Such a informative video! However, as far as the domestic irons go, I used to put water in mine (many different ones) but found that they spit and dispense steam and water droplets which I don't want. I switched to using a dry iron and a spray bottle that sprays a fine mist of water on the area to iron. This works extremely well for me and no more wet areas of fabric! I actually learned that tip from Martha Stewart years ago and it's worked for me ever since.
One of my favorite videos, was on the fence on buying one and it got me to buy one, am back to using steam press for the sorts of ironing I do as it's faster.
You are so right on two terms, one of them unfortunately. On the issue of not changing temps, completely TRUE. Again, I don’t know why, but it just works better on the middle and I do every fabric on it. For our 50th anniversary, I had my husband’s suit made from the same fabric as I used for my dress, and we were invited into the tailor’s workroom where he was ironing the interfacing on the jacket. He was doing the same movement hovering movement as you described with his gravity feed iron and I saw that delicious steam just gently glide the fabric and I liked what I saw. The year after, when my Di Longhi steam generator iron died, I searched around and decided that I was going to get the Star Gravity Feed. Yes, it’s heavy and my arthritis doesn’t like it, but the seamstress in me says it’s awesome. So, when I have lots of laundry to iron and I will be there for awhile, I take out my Household iron but for short ironing or when sewing, my Star gravity feed is there to work. With regards to burning yourself, I steamed a third degree burn on my hip which took me out of commission for quite a while; doctor’s appointments, scraped skin, and marked skin for years. I would sometimes iron out slight wrinkles with a regular iron which was not an issue, however, I pressed a pleat on my skirt with my generator iron and after an hour, the burning was bad and the next morning unbearable. The steam burned right through layers of skin! YOU ARE RIGHT! Thanks for your great information.
Such a good review on telling us how to line an ironing board, leave the setting on medium and buying myself a professional steam iron perhaps like yours. WOW,are these pricy!
Love your attitude and how savy and witty you get with irons. I have a profesional iron that I got years ago and stopped using, and remember it came with some type of sand particles to put in the water tank for it to clean itself. can you help me with that? mine didnt come with that extra tube that hangs beneath the water dispenser. TIA
So I found you hunting for a great steam iron only knowing in the back of my mind I probably am going to need to just settle for something normal. I was in the apparel industry on a major level for 45 years and yes I am old. You are correct about the temp/steam. As you mentioned in a professional level with a boiler you can adjust the temp but never do because its about the steam which is dry steam. How I miss bringing my cloths to work using the steam press and so fast compared to a iron. The days of taking anything with a wrinkle out almost for life are gone. 2-3 seconds on a sleeve and you better lean back to keep your face away. The new irons out there are driving me nuts. On/off steam no steam burst of steam like why. Anyway first time seeing the mid level thanks for sharing and nice shop. :) Was looking at your sewing machines in vids. X Commercial mechanic here nice stuff.
Excellent video. I had been checking out the different types of industrial irons and wasn't sure how the gravity iron worked. Your video explains it perfectly. I have a Rowenta steam generator iron and for the most part it works pretty good. But cleaning the tank is a PIA!!! It also spits if I don't keep it clean. About 35 years ago, I had a friend help me create my perfect big ironing table and I'm still using it. It is 8 ft x 5 ft and I've carted it all over the country. I use it for everything from folding sheets to big sewing projects. Thanks for such expert advice.
I have the exact same model gravity feed iron and love it!! It's my sewing BFF...it's in my blood now. I don't like using a domestic iron anymore because of how well the gravity feed iron performs. The only problem I've had with my gravity feed iron is we had a thunderstorm a few years ago and lightning hit the transformer behind my house which caused a power surge that was too strong for the surge protected power strip I had my iron plugged into. I replaced the fuse and it was good to go again. That's another thing I love about this iron - you can replace so many parts on it, making it more eco friendly. I do have a domestic iron for man-made fabrics but use the gravity feed iron for everything else. And, like you, that dial stays put (but, since I quilt, mine is permanently set on the highest setting to get through all the layers).
