Pressing is one of the most important steps in creating beautifully finished bags, wallets and sewing projects. The right pressing tools help flatten seams, set folds, reduce bulk and prepare your fabric accurately before and during construction.

Our collection of pressing tools includes wool ironing mats, seam rollers, sleeve ironing boards, iron cleaner, heat resistant pins and precision tools designed to help you work more accurately throughout your project.

Why Pressing Matters in Bag Making

Pressing is not simply about removing wrinkles. It helps shape your project as you sew and can make a noticeable difference to the finished result.

• Helps flatten seams and reduce bulk.
• Creates accurate folds for straps, bindings and pockets.
• Improves alignment before topstitching.
• Helps interfacing and adhesives bond correctly.
• Makes bag panels easier to handle during construction.
• Creates neater finished edges and seams.
• Helps prepare fabric before measuring and cutting.

Wool Ironing Mats

Wool ironing mats provide a dense, heat resistant pressing surface that naturally retains heat and reflects it back into your fabric. This helps press your project from both sides at once while the wool surface gently grips the fabric to reduce movement.

The Sew Easy Wool Ironing Mats are available in several sizes, from compact mats that can sit beside your sewing machine to a larger ironing board size designed for long straps, bag panels and bigger sewing projects.

• Compact mats for quick pressing beside your sewing machine.
• Everyday sizes for bag panels, pockets and general sewing.
• Larger mats for fabric preparation and quilting projects.
• Ironing board size mats for long straps and larger projects.

Seam Rollers and Finger Pressing Tools

Not every material should be pressed directly with a hot iron. Seam rollers, stilettos and finger pressing tools can help flatten seams, open allowances and create folds without applying direct heat.

These tools are especially useful when working with vinyl faux leather, coated fabrics, small sewing components and areas that may be difficult to reach with a full size iron.

• Flatten seams and reduce bulk.
• Press folds into straps and small components.
• Reach narrow or difficult areas.
• Work with materials that require limited heat.
• Keep your fingers safely away from the iron.

Pressing Long and Narrow Projects

A sleeve ironing board is a useful addition to any bag maker’s pressing station. Its narrow shape makes it easier to press long straps, narrow panels, seams and tubular sewing projects that can be difficult to position on a standard ironing board.

It is also helpful for pressing seams open when you need access to a smaller, more concentrated surface.

Protecting Your Iron and Work Surface

Regular iron care helps keep your pressing equipment working effectively. Iron cleaner removes residue that can build up on the soleplate and helps reduce the risk of transferring marks onto your fabric.

Wool mats and other dedicated pressing surfaces also help protect your sewing table or ironing board from heat and moisture while creating a more reliable surface for accurate pressing.

Pressing or Ironing: What Is the Difference?

When sewing, pressing usually means placing the iron onto the fabric and lifting it again rather than moving the iron continuously backwards and forwards.

This helps avoid stretching or distorting fabric, interfacing and carefully prepared sewing components. Pressing is particularly important when applying fusible interfacing, preparing straps and creating accurate folds.

Choosing the Right Pressing Tool

• Wool Ironing Mats: Ideal for crisp seams, folds, fabric preparation and everyday pressing.
• Seam Rollers: Useful for flattening seams without direct heat.
• Sleeve Ironing Boards: Perfect for long straps, narrow seams and tubular projects.
• Stilettos and Precision Tools: Help guide fabric, hold small sections and finger press narrow areas.
• Heat Resistant Pins: Useful when pressing folds, pleats and fabric sections that need to remain aligned.
• Iron Cleaner: Helps remove residue and maintain a clean iron soleplate.

Helpful Pressing Tips for Bag Makers

• Always check the heat requirements of your fabric and interfacing before pressing.
• Use a pressing cloth when working with delicate fabrics, adhesives or materials that may mark.
• Test heat and steam on a scrap before pressing vinyl faux leather or coated materials.
• Press seams as you sew rather than leaving everything until the end.
• Allow fusible interfacing to cool before moving the fabric.
• Use a seam roller or finger pressing tool when direct heat is not suitable.

Build Your Ultimate Pressing Station

A well organised pressing station makes it easier to press each stage of your project as you sew. Keeping a wool ironing mat, seam roller and precision pressing tool close to your sewing machine can save time and encourage you to press seams and folds when they will make the greatest difference.

As the Chris Lucas Designs pressing tool collection grows, you will also find additional tools for shaping, protecting and preparing your bag making projects.

You may also find these categories helpful:

• Interfacing and Adhesives
• Bag Making Tools
• Quilting Rulers
• Sewing Clips