ironing ham

**Sean Wilson** · 27th February 16, 05:40 AM

I'm working through TAoKM book on my first wool kilt and have almost reached the pressing stage... The book mentions the kilt aprons should be pressed over an ironing ham (curved surface?). I don't have one... would pressing the aprons on a standard flat ironing board work or not?

**Arnot** · 27th February 16, 06:02 AM

I use one. It seems to make for a better pressing job. Besides, if it's in the book it's necessary. I got mine off eBay.

**Lady Grey** · 27th February 16, 01:26 PM

Pressing Hams are so easy to make.
I have about 4 different sized and shaped ones I've made.
I don't have the book yet (hopefully next week in flies in from PA with a friend) however even if it's a ham on a board or stand they are still easy to make.

**Sean Wilson** · 27th February 16, 01:33 PM

I took your advice Arnot and ordered one off eBay. For the sake of £10 why not get one...

**Lady Grey** · 27th February 16, 01:33 PM

Here's a few

http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/20...-sausages.html
http://www.nobigdill.com/2011/05/neo...-tutorial.html

With stand
http://www2.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/FACTSHTS/CT-MMB-214.pdf

Personally I don't bother with the sand or sawdust..... I just pack it very very tightly with scrap fabric. (Of which I have a lot) I think a very heavy solid wool fabric outer is more important and it has to be SOLID and HEAVY to be effective.

Hope that helps?

**Sean Wilson** · 27th February 16, 01:51 PM

Thanks for the quick reply...

**The Wizard of BC** · 27th February 16, 01:53 PM

Technically these are called pressing hams. There are many different shapes and sizes.
Professional tailors have used hams for many, many years to impart curve into fabrics. Most notably in the lapels of jackets.

The pleats of a kilt are pressed flat. (notice that I said pressing and not ironing) Where you want shape such as at the curve of the hips on each side of the aprons pressing over a ham allows the fabric to take a non flat shape.

The reason hams are packed so tight is that you literally press the fabric over the shape. You do not move the iron back and forth. You heat the fibers of the fabric with steam. (Steam is always the same temperature) And then press down with force. Move the ham to the next location - heat - press. Repeat.

Almost every fabric or sewing store will have hams in various shapes. I get mine at Fabricland/Joannes. I think I have seven, of different shapes. in my shop right now.

**Arnot** · 27th February 16, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by Sean Wilson

I took your advice Arnot and ordered one off eBay. For the sake of £10 why not get one...

Glad to hear it.

**Sean Wilson** · 27th February 16, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

Technically these are called pressing hams. There are many different shapes and sizes.
Professional tailors have used hams for many, many years to impart curve into fabrics. Most notably in the lapels of jackets.

The pleats of a kilt are pressed flat. (notice that I said pressing and not ironing) Where you want shape such as at the curve of the hips on each side of the aprons pressing over a ham allows the fabric to take a non flat shape.

The reason hams are packed so tight is that you literally press the fabric over the shape. You do not move the iron back and forth. You heat the fibers of the fabric with steam. (Steam is always the same temperature) And then press down with force. Move the ham to the next location - heat - press. Repeat.

Almost every fabric or sewing store will have hams in various shapes. I get mine at Fabricland/Joannes. I think I have seven, of different shapes. in my shop right now.

Thanks Steve, you anticipated my next question about why a ham is used lol

**Lady Grey** · 27th February 16, 03:48 PM

Use of pressing hams
- When knotting Paracord I often sit one on my knee with pins through the cords
- pin, shape and steam rosettes for Balmorals on them.
- paper weight
- lots of other stuff
- Uhmmmm..... Don't throw them (they kinda hurt, event if the person deserved it)