This may not work for you, but...
My sewing table is a Costco foldup table...maybe four by six feet? I take a sheet and fold it several times to just cover the table, then put my machine, etc., on it. I have a small travel iron that I keep on it, too. When making blocks and smaller things, I press directly on the table itself and it works great for me.
I do have one of the smaller boards like you are talking about. I, too, think it is too small for most things, but it was the first I bought. It does work. I have brought mine from FL to TN standing in the back of the van behind a chest of drawers and the pad has come loose...but I am going to repair it with superglue.
Hope this helps!