I have two ironing boards that I did this to and love them now. What they came with was too thin.

We had some carpeting laid in a few rooms and I saved the padding that was left over. Took it and cut it out to the size and shape of the ironing board. Laid it on top of the board and then covered it with flannel. Then made a cover out of cute fabric and stretched it over the two layers and gathered underneath with the drawstring I put around the cover. Looks great and nice and padded. Cheap and you don't waste any batting!

Hi: I use towels on my regular ironing board, but had not thought of a TV tray. I have some old wooden TV trays stored in the attic, so with all the ideas, I'll make one up for next to my sewing table. I hate getting up and down to use the ironing board. GiGi

Iron your clothes?!

was wondering the same thing so glad to see these posts

my hubby built me a 'big board' that fits over the usual ironing board, I covered it with cotton batting, terry cloth and then muslin........ then drew out some different size squares on it with marker. they help alot when pressing out blocks to a certain size!

I would go with the low loft cotton batting. I wouldn't think a towel would be firm enough. You want it to be firm to press seams for quilting.

I use 2 layers of cotton batting and it really holds up well. My husband made me a big board that fits over the top of my ironing board and I love it. They are well worth the effort of making and covering them.

I buy a quilted cotton mattress cover from the thrift store and use that thick top layer for the lining. I also use it for the inside of potholders, hot pads, etc. They are usually only a couple dollars for a twin or full size and go a long way in projects.

Use batting and insolate.

Less is better for pressing fabric and blocks. If your padding is to thick, the iron sinks down and it can distort the shape of the block. A few layers of warm and natural is just right :D:D:D