How to Make a Large Pressing Pad for Quilting

[482milena]

i used an the door section from my Horn cabinet (as it did not fit into alloted space open). Is strong & good size for ironing projects + also doul=bles up as table to use with my cutting mat on it. Love your video's on saving money instead of buying un necesary expensive stuff that looks good

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

@482milena Good tip! Thank you so much :)

[TheTigre812]

If that link doesn't work, do a search on youtube for "Shaorn Schamber's Perfect Pressing Board".

[TheTigre812]

Hi Marguerita! I bought your book and can't wait to start your method - I even bought the folding table off craigslist for $15 (score!). I followed this tutorial to make a pressing pad before I saw yours:

youtube(dot)com/watch?v=4LGbXo­u_u4c

She put felt on the back. I couldn't find wool felt so I glued the poly stuff to the bottom so the staples can't scratch anything.

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

@TheTigre812 Great score on the table and yes, Sharon Schamber has some awesome tips and videos! I didn't see her pressing pad vid until long after I'd made my own, but we used quite similar techniques ;) What matters most is that you have a pad that works for you in your quilting area/studio and that you're happy with it.

[quilterstitch]

One last thing... I know that when Joann's has their fusible (by the yard) on sale, the ironing board fabric is typically on sale at the same % off (recently 50%). I hope anyone considering this will keep that in mind, if you are near Joann's & want to try it.

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

@quilterstitch I had never noticed that - thanks!!

[quilterstitch]

I had thought to put that silvery fabric underneath the top muslin cover, but over the batting. Ideally, I would try to think of a way (velcro maybe) to make the muslin top removeable (therefore washable, as I also like to use starch). I guess I will have to try it out on a small board for use next to the sewing machine. Maybe I'll find a small old wood cutting board to use (yard sale of course), as my test board.

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

@quilterstitch I never thought of an old cutting board - I swear you're a genius!  If you do this, let me know? Or make a vid? Meanwhile, I'll be on the lookout for an old cutting board too - I think this is a GREAT idea :)

[quilterstitch]

If you are concerned about moisture getting into the wood, I would just spray a clear coat of polyurethane (outside of course, where the fumes/ or overspray won't be a problem). Or you could wrap the board with ironing board silver shiny fabric ( the type w/o padding or quilting); I believe this is somewhat water resistant. If you're using your big board for ironing yardage, you may want steam, but you might want to go with the dry iron when "pressing" blocks during quilting, not to distort.

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

@quilterstitch I agree - good ideas! I have some of that "silvery" fabric, but I chose not to use it. I don't actually like how sometimes my starched fabrics will stick to it. I prefer muslin and so far, I am pretty happy with that. I also agree with you about steam - I don't use it. I replace "steam" with starch for yardage, and dry press blocks (no steam) to prevent them from being distorted during pressing. My favorite iron doesn't even have a water tank! QuilterStitch You're the best!

[karenafiae]

does the wood warp or smell from the moisture from the steam of the iron?

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

@karenafiae Hi, I have not had a problem at all with warp or odd smells. I used 5/8" thick wood, which shouldn't warp unless it's actually soaked. I use a *lot* of starch, which might mask some odors, but I am fairly sensitive to odors and I have not noticed any at all, and I've used my board a lot in the past year. Good questions!! Thank you so much for asking :)

[quilterstitch]

Hi Marguerita, I'm sorry I mis-spelled your name last time. What I meant about the staples, is that even the smooth top side of a staple can scratch wood or formica. You are to be applauded for not only thinking frugally, as I do, & thinking "outside the box",but for taking the time & effort to articulate it well & sharing your ideas with the world!

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

@quilterstitch Aha, I mis-understood! You mean the staple head. Because I pulled my batting around all the sides, it actually creates some padding on the back - around the staple head - but I was not clear about that too! These are excellent points! I need you as my editor :) Thank you so much!

[karenafiae]

@quilterstitch

does the wood get warped or smell from the moisture from the steam of the iron?



[quilterstitch]

Sorry I was off topic a bit. I would caution anyone that will be putting a board with exposed staples (on the back) on a countertop without the use of some type of towel or shelf liner under it (as Margarita has used). Especially for those who may put it on a nice wood dining table, in this case, you may want to add an extra piece of fabric to the back, even with hot glue to cover any scratchy surfaces (staples & exposed wood), Maybe you could permanently attach the shelf liner to the back!THX

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

@quilterstitch Hi, I should have said that the staples don't go all the way though the board - they aren't deep enough. The gripper mat on the back is just to keep the board very firmly in place, and because I am addicted to the stuff :) You have some great points and I really appreciate you posting them! ~Marguerita

[quilterstitch]

I really appreciate your mention not to use polyester here. I found out the hard way that the Boy Scouts don't have cotton sashes any more. I had to add the last 2 as my son was approaching his Eagle Scout rank & suddenly the sash started to melt on me. It only takes a second & you have crossed that line. I used a different iron:( Basically I had to get 6 new badges, a new sash & "move" all the other 31 badges. I will never have poly on anything I sew that requires ironing again. Thnx4postg

[meorchard]

i love it!!! the answer to the problem of "how does this fabric stay wrinkle free as it's folding on top of itself on the floor as i'm ironing?"....... and now i have the answer. love it! thank you!!!!

[terrieks]

Hi - What an easy and cheap pressing board. I've been wanting a board to use on the island between the dining rm and kitchen. It is much larger than an ironing board. I'm tired of cat dust balls getting on my fabric when it hits the floor! Thanks, Terrie

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

You're welcome Terrie! Your countertop sounds just perfect! Happy sewing and quilting, Marguerita :)

[msplantladi]

Hi My Name is Dee and I am addicted to Margertias Videos....U R The Best...thanks so much.

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

Hi Dee, Thank you!!  Marguerita :)

[eastsaintlouis62203]

Have you been reading my mind? I just asked somone how to make a press pad and cutting pad. What want is something I can take to work and have working board.

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

Hi, You might like a product made by Omnigrid that is like a business portfolio, it folds up like a notebook but it opens to lay flat and one side is a cutting mat and the other is a pressing pad. Each side measures 13"x19" so it's nice sized - great for traveling - that's when I use mine :) 

Marguerita