Hello Shae, very nice videos. After watching your video, I did purchase the same model of Gravity Fed Iron. Your links don't work in Canada. I think I have installed the reservoir and the iron correctly but I don't know what to do with large black spring, the 2 small springs that are included with the "kit". The usermanual is somewhat minimal. If you have a specific video of the your gravity fed iron, I could not find it. Tx Yves
I am very unhappy with Irons from the department stores. There are a few that are worth the $$. But very few.. I am a quilter turned into a garment sewer. Thank you for this video, its helped me understand how improtant a good iron really is. How high should your tank hang? I hope to hear from you soon.
I just got my first gravity fed iron. I’m in love. No more iron with a mind of its own always shooting off steam whenever it wants to. Plus I’m always filling that reservoir with distilled water.
Thanks for another great video, I've always wondered what the differences are between domestic & gravity fed irons...and now I really want one. I hate the unpredictable steam scenario on my iron. I do have a question - I have to use a press cloth on so many fabrics...even cottons sometimes, and even setting at the right temperature for the fabric...to avoid the shine. I notice you never do, and I thought it might be to do with the surface material of your iron, but I'm wondering if it's actually because you use more steam and less heat? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Hi Mary, I use a tefal 'shoe' on my iron. I have the Braun Carestyle 5, which isn't gravity fed, but it produces masses and masses of steam . I found the range via a friend, who had a simpler model, which has no temperature control on at all. Still produces lots of steam though mine is better.
@@paulinewright160 Hi Pauline, thanks, I bought the Teflon shoe and hated it, it just got in the way and felt so clumsy. I’ll check out your iron, thanks.
Ive just started watching your vids & fine then very informative... With ironing Im always worried that im just to sticj the material to my iron, ive just altered a hem on a rylon type fabric( very delicate) & im having to cive the fabric with kitchen paper to avoid problems with my iron!!! Any suggestions much appreciated. Thank you 👍
What are your thoughts on vacuum ironing boards? Also alot of people recommend pressing i.e no motion at all, with a damp cloth in between. What do you think about that?
I think the vacuum ironing boards require more equipment then I’m willing to purchase since I’m happy with the procedures I have, but as for the no motion ironing, that’s definitely a recipe for disaster for me!
@sewshowwithshae I was taught that pressing is more of an up and down motion with less side to side, and ironing was more side to side. To me, "no motion" is all up and down, varying the temperature and time down with the fabric content. Ironing can distort the grain of the fabric if too much pressure is used. That is why pressing is so important in quilting and sewing.
Do you use regular tap water or distilled water? Distilled to either prevent mineral buildup in your iron or maybe any deposits on the fabric if it does build up in the iron over time.
You can do both. I tend to adjust the fabric/garment the way I want, press the steam over the garment so the steam starts to work, then press the iron down on the steamed section and press steam again to ensure it's in the exact shape I want.
It can and I've used that method as well, on wool, denim, and upholstery fabric (so, thicker fabrics). Depending upon how damp the muslin it, it can provide a more even dampness to the fabric/garment and helps to retain the steam and heat created by the ironing process. However, in many occasions you want the fabri/garment to immediately cool down after ironing to retain it's shape (due to what steam and heat does to the chemical bonds in the fabric) you will probably want to remove the musling immediately after you're done ironing. It's not really necessary on thinner fabrics that are easier to create a crease (such as cotton or linen) where a squirt of steam works just fine. I haven't tried this method on man-made fabrics though.
What are your thoughts on boiler irons made for home use like the Rowenta units that generate steam in the boiler tank which is connected to the iron by tubing?
I always wanted to find a gravity fed iron, then I found an iron like you are talking about. It was at a thrift store and I got it. I personally think it's great. You can use it either way but in the steam mode you can shoot steam out in quantities sufficient enough to get wrinkles out of drapes. You can also control the amount of steam that it produces.and it sets on the work bench and you park the iron on top of it.
