People are often surprised that you can press leather. Always use a piece of paper or a batiste press cloth to protect your leather from the iron. Use a Teflon shoe on the sole of your iron so that the iron is not quite as hot as one with a metal base. Set the iron at a medium heat setting. Pressing will help to remove folds and press seams open. However, seam allowances will tend to pop back up; they will not remain as flat as fabric does. Topstitching, edge stitching, glue or tape will help them to lay flat. Flatten thick areas by pressing with the iron first and then pounding with a rubber mallet on a wooden board. Always protect the leather with a press cloth first.