sewing · Sewing Tools · Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Clapper Love and it’s Joys

So, recently I said that I’m not really a gadget girl, but good tools? That’s another thing! And, this week I fell in love with Angela Wolf’s Tailor’s Clapper.

This is my third Tailor’s Clapper and it will now be my last. It’s that good! My first went onto that great pressing tool bin in the sky when it was put in storage, got wet and was beyond unstaining and unmoulding. Clapper number two was part of a combo with a point presser, but I always found it awkward to use. It was too light, the handle wasn’t comfy and, all around, it just wasn’t a joy. And, I think sewing should be joyful!

The Clapper Romance Begins

clapper on board

And, then at the Sewing & Stitchery Expo this year, I met Angela Wolf’s Tailor’s Clapper and it was clapper love at first sight! I didn’t even know that clapper love existed because honestly, I’ve never used my clapper much. My exes have spent most of their lives in the pressing tool bin and only seen action when I was sewing wool. Because I thought that was the only job of a clapper. Silly sewing me!

clapper side

At the Sewing Expo, I attended a notions class taught by Joe Vecchiarelli, a good friend of Angela Wolf. It was quite a class! Joe showed and explained tons of notions in his class including the Panasonic Iron I bought and . . . . Angela’s Clapper. Joe explained the wonders of having a hardwood clapper (oak , I think) and how useful it was for all kinds of crease and seam pressing. Suddenly, the sun shone, birds sang, little bunnies appeared. . . okay, okay. . . . not so much but, I knew I had to have one.

When I told my Expo companion, Fonnell, about my Clapper purchase, she said calmly, “Oh, yes, it’s the best way to get a permanent crease. I use mine on everything.” Okay, then, where have I been??? And, she was right! I just finished a Hacci Sweater Fabric cardigan (blog post coming) and used it for the hems and oh, my . . . they look BEAUTIFUL!!

Three Steps to Clapper Joy

iron on hem

  1. Use your iron to steam the hem or seam as usual.
  2. Put your iron down and quickly pick up your clapper.
    clapper on pressed hem
  3. Hold the clapper firmly on top of the hem you just ironed for a few seconds.
    • Pro Tip: Not like you’re trying to push it through the ironing board or kill a spider. Just firm enough to hold the steam in. That’s the point. The hardwood clapper holds the steam in and allows the steam to create a magnificent crease!

clapper-length-rotated.jpeg

Adopt a Clapper Today

So, that’s it! I’m just bursting over what a cool, gotta-have tool this is. You can buy one from Angela’s site, right here. It’s not an affiliate link and I didn’t get a discount, so my reward here is improving your sewful life! I’m just SO impressed with it that I want you all to have one and I’m convinced that Angela Wolf’s is the best.

Angela, the host of It’s Sew Easy TV, had the Tailor’s Clapper designed to her specs. It’s easy to hold and use, not too heavy and . . . she’ll autograph it for you!! I didn’t get mine signed, so I’ll carry it with me to the Sewing Expo next year and ask her to sign it there. I do have a signature on the wrapper and a silver sticker at least!

That’s all for now. Keep sewing, stay calm, be safe and enjoy your i-sew-lation!! I’ll be back again!

Annette signature

Moment of Further Truth:
This blog includes affiliate links and I may receive a small payment if you make a purchase using those links. Thank you if you do – it helps to keep The Sewful Life stitching along and I sincerely appreciate your support. All opinions are solely and truly mine and I only gush about things I love!

3 thoughts on “Clapper Love and it’s Joys

  1. I love my clapper, which I got from Janet Pray. I will be using your pro tip from now on because I do press really hard. I do like spiders so they are safe with me. 😊

  2. My husband has made me several and they are awesome! Welcome to clapper fan club 😉

    1. Oops! I missed your comment, Linda – so sorry. What a wonderful thing to have a clapper making husband! Yes, I am a total fan now and it sounds like I’m in good company. 🙂

Leave a Reply