The Tool You Didn’t Know You Needed

“Clap on. Clap off.  The Clapper!” That old commercial from the 80s is what I think of when I hear the word “clapper.” Even though that nifty gadget might be handy in your sewing room to turn your lights on and off, the clapper I am referring to is a fantastic way to get flatter seams when pressing. 

What Is A Clapper?

A Clapper (or Tailor’s Clapper, as it is commonly called) is a wooden block that, when used along with your iron, allows you to have the flattest seams this side of the Mississippi (and it doesn’t matter which side of the Mississippi you’re on)!  A clapper is usually about 2” to 4” wide, and can be anywhere from 7” to 12” long.  Clappers are made of hardwood.  Maple seems to be the most common, but they also come in oak and cherry.

Here’s How it Works:

1.  Iron your seam with your iron.
2. Use steam in your iron or spray your fabric with starch or water before ironing.
3. After lifting the iron from the seam, immediately hold the clapper over the just-pressed seam. Continue to hold for 5-10 seconds. 
4. The wooden clapper will absorb the steam and your seam will become super flat and crisp.  I mean perfectly flat!  Like magic!
5. Ooh and aww over your incredible perfectly-pressed seam.

What Can I Use It For?

You can use these handy-dandy wooden clappers for anything you are ironing. Tailor’s Clappers are perfect for quilting but they also work great for dressmaking, alterations, or any other types of sewing that you may be doing.  The name itself, Tailor’s Clapper, explains the humble beginnings of the Clapper.  Tailor’s have been using blocks of wood for this purpose for over 100 years!

If you don’t think a simple block of wood can make a huge difference in your seams, just try it.  I dare you.

‘Til next time,

Beth