wesing

One of the guys in my Guy Quilter group asked this week if I ever used one. I told him no, but Nancy Ziemen used them often and it seemed like a good idea. I think he has purchased one because he said we'd experiment at our next meeting.

oldmanquilts

It's not a hammer. Not one of those videos advocate using it to "clap" the seam.

tranum

Today I steam pressed a block then set a wooden cutting board on it for about 15 seconds. Nice results !

love to sew

I found a point press at an estate sale. ( you can google it)it is made of wood and the base is a clapper or atleast I use it like one. I sew clothes for charity as well. I don't remember what I paid for it but I'm sure not much, maybe $5.

QuiltnNan

had to look up that point press LOL. I've seen them before but didn't know what they were called. I don't use either, but probably should look into it.
https://www.jacksonswoodworksllc.com...rs-clapper.htm

Onebyone

That's how it got the name. Tailors would slam the seam thus making a clapping noise with the wooden block. And it works great to do it that way, really flattens the seam just like the tailor wanted. When I use a tool I like, I research it and discover the why and how of it. Ask me about the seam ripper. LOL I have eididic memory as they call it so only have to read about something once. The way most use it now is because they never knew how it was done anyway. The videos are fine for using the clapper just not the way it was intended.

Stitchnripper

I got one after watching Nancy Zieman use it. It does work to make seams flat. I think it has to be used right after the iron comes up for best results.

Bobbinalong

From what I understand, the clapper is used to absorb the moisture of the the steam whilst pressing down on the seam. The drying out of the fabric whilst holding the seam flat gives the required result. The 'clap' comes from the noise of quickly getting it onto the seam as you remove the iron. It is not used as a hammer by repeatedly clapping on the seam.

I use my rolling pin method with a dry iron, but I guess it doesn't give the professional finish given when using the clapper. It is just better than using a flat ironing surface.

Batik 54

When I first started quilting, an older friend was helping me. She always used a wooden hand rail that she had cut various lengths to use when pressing. It is very inexpensive, and the flat side does not roll on your ironing board. You lay the seam along the rounded portion of the handrail and press. It does absorb the steam and you have really flat seams. I had gotten out of the habit until this discussion. I will have to try it again because it really did work well.

NoraB

I also put a 2 or 3 pound hand weight on top of the clapper and let it set for a little bit. I tend to assembly-line sew....so while the seams are setting on 2 blocks (with the clappers and weights on each new seam), I am trimming another 2 squares......then, pick up the weights, the clapper, move the blocks and then press the new blocks, clapper down and weight on top. Maybe I'm getting a little muscle? If not, at least the weights add some "pressure" to the clapper and I'm using the weights!