review. The ironing board is our own. All images and opinions are are own.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

« Feather Baubles
Easy Chocolate Chip and Vanilla Cake »

Comments

  1. ~ko says

    November 27, 2012 at 7:42 am

    You can sure make ironing look fun! Those fabrics you used in your photos are drool worthy!

    Reply
  2. Gigi says

    November 27, 2012 at 8:45 am

    I love the fabric! Can you tell me where you got your fabrics? I want to make a quilt for my soon to be sis in law and these are the colors for her wedding. Thanks!

    Reply
  3. A Spoonful Of Sugar says

    November 27, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    Hi Gigi

    The fabrics are from coincidentally from XO Gigi Fabrics
    http://www.xogigifabrics.com/results.php?keywords=vintage+modern&Submit=Search

    They are a beautiful range and have a lovely feel to them. I can’t wait to get sewing with them!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

🏡✨ Calling all cozy makers! If your fabric 🏡✨ Calling all cozy makers! If your fabric scraps are piling up and your sewing machine’s calling your name... this stitched neighbourhood is ready for you! 💖Swipe through to explore 14+ charming house-themed sewing projects that are beginner-friendly, scrap-happy, and full of personality—from cottages to cabins, bags to buntings.📬 Want the full blog article? Comment HOUSE below and we’ll DM you the link to explore all the patterns and ideas in one place!🛒 All patterns featured are available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop—links in profile.📍 “Home is where the stitches are.” Let’s build something beautiful this weekend!Which project is your favourite? Follow along this week for more house themed inspiration.#HouseQuiltBlocks #ScrapFriendlySewing #FoundationPaperPiecing #WeekendSewing #QuiltingCommunity #SewingProjectIdeas #BeginnerFPP #CreativeWeekend #SpoonfulOfSugarDesigns #ModernQuilting #SewingInspiration #CozyMakes
🍄✨ Say hello to the Mushroom House Pouch—a 🍄✨ Say hello to the Mushroom House Pouch—a whimsical little project that’s bursting with charm and personality! Whether you use it to store sewing notions, gift cards, or tiny treasures, this pouch is sure to bring a smile. Ideal for stimulating imaginative play in young children. It’s part of my House-Themed Pattern Collection, and it’s the perfect way to add a touch of magic to your sewing table. Scrap-friendly, beginner-friendly, and full of fairytale flair!🛒 Available now in my Etsy Shop and Pattern Store 💬 Comment MUSHROOM and I’ll DM you the link!Did you know we have 14+ patterns with a house theme? Follow along this week for more house themed sewing inspiration. 🏡✨#aspoonfulofsugarpatterns #mushroomhousepouch #housepouch #scrapfriendlysewing  #sewingproject #sewinginspo #sewistsofinstagram #handmadewithjoy  #mushroomsewing #whimsicalsewing #makersgonnamake
🏡✨ Build your own stitched neighbourhood with 🏡✨ Build your own stitched neighbourhood with this charming House Quilt Block Bundle! You’ll get 6 unique foundation paper pieced house blocks, each in 4 or 5 sizes, perfect for turning your scraps into cozy cottages, cheerful cabins, and whimsical homes.Included blocks: 🧵 Heart House – 5 Sizes 🧵 Happy House – 5 Sizes 🧵 Cosy Cabin – 5 Sizes 🧵 Simple Shack – 5 Sizes 🧵 Charming Cottage – 5 Sizes 🧵 Birdhouse – 4 SizesPerfect for quilts, totes, table runners, pillows and more! 💰 Save over 40% when you grab the full bundle 🛒 Available now in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop (links in profile) 💬 Comment HOUSE and I’ll DM you the link!Which house is your favourite?#fppfun #housequiltblock #foundationpaperpiecing #scrapfriendlysewing #modernsewing #quiltblockpattern #sewinginspo #aspoonfulofsugarpatterns #sewistsofinstagram #handmadewithjoy #quiltblocklove #quiltpatternaddict #quiltsofinstagram #makersgonnamake
🏡✨ Build your own stitched neighbourhood—no 🏡✨ Build your own stitched neighbourhood—no planning permit required! This bundle includes 6 charming house quilt blocks, each in 4 or 5 sizes, perfect for turning your scraps into cozy cottages, cheerful cabins, and whimsical homes. Whether you're dreaming up a quilt, tote, table runner, or pillow, these blocks are full of personality and possibility.🧵 Save 40% when you grab the full bundle—available now in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop. Which house would you move into first?#fppfun #housequiltblock #scrapfriendlysewing #modernsewing #quiltblockpattern #sewinginspo #aspoonfulofsugarpatterns #sewistsofinstagram #foundationpaperpiecing #handmadewithjoy
🏡✨ Build your own stitched neighbourhood—no 🏡✨ Build your own stitched neighbourhood—no planning permit required! This bundle includes 6 charming house quilt blocks, each in 4 or 5 sizes, perfect for turning your scraps into cozy cottages, cheerful cabins, and whimsical homes. Whether you're dreaming up a quilt, tote, table runner, or pillow, these blocks are full of personality and possibility.🧵 Save 40% when you grab the full bundle—available now in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop. Comment HOUSE and I'll send you a link to the bundle.Which house would you move into first?#fppfun #housequiltblock #scrapfriendlysewing #modernsewing #quiltblockpattern #sewinginspo #aspoonfulofsugarpatterns #sewistsofinstagram #foundationpaperpiecing #handmadewithjoy
☀️✨ Summer Sewing Vibes ✨☀️ Looking ☀️✨ Summer Sewing Vibes ✨☀️ Looking for fresh sewing inspiration this summer? Discover cheerful motifs, breezy colour palettes, and beginner-friendly project ideas perfect for warm-weather stitching.From sailboats and citrus to gingham and florals, scroll through for a dose of seasonal joy—and don’t forget to save it for your next creative burst! 💛🧵 Comment SUMMER and I’ll DM you the link to my blog post with even more ideas! 📌 All patterns shown are available in my Pattern Store + Etsy—links in profile.#summersewing #sewinginspo #scrapfriendlysewing #modernsewing #handmadewithlove #sewingjoy #sewistsofinstagram #aspoonfulofsugarpatterns #fppfun
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • How to Make a Laundry Bag
  • Summer Sewing Projects
  • Teaching Children to Sew: A Fun and Creative Activity for the Whole Family
  • Make your own linen napkins Make Your Own Linen Napkins
  • Apple Crumble Slice
  • Make Sewing Part of Your Daily Routine
  • Hexagon Fabric Tray

Copyright © 2025 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar