This is what I did! Bought an old wool blanket at the thrift store for 8$ and put it on my ironing board to press my blocks. I the result!

Eleanor Burns/Quilt in a Day has the wool mats "on sale" for over 50% off in case anyone is interested.

I bought a piece of wool like this also. I covered the top of a dresser for a large ironing surface. I also have a small table covered for ironing smaller items. I love, love it.

being a thrifty bottom feeder... I cut open an old wool sock to test run the whole idea of 'presses flatter'.
I couldn't seen any difference :)

I just ordered a 100% wool 3/8 inch 3 ft by 4 ft for $38.41 you choose your size......
https://ecorugpads.com/wool-rug-pads...s-cushion.html

there is a discount code at the top of the site

I have ordered from eco rug as well. Note that you select the width (short side) and the length makes no difference in the price. If you want it 3 ft long, same price as 6 ft. I believe they cut it off a wide roll. So order it longer and cut it up

Are the ones from eco-rug 100% wool and nothing else? eta: after reading it looks like the wool ones are wool only. The "felt" ones may have other ingredients in them. Are the wool pads helpful if you don't use steam? I always use a spray bottle.

You wouldn't. The sock is soft not felted to 1/2 thick and not rigid like the wool pressing mats. You can't fold a wool pressing mat no matter how small. A wool pressing surface is soft and can be folded like a blanket.

So does that mean these 1/4" thick wool pressing surfaces don't really have any benefit beyond being a padded surface?