Like alot of quilters I have had a typical iron. Because we all pick up irons so much, I had opted for a lightweight one.

WAS I WRONG! :-o At the quilt-in someone brought a heavy heavy iron - one of the pricey ones. After using it, I realized what a real difference a heavy steam iron makes when pressing fabrics and especially seams.

Went to Kohl's with 30% coupon, bought a SHARK iron that was on sale - total price was $26.00 plus tax. SO happy with it, and with the weight. Gosh, who would have ever thought it!!! Heavy is best in irons! (IMHO that is lol)

Julie

glad you found you a nice iron

Yes, I agree. Lightweight is easy on our arms and hands, but just not as effective when it comes to doing the job that needs to get done

Thanks for posting Julie. This is very helpful. I have been thinking that I need to upgrade to a better (heavier) iron. The price is definitely reasonable with a coupon. Guess I'll have to check Kohl's out too! ;-)

I have 2 irons for just this reason. I have a large, heavy iron for yardage and large blocks, and a small, lightweight iron next to my sewing machine for quick pressing while I'm piecing. I picked up the small one after I got very sore wrists from constantly lifting the heavy one.

So what is the difference between using a light weight iron to a heavy one when pressing seams? Is it just because of the weight on the seams? Do they get hotter? I have a light weight but I do put some pressure on it when ironing seams.

I too prefer the heavy weight irons. They do most of the work for you!! But the little ones are nice by your sewing machine for quick seam presses.

Also like my heavy iron - old, like me! LOL

I agree I have 1 of each! Heavy ones help so some of the work!

I have a Shark also and love it. The only thing is it shuts off a lot but does heat up again pretty fast.

Always used lightweight...I guess I'll have to give it a try.

I went from lightweight to a Shark too and love it!

I just bought a Rowenta for $35! Nice ! Dropped my old iron last week and it 'kicked the bucket'

in one class one of the students brought an old GE no steam iron. It was great. Said she had it for a number of years. However, you can still get them (non steam heavy irons) from Vermont Country Store.

My iron has seen it's last day's also. I ordered me a new shark iron yesterday on line. I can't wait to get it. My other iron is about 26yrs old. I think it is time for it to rest.

It's amazing how many people say they love thier cheap six dollar irons until they use a really good iron.

I have always gotten the heaviese iron I could find I don't like having to push so hard to get toe rinkles out

Actually, it's not the weight of the iron that does the best pressing job, it's the heat. The problem is, many light weight irons simply don't get very hot. So the trick is to find one that does and you'll get the pressing results you want without straining your arm and hand or worse yet, giving yourself carpal tunnel syndrome due to an overly (and unnecessarily) heavy iron. :D :D

I've found that many models of Black & Decker irons get pretty hot without all the weight.

I also have two irons, a larger Sunbeam for yardage and clothing, and a small Rowenta folding travel iron for pressing units and blocks.

You are absolutely right. The heavier ones are the best.

The timing of this post is great. I have been thinking about purchasing a new iron and looking at all the ones out there. It is good to know that a heavier one is good for pressing the seams on a quilt. I like my lightweight but it does require a little pressure to get a good cleans crisp seam.

Juie

What model Shark did you buy?

The box says the model is "Professional".

Julie

I have a shark also, and just love it.

I thought for sure you were going to say something about a retractable cord. As I just saw an iron with a retractable cord for the first time the other day.

Thanks for sharing as I have a 30% coupon for Kohl's too!

I have a Shark also and love it. I bought mine at Best Buy and bought the warranty for 2 years for an additional $6.00. I figured it was worth it if I used it to death. So far so good.