How to Make a Large Pressing Pad for Quilting

How I made a 24" x 48" pressing surface for my quilting fabrics out of 1/2" OSB, 2 layers of 100% Cotton Batting and muslin, using just a staple gun. Gripper Mat underneath is a good idea too :)

Thank you so much for watching my videos!

You can find me on the web at:

My Website: http://www.crazyshortcutquilts.com
My Blog: http://www.crazyshortcutquilts.com/margueritas-blog/
Google+ - https://profiles.google.com/105059483624209087199/posts
My Books - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JSDIHO

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• quilt
• quilting
• sewing
• machine
• pressing
• ironing
• press
• pad

[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]

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]

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 :)

[TheTigre812]

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

[CrazyShortcutQuilts]

@quilterstitch I had never noticed that - thanks!!

[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 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!