What Is a Tailor Board and How Do You Use It?

The Multi-Angle Pressing Tool Every Serious Sewist Should Know About

If you've ever struggled pressing sharp corners, crisp collar points, or smooth seams on curved edges, a tailor board might be your new best friend. This specialty pressing tool is often seen in professional tailoring shops, but it’s just as valuable for a home sewing room.

So, what exactly is a tailor board? Let’s explore how this simple wooden tool can elevate your sewing results.

🪵 What Is a Tailor Board?

A tailor board is a multi-angled wooden pressing tool for shaping and setting precise seams, edges, collars, lapels, cuffs, and more. It typically features:

Points and corners for collars and lapels

Curved and concave areas for sleeve caps and armholes

A long flat section for seams and pant creases

Often made of hardwood for durability and heat resistance.

Tailor boards are sometimes called pressing hams with edges, but they offer much more variety in shape and control.

🧺 What Types of Fabrics Benefit from a Tailor Board?

Tailor boards are handy when pressing:

Wool

Linen

Cotton suiting

Denim

Any garment that needs crisp shaping or precise corners

🔧 How to Use a Tailor Board (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify the Section to Press

On the board, choose the correct shape that fits your fabric section (e.g., collar tip, armhole curve, or side seam).

2. Set Up Your Iron and Press Cloth

Use a press cloth and steam setting for best results, especially with delicate or natural fibers.

3. Position the Fabric

Lay your fabric right-side down on the curve, point, or angle you need.

4. Press, Don’t Iron

Press your iron down with steam—don’t move it side to side. Let the shape of the board mold the fabric.

5. Let It Cool in Place

Let the fabric cool before removing it from the board. This helps “set” the press and prevents distortion.

🔄 Tailor Board vs. Tailor’s Ham

While a tailor’s ham is great for curves like busts and hips, a tailor's board offers:

Crisp points for collars and lapels

Sharp angles and edges

More versatile shapes in one tool

Use them together for complete pressing versatility.

🧵 Sewing Tip of the Day

For extra precision, pair your tailor board with a clapper to lock in steam and flatten bulky seams, especially on wool or denim!

A tailor board is invaluable for pressing doll clothes with small seams and collars. I always use my tailor board, which has proven to be a necessary sewing tool. They are inexpensive. I bought mine on eBay, and so can you at this link: https://ebay.us/DczPcE (This is an affiliate link.)

A tailor board is one of those tools that quietly transform your sewing. You may not use it daily, but you’ll be glad it’s there when you need it. With practice, you’ll wonder how you ever pressed seams, cuffs, and collars without it.

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