I’ve never used one before but I’ve also not heard any complaints. I don’t like having the water station right next to my work because it takes up room and it’s hot but there’s no reason it wouldn’t work!
Thanks for the video! I am obsessed with ironing. I have had professional irons like the one you have, Elna presses and a Miele Press…and I just found an Ironrite mangle press. The professional irons did not seem to last very long….Do you use distilled or tap water for the steam-or something else?
Always distilled, tapwater varies too much, especially from region to region, and I don’t wanna risk the calcium buildup because it be too hard to get inside of the machine to clean it out.
I bought a Zero Water Filter and use that to go in my Pacific gravity fed steam iron. I've had it since my wedding 6 years ago (gift from my mother in law) and haven't had any problem with calcification. I have had to replace the fuse twice, but that's more due to my long hours of use than anything.
I just replaced my quite expensive home iron, because like most modern irons, steam is only available if the steam button is used. I was wearing my hand out, especially when I sew. I found a commercial home iron, the only one I could find, that makes "continuous" steam. When you look for one, insist on "continuous steam" in the product description. I paid less than $50. They can be found.
Another advantage is that the gravity fed iron is more ergonomic. It feels more balanced in the hand, the steam button is in a more convenient place and it is much easier to use with precision. The domestic irons are bigger and way more awkward because the water reservoir is part of the iron.
I don't clean it, I only use distilled water in the tank so it should not have any build up. If the tube needs to be replaced, I take it off the iron and bring it to Home Depot and find the same diameter in the plumbing department and just buy new tubing!
I’m skeptical that most domestic iron go up to 400. I was recently watching a review video and a lady used a temp gun to check the temperatures. Both were expensive high end irons and one went up to 350 and the other 250.
I just bought this Sapporo and it’s kinda your fault. Lol. I am not even a tailor just a seamstress who sells on Etsy and my website a bit. I am setting it up now. I had been annoyed with my iron for a while and when it began barfing water everywhere last week I decided it was time to replace and upgrade.
My understanding is the gravity fed is what tailors (esp. bespoke) and design houses use. I also read the boiler demands a lot more energy…I went back and forth and finally decided on a Naomoto HSY - 58 gravity fed which I am love with…
Such a informative video! However, as far as the domestic irons go, I used to put water in mine (many different ones) but found that they spit and dispense steam and water droplets which I don't want. I switched to using a dry iron and a spray bottle that sprays a fine mist of water on the area to iron. This works extremely well for me and no more wet areas of fabric! I actually learned that tip from Martha Stewart years ago and it's worked for me ever since.
I do this also. Recently started using a continuous spray bottle. Love the even fine mist.
One of my favorite videos, was on the fence on buying one and it got me to buy one, am back to using steam press for the sorts of ironing I do as it's faster.
You are so right on two terms, one of them unfortunately.
On the issue of not changing temps, completely TRUE. Again, I don’t know why, but it just works better on the middle and I do every fabric on it. For our 50th anniversary, I had my husband’s suit made from the same fabric as I used for my dress, and we were invited into the tailor’s workroom where he was ironing the interfacing on the jacket. He was doing the same movement hovering movement as you described with his gravity feed iron and I saw that delicious steam just gently glide the fabric and I liked what I saw. The year after, when my Di Longhi steam generator iron died, I searched around and decided that I was going to get the Star Gravity Feed. Yes, it’s heavy and my arthritis doesn’t like it, but the seamstress in me says it’s awesome. So, when I have lots of laundry to iron and I will be there for awhile, I take out my Household iron but for short ironing or when sewing, my Star gravity feed is there to work.
With regards to burning yourself, I steamed a third degree burn on my hip which took me out of commission for quite a while; doctor’s appointments, scraped skin, and marked skin for years. I would sometimes iron out slight wrinkles with a regular iron which was not an issue, however, I pressed a pleat on my skirt with my generator iron and after an hour, the burning was bad and the next morning unbearable. The steam burned right through layers of skin! YOU ARE RIGHT!
