How to Use a Heat Press for Quilting, Embroidery & Fabric
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Time to read 3 min
Reva's Tips: Things are Heating Up!
If you’re anything like me, you love all things creative—quilting, embroidery, garment sewing, ScanNCut projects—you name it! Lately, I’ve been having so much fun using the sublimation printer to create custom gifts like mugs and shirts, and experiment designing my own fabric for sewing projects.
There’s always something new and inspiring to try. In most of our creative projects, pressing plays a big role. Whether it’s fusing stabilizers, interfacings, or fusible web for quilting or embroidery, or applying heat set vinyl and sublimation prints, having the right heat and pressure makes all the difference.
Let's Talk About Pressing
Here are some best practices to consider when pressing during the creative process:
Press vs. Iron Explanation
Press-Don't Iron! Set the iron down onto the fabric placing pressure on the iron. Once in place for the needed amount of time, lift the iron up and place in a new location. Ironing is where you slide the iron back and forth. This moving of the iron doesn't allow the time and heat needed to do its job and may cause the items to shift, providing poor results.
Steam and Iron Settings
Use a Dry Iron: There are times when steam is either not your friend or that it is ineffective on the project. For example in sublimation; applying steam to the transfer paper is simply a waste of the water in your iron and it may hamper a proper transfer. Make sure to read the user instructions for the product that you are working with.
Ironing Over Steam Holes
Watch Out for Steam Holes: When using a conventional iron, the sole plate provides inconsistent pressure and heat in the areas around the steam holes. It is necessary to repeat the pressing process over the item several times to insure proper heating and pressure.
Reminder About Patience
Give it Time to Do Its Job: Giving your project the proper amount of consistent heat and pressure will make everything turn out better in the long run.
Versatile and Durable
Even Heating
Easy-To-Use
Why I'm Loving My Heat Press
I am excited about how fast I have been able to get excellent results by using a heat press. A good all around heat press has a smooth heat surface with no holes and when closed it provides consistent pressure to the fabric (better than I can do by leaning on my iron).
In just a matter of 20 to 60 seconds I have been able to accomplish what would have taken me 3 or 4 minutes. Just a few minutes may not seem like a long time, but we are all very busy and time and efficiency is so important, don't you agree?
Say Hello to the Momento!
If you are curious as to which press I have been currently enjoying, it is the Momento Smart Press. You may have not seen this one before as it is new to us.
What is fantastic about it is that it is so quick to heat up, closes onto the fabric with the touch of a button while providing 100lbs of consistent pressure and it even automatically opens up for you when it is done pressing.
This is a tool that provides its service to so many facets in the sewing room. You will enjoy the results and the time saved.
If you ever need help, we’re just a call or visit away - Call 1(800) 687-5175 to chat with one of our sewing experts.
Happy Sewing! - Reva
Can I use a steam iron instead of a heat press?
A steam iron works for basic pressing, but for projects that require even pressure and consistent heat—like fusible web, vinyl, or sublimation—a heat press delivers far better results. The lack of steam holes and precise pressure make a big difference in reliability.
What’s the benefit of using a dry iron for creative sewing projects?
Dry irons are ideal when working with materials like heat-transfer vinyl or sublimation paper where moisture can interfere. Steam can warp paper or reduce adhesion in heat-activated materials, so a dry press is often recommended.
Why does my fusible not stick well sometimes?
It’s usually due to inconsistent heat or not applying pressure for long enough. Traditional irons can have uneven hot spots—especially around steam holes—while a heat press gives uniform coverage and pressure, improving bond strength.
