Point Presser/Clapper and Point Turner

Point Presser/Clapper & Point Turner

Introducing a New Tool and an Old Favourite

It’s all about using the right tools, and if you are aiming for professional results, I recommend both a Point Presser/Clapper and a Point Turner.

Point Presser/Clapper

If you want to press sharp, flat points, pleats, and creases YOU NEED THIS TOOL!  The pointy part at the top makes pressing collar seams a breeze and the flat part (clapper) at the bottom makes pressing creases, pleats, hems, seams, smooth and flat with no iron imprint.

How I used it to press the collar on Jalie’s Tania Coatigan:

After completing sewing the 3 sides of the collar, before turning it right sides out, trim the corners, being careful to not cut the sewing thread.  Slip the corner of one of the short end seams over the sharp point of the presser.  Press the seam allowance open.

Repeat with the other short seam.

Slide the long seam over the point presser with the corner onto the point.  Press that seam allowance open as far as you can, then turn the collar so the other corner in on the point and finish pressing.

I recorded a short video to show you how.

NOW you can turn it right side out using another tool!

Point Turner

These come in bamboo and plastic.  I worry that the plastic might melt if I get the iron too close, therefore I prefer the bamboo turner.

To use it, push your thumb inside the corner to the point you want to turn.  Lay the point turner on the outside with the point at the corner. (Your thumb is still inside, I had to take mine out for the photo). 

Turn the collar point right side out around the turner, keeping the point at the corner by pinching it between your thumb and fingers. Use the point to “massage” a neat corner.  Don’t push or you could get a hole.

Finish pressing your collar by steaming it with the interfaced side up, then press the flat “clapper” of the point presser hard down on the steamed collar for 10 to 15 seconds.  Steam the next area and repeat.  The wood absorbs extra moisture and heat giving you the best press ever, with no iron imprint.

Top-stitch as desired.

Put that chop-stick and knitting needle back where they belong.  There’s a real tool in the room.

Where to Buy a Point Presser/Clapper

When I write posts like this one where I feature tools and notions, I’m often asked by you, my readers, where to purchase these wonderful items. (Read my post about fabric marking tools here) Since I prefer to shop locally (I live in Trenton Ontario Canada), I reached out to a couple of local businesses to ask if they carry these.  

One responded, Nancy’s Sewing Nook (She’s on Facebook) 

or by email  neastaugh (at) live (dot) ca  (no spaces, all one word)

Nancy was quick to respond, would be happy to supply you, and I especially liked her price.