Machines & tools

A smooth, flat hardwood block pressed onto a just-steamed seam or edge to flatten and set a sharp crease as it cools.

A narrow wooden tool with pointed ends used to press open the seam allowances inside sharp corners such as collar points and cuffs.

A padded, glove-shaped pressing cushion worn on the hand, used to press curved and hard-to-reach garment areas such as shoulders and sleeve caps.

A layer of fabric placed between the iron and the garment to protect delicate materials from direct heat, shine, and scorch marks.

A firmly stuffed cylindrical cushion placed under a seam to press it open from the right side without leaving a ridge imprint on the fabric.

A narrow, two-tiered miniature ironing board sized to fit inside a sleeve or other tight tubular garment section for pressing without creasing the opposite side.

An iron that releases pressurized steam through vents in its soleplate to help relax fibers and set creases and seams.