Hot Ruler Large and Hot Hemmer Square
with Instructor Steve Butler
Class 159
What is it?
If we were to make a list of essential actions required to achieve our most lofty creative aspirations when sewing, pressing would be near or even at the top of that list. Precise pressing of our project component pieces during the construction process often marks the difference between a completed project that appears polished and professional or something that appears more homemade and amateurish. By pressing during the construction process we can ensure that intersecting seams lie flat and all of our component pieces can then be joined with precision. This cannot be accomplished if the component pieces are joined before pressing. Amateur or Amazing, the choice is ours and pressing as we go makes the decisive difference. Assuming that we’re all leaning towards “amazing”, how do we do all of this measuring, marking and pressing so that it’s easy, accurate and fast? Put down the rulers, markers and pins. They won’t be needed. Clover has two new pressing tools, either of which allows us to measure, fold and press in one easy motion. We can even set angled seams. This dynamic duo goes by the monikers Hot Hemmer Square and Hot Ruler Large.
What does it do?
Clover’s Hot Hemmer Square and Hot Ruler Large will bring new capabilities to Clover’s already existing suite of pressing tools, the Hot Hemmer and the Hot Ruler. These new capabilities are centered primarily on shape and size. The Hot Hemmer Square is a 6”X6” square and the Hot Ruler Large is 4”X14”. The new sizes and shapes allow increased capability. Both are loaded with measurement and angle markings. As with their precursors, they are made of a nylon based fiber board that does not retain heat during the ironing process so no waiting for them to cool before moving them and no burned fingers. Another feature of the fiber board is that while it will not stick to your fabric it will not slide either. It merely stays in place while you manipulate your fabric into place for pressing.
The Hot Hemmer Square and Hot Ruler Large have many useful applications. Here are a few.
· Measure, fold and iron any seam in one smooth motion. Measure, fold, press. Repeat as necessary for the length or your project. The Hot Ruler Large with its increased length makes short work of long hems. Both take all of the guess work out of making even, consistent hems. No last minute surprises where hem lines do not match up. Pleats anyone? Yes, you can use it to measure, fold and press pleats as well.
· Ever try to make a perfect 45° mitered corner? No problem. Just measure to desired depth at the desired point, fold your fabric along the miter line and press.
· The 45° angle on the Hot Hemmer Square makes it a natural for setting up all sizes of Dresden Wedges in preparation to make Dresden quilt blocks.
How do I promote it?
The Hot Hemmer Square and Hot Ruler Large are a fitting complement to existing Clover pressing notions. Both are tools that are truly intuitive in their use. When sewers see the entire line up they will quickly identify which tools can add to their creative experience in their chosen sewing genre. They can also be incorporated in every class, used at every retreat or even featured as a “Notion of the Month”. The bottom line is if you use the Hot Hemmer Square or Hot Ruler Large (or even see them used) you will want one or both for your very own. Years of development have produced a truly useful sewing tool. Using the Hot Hemmer Square or Hot Ruler Large will improve the quality of every measured seam, hem, angle or shape you press into your fabric. It’s a “must have” tool for every sewing studio.