Thanks for your great information.
Such a good review on telling us how to line an ironing board, leave the setting on medium and buying myself a professional steam iron perhaps like yours. WOW,are these pricy!
Love your attitude and how savy and witty you get with irons. I have a profesional iron that I got years ago and stopped using, and remember it came with some type of sand particles to put in the water tank for it to clean itself. can you help me with that? mine didnt come with that extra tube that hangs beneath the water dispenser. TIA
Such a good demonstration. Lots to think about.
So I found you hunting for a great steam iron only knowing in the back of my mind I probably am going to need to just settle for something normal. I was in the apparel industry on a major level for 45 years and yes I am old. You are correct about the temp/steam. As you mentioned in a professional level with a boiler you can adjust the temp but never do because its about the steam which is dry steam. How I miss bringing my cloths to work using the steam press and so fast compared to a iron. The days of taking anything with a wrinkle out almost for life are gone. 2-3 seconds on a sleeve and you better lean back to keep your face away. The new irons out there are driving me nuts. On/off steam no steam burst of steam like why. Anyway first time seeing the mid level thanks for sharing and nice shop. :) Was looking at your sewing machines in vids. X Commercial mechanic here nice stuff.
Love the non-verbal communication. Very animated!
You're so fun and informative to watch and I am glad I discovered your video series.
Your video made me smile on a hard day. Thank you for being so cool and charismatic!
Excellent video. I had been checking out the different types of industrial irons and wasn't sure how the gravity iron worked. Your video explains it perfectly. I have a Rowenta steam generator iron and for the most part it works pretty good. But cleaning the tank is a PIA!!! It also spits if I don't keep it clean. About 35 years ago, I had a friend help me create my perfect big ironing table and I'm still using it. It is 8 ft x 5 ft and I've carted it all over the country. I use it for everything from folding sheets to big sewing projects. Thanks for such expert advice.
I have the exact same model gravity feed iron and love it!! It's my sewing BFF...it's in my blood now. I don't like using a domestic iron anymore because of how well the gravity feed iron performs.
The only problem I've had with my gravity feed iron is we had a thunderstorm a few years ago and lightning hit the transformer behind my house which caused a power surge that was too strong for the surge protected power strip I had my iron plugged into. I replaced the fuse and it was good to go again. That's another thing I love about this iron - you can replace so many parts on it, making it more eco friendly.
I do have a domestic iron for man-made fabrics but use the gravity feed iron for everything else. And, like you, that dial stays put (but, since I quilt, mine is permanently set on the highest setting to get through all the layers).
I just love this Girl...She is so much fun to watch and listen to...If I was anywhere near there she would get all my Tailor Bizniz... :)
Hello Shae, very nice videos. After watching your video, I did purchase the same model of Gravity Fed Iron. Your links don't work in Canada. I think I have installed the reservoir and the iron correctly but I don't know what to do with large black spring, the 2 small springs that are included with the "kit". The usermanual is somewhat minimal. If you have a specific video of the your gravity fed iron, I could not find it. Tx Yves
I am very unhappy with Irons from the department stores. There are a few that are worth the $$. But very few.. I am a quilter turned into a garment sewer. Thank you for this video, its helped me understand how improtant a good iron really is. How high should your tank hang? I hope to hear from you soon.
Most gravity irons want the tank to be 3 feet or 36 inches above the placement of the iron but the setup instructions will clarify!
Great video! Thank you for posting 😊
I just got my first gravity fed iron. I’m in love. No more iron with a mind of its own always shooting off steam whenever it wants to. Plus I’m always filling that reservoir with distilled water.
