How To Use An Ironing Mat

A magnetic ironing pad is indeed a great solution for small space dwellers.

How to use an ironing mat.

Then we spread the sheet out on the floor laid mark s ironing board on top of it his is the same size as mine and traced around the ironing board with a fabric marking pencil 3 1 2 inches out from the side of the board. In this photo taken at a recent guild retreat you can see all the condensation that forms underneath the mat as you use it. My ironing board simply isn t big enough and it would be a pain to keep moving everything around. One of the main reasons to use a wool pressing mat is the fact that you can use it just about anywhere.

But i often find that i wish i could press my paper pieced blocks a little bit flatter. That versatility lets you use any surface you have handy. Since some heat does make it through the mat if the mat is used extensively using it on a surface that is sensitive to heat like a wooden dining room table is probably not the best idea. Doesn t make much sense to me.

The iron itself irons both sides. I always use a dry iron when paper piecing and sometimes it doesn t see like quite enough. I use my ironing board with a good rowenta iron and steam. So i decided to make an ironing mat which turns my table into a big ironing board.

I was skeptical that an ironing mat would make much of a change in my pressing. This gives me more room on my work table and i can go back and forth between working sewing and ironing. I really notice when i get ready to take photos of fabric if its really wrinkled so i love that now i can just pull out my ironing pad and quickly press my fabric. Another good reason is that you do a better job of pressing.

I suppose it s ironic to need to use an ironing board to iron an ironing board cover that you haven t made yet. Ironing boards are generally pretty big and awkward to store especially if you don t have a dedicated laundry room or extra closet. I ve also used this portable ironing pad folded in half for a smaller ironing space. I d rather spend my money on an even better iron instead of a mat.

And just to be on the safe side i would not use the ironing mat on any nice wood surface. Precision quilting tools sent me a wool ironing mat to try out. So if you re interested you can either buy one for 8 or try your hand at it yourself. That s why i only use mine either at my ironing board or on a protected surface.

I m working on a bigger project that will involve a lot of ironing.