Thread: Tips for ironing/pressing large quilt tops and backings please

Is it possible to undo the top into quarters? These would be a more manageable size. Quilt each quarter to within about an inch off undone seams then join as quilt as you go. Hand stitching the back seam looks neater I think than trying to machine it down. Then go over the seam with a quilting line to match rest of quilting. Do this for each one and you feel the weight coming on and are glad you did it this way.

I do them this way as I hate having to manage a large quilt under a home machine.
If you don't divide you need to have something on your left to help to hold quilt up I use an ironing board. Gloves with grip, I use a new pair off ladies gardening gloves. And concentrate on the one area at a time just make sure rest not pulling.


Top tip plenty of patience.

Originally Posted by ruby2shoes

Thanks Dottymo..I do have a large quilting/sewing table including a side extension to my left, my machine has a 10" throat and yes, I always use gloves for grip. My concern is about the pressing and ironing process of both the top and the backing.

Sorry totally misread your thread. I would press in section on the largest surface you can find. Put plenty of soft fabric under and sheet on top before pressing. Then do in deliberate sections I use quarters for this as it allows for overlap . I can only do as maximum of 6ft by 3ft on one table.

For pressing large tops, I put an old cardboard cutting mat on my table for protecting the surface from heat, then two layers of beach towels, and iron it in sections. Since I starch heavily before I cut, this method works for me.

Originally Posted by madamekelly

For pressing large tops, I put an old cardboard cutting mat on my table for protecting the surface from heat, then two layers of beach towels, and iron it in sections. Since I starch heavily before I cut, this method works for me.

Exactly what I was going to suggest. I had the hubby make me a "Big Board" ironing board. Using plywood over my regular ironing board. Let's see if I have pictures, I know he used a half sheet for mine and the other half for his sister, laid down a couple layers of batting and covered with regular fabric, if it gets ugly, I'll just add another layer. Oh and I stapled it to the bottom.

When I did large tops and backings (queen size) I would just carefully press from top to bottom on one side then turn and do the other side. Just do it by section.