Same here! In LOVE with my Naomoto HYS 58 gravity fed
the things you didn't know you had to have!!! you're killing me!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for another great video, I've always wondered what the differences are between domestic & gravity fed irons...and now I really want one. I hate the unpredictable steam scenario on my iron. I do have a question - I have to use a press cloth on so many fabrics...even cottons sometimes, and even setting at the right temperature for the fabric...to avoid the shine. I notice you never do, and I thought it might be to do with the surface material of your iron, but I'm wondering if it's actually because you use more steam and less heat? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Hi Mary, I use a tefal 'shoe' on my iron. I have the Braun Carestyle 5, which isn't gravity fed, but it produces masses and masses of steam . I found the range via a friend, who had a simpler model, which has no temperature control on at all. Still produces lots of steam though mine is better.
@@paulinewright160 Hi Pauline, thanks, I bought the Teflon shoe and hated it, it just got in the way and felt so clumsy. I’ll check out your iron, thanks.
They do mould to shape eventually! I think they probably fit a smaller iron plate better too.
@@maryhammond6959
You made this video so fun to watch!
Ive just started watching your vids & fine then very informative...
With ironing Im always worried that im just to sticj the material to my iron, ive just altered a hem on a rylon type fabric( very delicate) & im having to cive the fabric with kitchen paper to avoid problems with my iron!!! Any suggestions much appreciated. Thank you 👍
What are your thoughts on vacuum ironing boards? Also alot of people recommend pressing i.e no motion at all, with a damp cloth in between. What do you think about that?
I think the vacuum ironing boards require more equipment then I’m willing to purchase since I’m happy with the procedures I have, but as for the no motion ironing, that’s definitely a recipe for disaster for me!
@sewshowwithshae I was taught that pressing is more of an up and down motion with less side to side, and ironing was more side to side. To me, "no motion" is all up and down, varying the temperature and time down with the fabric content.
Ironing can distort the grain of the fabric if too much pressure is used. That is why pressing is so important in quilting and sewing.
That's exactly what I meant!@@janabeckman545
I'm glad I clicked on your video first, so informative👏
Thanks for the explainting! I have learned a lot and at the same time smiled a lot! ;-)
So enjoyed your video. It is so informative.
Do you use regular tap water or distilled water?
Distilled to either prevent mineral buildup in your iron or maybe any deposits on the fabric if it does build up in the iron over time.
Hello ! Review about ironing velvet please ❤ I sized down my husband’s trouser suit successfully after watching you video, thank you so much!
Hello I’m looking for recommendations on a good model of iron for the house I had a Rowenta that just stopped working thanks
If you can't put the tank up on the ceiling, maybe you rent, an IV pole apparently works really well
So do you press the steam while ironing? Or press the steam over the garment and then iron?
You can do both. I tend to adjust the fabric/garment the way I want, press the steam over the garment so the steam starts to work, then press the iron down on the steamed section and press steam again to ensure it's in the exact shape I want.
My mum taught me to put a damp piece of muslin on the garment & then iron. Would this help as a tool for more controlled steam?
It can and I've used that method as well, on wool, denim, and upholstery fabric (so, thicker fabrics). Depending upon how damp the muslin it, it can provide a more even dampness to the fabric/garment and helps to retain the steam and heat created by the ironing process. However, in many occasions you want the fabri/garment to immediately cool down after ironing to retain it's shape (due to what steam and heat does to the chemical bonds in the fabric) you will probably want to remove the musling immediately after you're done ironing.
It's not really necessary on thinner fabrics that are easier to create a crease (such as cotton or linen) where a squirt of steam works just fine. I haven't tried this method on man-made fabrics though.
What are your thoughts on boiler irons made for home use like the Rowenta units that generate steam in the boiler tank which is connected to the iron by tubing?
I always wanted to find a gravity fed iron, then I found an iron like you are talking about. It was at a thrift store and I got it. I personally think it's great. You can use it either way but in the steam mode you can shoot steam out in quantities sufficient enough to get wrinkles out of drapes. You can also control the amount of steam that it produces.and it sets on the work bench and you park the iron on top of it.
