How to avoid iron marks when pressing seams?

It has probably happened to every sewist (and not only): you're rushing to work in the morning, ironing your trousers, you get a little distracted – and hello, shine marks!

Shine marks are glossy traces along a seam that appear due to an incorrectly selected iron setting or temperature. They are extremely difficult to remove, but much easier to prevent!

## To do this:

• always select the correct setting according to the fabric type (test the temperature on a small scrap of fabric or start ironing the finished garment on a delicate setting);
• iron only on an ironing board (on hard surfaces, you are much more likely to get unsightly marks);
• use a press cloth (a small piece of white cotton or calico);
• try to iron on the wrong side (shine marks on the inside won't add beauty either, but at least they won't be visible on the right side);
• to avoid marks when pressing seams, place long strips of cardboard under them (on both sides of the seam, under the seam allowances);
• use the steam function with minimal pressure of the iron on the fabric;
• use a special tool – a tailor's ham;
• use a special silicone cover for the iron soleplate – it will save you not only from shine marks but also from scorching.

In general, choose any of these methods – they really work, time-tested! And be careful, especially with synthetic and delicate fabrics. 😉