Two Wooden Sewing Tools I Wouldn't Live Without

Mary Ray, contributor

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A Point Presser and Pounding Block, made from sturdy wood, needs to reside near the iron in every sewing room.

Press seams open before they’re turned and encased.

Pressing seam allowances open first results in a flat seam that can easily be turned to the right side.

A Point Turner and Creaser made from bamboo is gentle, yet effective, and needs to be in every sewers toolbox.

A bamboo point turner gently shapes points and corners.

Use a point turner to mark fabric with a crease.

A point turner can be used to "finger press" seams open or to one side when sewing patchwork.

A Point Presser and Pounding Block, made from sturdy wood, needs to reside near the iron in every sewing room.

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In a sea of gadgets and devices that have flooded the sewing world there are two that have been around forever and should be on every sewers “must-have” list:

The Point Presser and Pounding Block is an essential tool for tailors, but this simple, no-frills mini ironing board is really the only way to insure perfectly turned crisp edges – no matter what you’re sewing. And the fact that it’s made out of wood makes pressing clean and easy. The Point Presser side is designed so seam allowances that will eventually be encased and pressed together – like those on collars, cuffs, pockets, waistbands, facings and more – can first be pressed open and flat so there’s no need to struggle aligning the edges when turned.
The Pounding Block side is primarily for adding pressure to achieve flat edges without adding excessive heat. First, steam over the area without touching the iron plate to the fabric, then press with the wooden block to seal in the steam with no risk of scorching the fabric.

A Bamboo Point Turner and Creaser has many functions – from poking out corners to serving as a tiny ironing board for hard-to-reach areas. They’re available in plastic, too, but in my book plastic isn’t as effective. The soft bamboo is less likely to punch a hole in the fabric when shaping a corner and when used in conjunction with an iron – bamboo won’t melt!

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Comments (3)

georgesbabe writes: I love my point turner...my husband made mine...I haver 3 or 4 of them...they are scattered around keeping my rippers company!
Posted: 6:42 pm on January 5th

MaryRay writes: I don't exactly remember where I got mine, but most notions' depts. should carry them. I believe it's a Clover product. I just now "Googled" Bamboo Point Turner and Creaser and found a few links, so give it a shot!
Posted: 11:58 am on October 31st

clematislover writes: Where did you find a bamboo point turner? I have a plastic one, but like you mentioned ironing a plastic one isn't a good idea.
Posted: 9:21 am on October 31st

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