She mentioned those in the video as a true professional, commercial iron.
This one is a DeLonghi pro300.
900 watt boiler and 600watt iron.
1500 w total.
What is your opinion of irons with a separate water tank, like the Roweta Power Steam Station or the Laurastar Lift Steam Iron? Thanks, Ron...
I’ve never used one before but I’ve also not heard any complaints. I don’t like having the water station right next to my work because it takes up room and it’s hot but there’s no reason it wouldn’t work!
Thanks for the video! I am obsessed with ironing. I have had professional irons like the one you have, Elna presses and a Miele Press…and I just found an Ironrite mangle press. The professional irons did not seem to last very long….Do you use distilled or tap water for the steam-or something else?
Always distilled, tapwater varies too much, especially from region to region, and I don’t wanna risk the calcium buildup because it be too hard to get inside of the machine to clean it out.
I bought a Zero Water Filter and use that to go in my Pacific gravity fed steam iron. I've had it since my wedding 6 years ago (gift from my mother in law) and haven't had any problem with calcification. I have had to replace the fuse twice, but that's more due to my long hours of use than anything.
what iron is this?
I want to know the brand you use
If you can’t afford a professional iron a ‘rajah’ cloth will give you very good crisp creases and can iron out unwanted creases 😊
Cool, so which iron would you recommend for a house/apartment? Any thoughts on something like a Polti?
also started looking at a Polti but im not sure if its good for sewing though
That no nonsense "use it 'til it DIES!"
Thank You! Love your vids:)
my grandma also made her own ironing board from a big piece of plywood and stacked flour sack cloth.
Girllll THANK YOUUUU!!!
I just replaced my quite expensive home iron, because like most modern irons, steam is only available if the steam button is used. I was wearing my hand out, especially when I sew. I found a commercial home iron, the only one I could find, that makes "continuous" steam. When you look for one, insist on "continuous steam" in the product description. I paid less than $50. They can be found.
Can you share which one you found? Thx.
@ Phillips perfect Care 3000 series. Be sure to read the description and look for the word continuous steam.
Can u make a vid warming up tortillas on the iron?
Another advantage is that the gravity fed iron is more ergonomic. It feels more balanced in the hand, the steam button is in a more convenient place and it is much easier to use with precision. The domestic irons are bigger and way more awkward because the water reservoir is part of the iron.
Well said!! I didn’t think to mention the balance, but it has a huge impact you are right!
How do i clean the tube
I don't clean it, I only use distilled water in the tank so it should not have any build up. If the tube needs to be replaced, I take it off the iron and bring it to Home Depot and find the same diameter in the plumbing department and just buy new tubing!
You are mesmerizing
i watched a unpacking viedo of a gravity feed machine and they said you should always use a iron shoe..what are your thoughts on this
I’m skeptical that most domestic iron go up to 400. I was recently watching a review video and a lady used a temp gun to check the temperatures. Both were expensive high end irons and one went up to 350 and the other 250.
My old cheap philips iron keeps melting off the stitches, so I guess thats hot enough 🤷😁 I desperately need a new one! 👀
I just bought this Sapporo and it’s kinda your fault. Lol. I am not even a tailor just a seamstress who sells on Etsy and my website a bit. I am setting it up now. I had been annoyed with my iron for a while and when it began barfing water everywhere last week I decided it was time to replace and upgrade.
I sell on Etsy too and the water running out if so annoying
The in predictable steam😂
Surprised you don't use a Mini-Boiler iron...step up from gravity fed
Interesting point! The only real reason I’ve avoided them is the space they take up on the work surface, but maybe it’s time to start taking a look!!
My understanding is the gravity fed is what tailors (esp. bespoke) and design houses use. I also read the boiler demands a lot more energy…I went back and forth and finally decided on a Naomoto HSY - 58 gravity fed which I am love with…
And I LOVE your video … not only informative but so engaging!
if Ironman had a girlfriend it would be.....