The Tailor Board (also known as an ironing anvil or ironing board) is a special ironing aid that helps you achieve professional and precise results—especially when dealing with difficult or curved seams.
History of the Tailor Board
The Tailor Board (also known as the June Tailor Board) was invented by June Kroenke. This passionate seamstress developed this special ironing board to make it easier to iron various garment shapes, and in 1962 she founded June Tailor, Inc. to sell her patented sewing aids.
With the advent of modern tailoring in the 19th century, specialized tools such as the collar board (Tailor Board) and the ironing egg were developed. The Tailor Board combined various radii and points into a single device.
Forgotten and rediscovered
After the tailor’s board had almost fallen into obscurity with the rise of mass-produced clothing, it experienced a renaissance thanks to the DIY trend and the return to high-quality hobby sewing. Today, it is often recreated based on historical designs or sold as a specialized accessory for demanding tailoring projects.
A standard ironing board is flat and not suitable for curves, corners, or tight areas. The tailor board offers special shapes that are precisely tailored to these difficult spots.
What makes a good tailor board?
A good tailor’s board is characterized by several key features that are essential for precise, efficient, and long-lasting ironing. Here are the most important criteria to look for:
1. Materials and Workmanship
- High-quality wood:
Beech is the preferred material because it is sturdy, heat-resistant, and durable. It should be sanded smooth to prevent damage to the fabric. - No sharp edges:
All corners and edges should be rounded and cleanly finished to prevent damage to the fabric.
2. Versatile shapes and curves
- Coordinated curves and points:
A good board offers various curves, corners, and points specifically designed for sleeves, shoulders, collars, darts, and hem edges. - Narrow contact surfaces:
These allow for precise ironing of seams without the seam allowances showing on the outside.
3. Stability and Handling
- Sturdy construction:
The board should remain stable in any position and not wobble, even when pressure is applied. - Weight:
It should be heavy enough to remain stable, but not too heavy to handle comfortably.
4. Heat resistance
- No damage from steam or heat:
The material should be heat-resistant so it doesn’t warp or get damaged when you work with steam or a hot iron.
5. Ergonomics
- Size and shape:
The board should be large enough to handle various garments, but not so large that it becomes unwieldy. - Handle or mount:
Some boards have a built-in handle or mount to make them easier to position or store.
6. Durability
- High-quality craftsmanship:
Look for solid construction without cracks or splinters to ensure the board lasts a long time.
7. Value for money
- No cheap plastic:
Good Tailor boards are an investment. Cheap alternatives made of plastic or low-quality wood often don’t last long and don’t provide the necessary stability.
Who is it for?
- Tailors: For professional results in custom tailoring.
- Hobby sewers: Ideal if you’re working on high-quality sewing projects and want to achieve crisp, clean ironing results.
- Anyone who values perfectly ironed clothing: Especially for shirts, blouses, suits, or coats.
What is the Tailor Board good for?
1. Perfect ironing of difficult areas
- Sleeves and sleeve caps: The board’s curves conform to the shape of sleeves, allowing you to iron them smooth and wrinkle-free.
- Shoulders and collars: The special edges and tips help shape collars and lapels precisely without creating wrinkles.
- Darts and hem edges: The narrow edges allow you to iron seams cleanly without the seam allowances showing on the outside.
2. Prevents unsightly marks
- Thanks to the narrow contact surface, only the seams are ironed, without the seam allowances or creases showing on the visible side of the fabric.
3. Stability and flexibility
- The board is designed to remain stable in various positions. You can rotate and flip it to find the right edge or curve for your ironing needs.
4. Professional results
- Especially useful for custom-made garments, challenging sewing projects, or if you value perfectly ironed clothing.
Conclusion
A good tailor’s board is a worthwhile investment that revolutionizes ironing and adds the finishing touch to every garment.
The tailor’s board (or ironing anvil) is an indispensable tool for anyone who values precise and professional ironing results. Whether you’re a tailor, a hobbyist, or a fashion enthusiast—with this tool, even difficult seams like sleeves, shoulders, collars, and darts turn out perfectly.
