I made one using a board to fit my space. I stapled one layer of cotton batting and then cotton duck canvas over that. I then wet it and let it dry. The canvas shrunk and it's very smooth and tight.

Missouri Star Co has a tutorial on making an ironing surface. Take a look.

Thanks for all the suggestions. You guys are the best! :thumbup: :-D

I bought several of these for gifts when I was in Paducah. At QIAD sale barn they were $5 each. You can slip them over any padded surface, easy to take off and wash. They are very thick and well made. The ones there were bigger and squarer then the ones on the website but made the same.


There will be a 30% off sale at QIAD on everything during the July 4th weekend.

http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponlin...lay.asp?i=2610

I went back and read the reviews for this so just a word of caution.....moisture seems to collect underneath when using steam or in a moist/humid climant. This would be a problem for me.

I have one and yes it's thin and not good on wood or plastic...It was Fons & Porter...I made one with insul brite, and same problem...
So I went to Joann's and bought the June Taylor ironing pad/bd...nice and thick and no problems with heat going thru that since it has wood and a thick padding...You can find it in the ruler section

I simply use a piece of white flannel, folded several times so it's about 8 layers thick. It sits right next to my sewing machine on the table. I don't use steam, and this system works great for me. If I need steam, starch, or am pressing large pieces, I use the ironing board.

I purchased a 24" x 24" piece of luan board at Home Depot and had my DH cut it up in smaller pieces. One is of the sizes he cut is 12" x 12". Others will be smaller for use with my tiny travel iron.

I am planning to cover it with two layers of warm and natural and then a layer of heavy muslin. I will staple each layer on the back after wrapping it tightly over the top.

Luan is underlayment and will not let steam through, or so I have been told. I actually will be using this ironing mat on top of a TV tray (not attached to the TV tray like some do) that I bought at Walmart for under $16. It is black and very sturdy. It is usually located in the furniture section.

I have the mat that comes with an Omnigrid cutting mat and an ironing section but I have to think~~as though I want to rub my tummy and pat my head at the same time with different hands~~ in order not to ruin my cutting mat!!! I will have a rotary cutting mat on another tray. The convenience of multiple uses for the TV trays is what interests me the most. Plus, I will not be able to accidently lay my iron on my cutting mat like I have done several times with the other set up.

If you have an office type chair that turns from side to side it is more convenient to turn and cut/iron than to slide to the side to do so. For pp and log cabin blocks it is wonderful to have this at your side.

:-D :-D

Thank you! :D

Why don't you make one out of a wooden TV table? I went to Walmart and got one for $10, put a couple of layers of aluminum foil on it, some batting, then put muslin on it, pulled it tight and stapled it on the back. You can't roll it up like the ones above, but it's cheap, easy to store by your sewing machine and you don't have to worry about damaging any good furniture.