KLO

Yep, I have a homemade Big Board too. It sits on my ironing board and has some wood strips on the underneath part to keep it sort of tight on the ironing board so it doesn't slide at all. It's very handy if you have to iron yardage. I also drew different size squares on it for squaring up blocks.

Mariposa

I've done it.

I covered 3/4" plywood (18 x 48) with that "silver ironing board" fabric, mine had a sticky back. For extra measure I stapled the edges to the bottom. I just lay it on top of my ironing board.

I personally prefer the silvery fabric as it stays cleaner than cotton because it doesn't soak up the starch like cotton does. I can just wipe the top of mine with a damp cloth. With as much starch as I use, I'd be changing the cotton and batting every month.

When I need my regular ironing board I just take the big board off and lean it against the wall.[/QUOTE]

*Ditto for me. Though mine is 20 x 60. Love it!!

w7sue

I want one ... they sell them at our local quilt shop for about $80!!! I am pretty sure it cost less to make one.

imsewnso

DH and I made one for my girl friend and myself. I purchased a 1/2 sheet of 1/2" plywood. We cut it in half so we had a 1/4 of a sheet each - 2 pieces 24" x 48". We used wood screws and LOCK washers to secure the plywood to the ironing board. Covered it with batting and the silver ironing board cloth. Works like magic I LOVE it. Mine usually stays up all the time, but as mentioned I have lowered it and used it to hold the weight of a quilt.

Vera39760

I talked to DH about making a big board to cover my regular ironing board. He was concerned about stability. Instead he cut 3/4inch plywood the size of my cutting table,30x60. If I need the whole ironing surface, I can remove my cutting mat and use the whole thing. I have a 24 x 30 ironing area all the time and can put my 24" cutting mat on the other end if I need the whole area for cutting, like for boarders. I'm very happy with it.

lockesnest

I have one of these that my husband and I put together. I was afraid of the wobble, too, but we used a piece of 1/2" plywood. At first I couldn't lift it! Then we drilled holes in it in a grid-like fashion, covered it in a batting and some canvas and it now works beautifully. I will say, when I put it up, it stays put!

PATTIESPEARL

I made one like that from plywood. It was too heavy and ruined my ironing board. if you could make removable legs for it, I think it would be better. You could store it in a smaller area that way

quiltingwifechick

Oh, I saw this at a quilt show one time I so wished I would have bought one. I love the idea of this one that fits on to your ironing board, how handy. Thanks for posting, I think I have a project for my DH!!

wolph33

that looks perfect-I need to make one for mass ironing days

QuiltE

I leave mine up all the time ... At the end I have a trimming station for smaller work, such as when PPing, and then iron at the other.