Do not try to press clothes that are damp from cleaning or otherwise. Allow them to thoroughly dry, when they will press more easily, and customers better satisfied, by giving them first-rate work.
When a garment has been pressed all over, examine it thoroughly for gloss, and where any appears, remove it as explained (in how to press hard finished worsteds.)
This process should be followed carefully when pressing all kinds of garments.
When pressing, the iron should never be shoved or pushed, as in ironing, as before explained; as it is apt to stretch where not required. Only heavy materials require heavy pressing or great strength. Whatever the material, pressing is work that requires to be done carefully and slowly. When pressing seams, allow the iron to touch only the center of the seam, then the edges of the seam will not be outlined on the outside of the garment. This however, is only intended for light weight goods, as when pressing seams in heavy material, it is necessary to press more solid.
How to press hard finished worsteds. When pressing hard finished worsteds, place under woolen press cloth, and sponge cloth over the part to be pressed, (wring sponge cloth as nearly dry as possible), and apply the iron, not too hot, allowing it to rest until sponge cloth is entirely dry. (This is termed by tailors, as dry pressing or glossing). Now remove iron, and press cloths and place a damp part of the sponge cloth over that part just pressed, to remove the gloss, if any, by applying the iron lightly, and slap with the back of the brush while steaming. Also brushing the nap of the cloth.
Avoid stretching while pressing especially the edges and collar, unless it is required, (and the presser understands where to stretch, and is familiar with the fitting qualities of the garment.) When pressing around the pockets, have flaps on the outside, and turn pockets inside out before cleaning, that all dust and dirt may be removed, then return the pockets to their proper place before starting to press.
When a coat or vest is placed on the table or press-jack, to be pressed, and one notices fullness along front edges and bottom, press fullness away by laying under press cloth and sponge cloth over part to be pressed and leave iron until sponge cloth is entirely dry, then remove cloths and apply a damp part of the press cloth, and iron again to remove gloss as explained before. Always have edge of garments pointing toward the presser. This may be learned and accomplished in a short time with little practice.
How to clean and press single and double breasted sack coats, motormen and conductors, also fatigue: Brush thoroughly, and if necessary whip with cane, being careful not to break the buttons on the garment. Turn all pockets inside out, and have flaps on the outside. Remove all spots; special care must be taken to remove grease and dirt from the collar, also the fronts, with the cleaning fluid. Place on coat hangers and when dry, proceed to press as follows:
Have coat lying on the table or tailor's bench to the right, draw the right cuff over the small end of the press-jack which should be pointing to the right. Lay the sponge cloths over that part of the garment to be pressed, (which you have prepared by wetting in a pail or basin of warm water used for that purpose and wrung until almost dry), then apply the iron until the sponge cloths shows sign of drying. Then remove the sponge cloths and iron, and slap with the back of brush (as has been explained.)
Continue this around the right sleeve cuff, and also the left. Then with the coat in the same position, reverse the press-jack and place the right sleeve, top side up on the large end of the press-jack, being careful to have the sleeve smoothed out nicely, then lay sponge cloths over and apply the iron, pressing full length and width, up and down the sleeve, (being careful to see that no wrinkles are pressed in the sleeve.)