Tailors Ham vs Press Cloth: Which Pressing Aid Do You Need
By Prymamericas.com: Sewing, quilting, and knitting supplies | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Comparisons
Tailors ham and press cloth serve different pressing needs. Learn which one suits your sewing projects and when to use each.
Quick Answer
If you need to press curved seams and darts without flattening them, choose a tailors ham. If you need to protect delicate fabrics from scorch and shine, choose a press cloth.
Why Your Pressing Aid Matters
Pressing is a key step in sewing that shapes garments and sets seams. Using the right tool prevents damage and gives professional results.
A tailors ham and a press cloth solve different problems. Understanding their distinct roles helps you decide which one belongs in your sewing kit.
Trade-Offs to Consider
A tailors ham is a firm, curved cushion that supports seams and darts while pressing. It helps you press curves without creating unwanted creases or flattening the shape. However, it does not protect the fabric surface from direct heat.
A press cloth is a thin barrier placed between the iron and the fabric. It shields delicate materials from scorch, shine, and water spots. But it does not provide shaping support, so you still need a ham or other form for curved areas.
In many projects, you will use both. For example, press a curved collar over a ham, then place a press cloth over the fabric to protect it from the iron's heat.
How to Choose Between a Tailors Ham and a Press Cloth
- Use a tailors ham when: You are pressing curved seams, darts, collars, cuffs, or waistbands and want to maintain the garment's shape. If you sew garments with many curves, a ham is essential.
- Use a press cloth when: You are ironing delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or synthetics that can scorch, shine, or water-spot easily. If you work with delicate fabrics, a press cloth protects your project.
- Use both when: You are pressing curved areas on delicate fabrics. Place the ham under the fabric and the press cloth on top before ironing. Combining both tools gives you shape and protection in one step.
Pressing Tools from Prym and Dritz
- Tailors Ham For Pressing and Molding, Blue: The tailor's ham from Prym has a cotton side for smooth fabrics and higher temperatures, and a checked wool side for lower temperatures. You can switch sides based on your fabric type and heat setting, giving you more control while pressing curves.
Tailors Ham For Pressing and Molding, Blue - Sheer Press Cloth: The Dritz Sheer Press Cloth is made of 100% silk organza and measures 22 x 30 inches, suitable for steam and high iron temperatures. It protects garments from scorch, shine, water spots, and press marks, making it ideal for delicate fabrics.
Sheer Press Cloth
Which Pressing Aid Fits Your Sewing?
Best for
- Garment sewists who press curved seams and darts regularly
- Quilters who need to press seams without distorting blocks
Not for
- Projects that only require flat pressing of straight seams
- Fabric types that are not heat-sensitive and do not need protection
