DIY tailor's ham

The tailor’s ham is one of the most versatile and essential pressing aids. Steaming and pressing the garment as you sew is an extremely important step that helps you get the best outcome. Special tools and aids make this process not only easier and more convenient but also much more efficient. They allow you to iron hard-to-reach areas and also shape the pieces.

If you still don’t have a tailor’s ham, follow our DIY.

Here is what you will need:

• hardwood sawdust (softwood sawdust is not suitable since it may release resin and stain the garment)
• cotton (calico, satin, linen). Choose fabrics that don’t bleed.

1️. Draw a 26 × 16 cm (10" × 6") rectangle on a piece of paper. The size of the rectangle may vary depending on your needs. Round the corners of the pattern. Add 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance on all sides.

2️. Cut four pieces in the chosen fabric. Two pieces will be used for the inner layer and two pieces — for the outer layer.

3️. Pin all the pieces together and then machine-stitch using 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance. Stitch through all four layers of fabric. Leave 10 cm (4") unstitched for later turning through to the right side.

To reinforce the seam, machine-stitch twice, with the second stitching line going exactly over the first one.

4️. Notch the seam allowances at the curves. Use the opening to turn the piece through to the right side.

5️. Fill the ham with sawdust. Pack the sawdust well, especially around the rounded parts. The filling should be tight, firm, and even.

6️. Hand-sew the opening closed.

May your pressing be easy and your garments perfect.

Find more sewing tutorials here:

How to adjust a pattern for someone with a small waist

How to quickly and neatly press the hem allowance under?

How to make eyelets for the drawstring on a pair of knit pants