Do you have a "mini iron"?
 

I will be starting my first needle turn applique quilt soon, if you have or have used a mini iron, like the Clover brand, please share your experience. Will it be helpful with hand applique? I have seen them in Michael's Craft store and before I invest $25 I would love to hear your comments. Also, would like to say how much I love this board. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and I look forward to signing on each morning. I truly appreciate all the work that was one to update this message board and to all of the moderators who work so hard to bring it to us without fail. Thank you!

This truly is the greatest board! I have the Clover mini iron and love it. I have an iron mat on the right side of my sewing machine and my mini iron which I keep in a coffee mug. It's so handy, especially for small items that are pieced or paper pieced. I do needle turn applique, but have never used the iron for that; although, I do use it when I do machine fusible applique.

I have one but do not use it as much as I thought I would. I find its best use is the fusible bias. As for using it while doing regular peicing... I am a steam kinda gal.. and the mini just does not have it.

i have 3 different mini irons- including the clover which is great for stained glass applique. i have never used any iron for needle turn applique- since that is a hand project- and i am usually sitting watching tv- or waiting somewhere when working on it- have never thought of a reason to have an iron around for needle turn= not sure what you would need it for???

I have the Clover mini iron with the changeble tips, LOVE it!! I use it ALWAYS for paper piecing.

Well, I have the Clover iron, and I am such a klutz, I burn my hand 50% of the time when I use it. I am a big girl and now I use a big iron.

Someone at a quilt show recently was demonstrating how to prepare the pieces for appliqué. She had a mini iron in a coffee mug and some liquid starch. She painted the starch on the edge of the piece and then ironed it. The templates were made out of Mylar plastic. It was a very efficient method of preparing the pieces to be appliquéd. When the edge was ironed down, she took the plastic out.
Sue

Yep I have one and yep I use it. I've had mine on for three days straight. Some people even use it for pressing seams when piecing, it doesn't stretch the fabric out of shape as bad as a regular iron. I personally think its worth the investment. There are times when I don't use it as much but when I do need it I'm glad I have it, saves me from burning my fingers. If you are new to applique you might want to go to Onepieceatatime website. Erin Russek has some great tutorials there for perfect applique and she also has a wonderful FREE BOM. Good luck with your quilt!

gracious...try ebay or even joanns first....$25 is a bit much...though I have the plain clover and the one with attachments and use them a LOT...