A lack of ironing board has caused a few problems in our house this week. More or less a few things/people have been burned. Any suggestions for an ironing board that doesn't take up much space? We live in an apartment and will only be moving to another in the fall.

what happened?

There are some small (about 10 x 24) that can be used on a table top. It will fit under a bed when not in use.

There are also pressing boards available - I think by June Tailor.

I know Walmart sells table top ones and they aren't too expensive. They stand about 3 inches high and are about maybe 3 feet long. They sit on the table and work nice. Guys on the ship use them due to lack of space. They can put them on their desks and iron away. I used to have one, but with all our moves, it broke and got tossed. :(

I have a table top one well i have 2 my daughter used one in college and i use mine for ironing my squars when i don't or feel like taking out the reg ironing board.

I've used the table top kind.. from WalMart.. they are pretty good.

People on this board have covered boards with batting and muslin in a pinch to use for pressing. There are special fabrics that you can use to make a more lasting ironing board, more heat resistent to eliminate burning things. If I was going to cover a board, I would use one at least 3/4 on an inch thick and staple the muslin covered batting to the bottom and then cover that with cardboard or something to not scratch the table when pressing fabrics or clothing. :?

I live in a small apartment myself too and have no room for a full-size ironing board, so I've just been using a towel on-top of the counter. Works just fine for me. But if you don't like that idea, I would go with what the others have suggested; one of those small table-top ironing boards.

I have a little collapsible table next to the sewing table. I have two layers of batting on it, and that is fine for me. It does not take loads of room and and short enough that I can press fabric while sitting down.

what about over the door ironing boards? The sell them at Walmart & lots of other places.
jo

I have something I made myself for taking to quilt workshops. I used two replacement ironing board covers, the metallic heat reflective ones. I cut off the rounded end, layered them together, covered them both sides with cotton fabric, and bound them around the edges rather like a quilt. I can roll it up and shove it in a small space when travelling, and it is a little thicker and smoother than layers of towels.

Lacelady, I would like to see a picture of your portable ironing mat. :lol:

Wrap a towel around your cutting board. That will work but a table top ironing board will be the best choice. Save you lots of frustration in the long run.

I got a quilting ironing pad at Joann; don't forget your coupon. I stick it behind my China cabinet when not in use.

me, too, I've seen patterns but have not taken the time to try to get one made. I am looking for a flat travel iron, too. But going to have to get out to yard sales more I think.

PLEASE post a picture of yours.

You asked to see my ironing pad, but it is no oil painting, having been well used. It measures 17" x 36", what was left after I cut off the rounded end of the replacement ironing board covers. There are two covers, back to back, with cotton layered on one side, and the whole lot held together with narrow binging. This is my first effort at posting some pictures, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Sorry, first time nerves, I seem to have sent two the same! I hope this time I have it right.

I just use a wooden tv tray with a layer of towel on top, then my ironing mat on top of that. It tends to be small, but my sewing room doesn't have space enough for anything bigger.

I covered a wooden tray from walmart with batting and then canvas for a smalll ironing board--works great esp. when I don't need the fullsize one.

oops--forgot to say I stapled it all underneath after pulling it tight

My friend made me one using a tray table. LOVE IT!!!

Oh hey I like the idea of a wooden table tray one! I would like one of those for my laundry room. I might have to make one of those. But, it would be kind of short, huh?

I bought an ironing board hangs on a door. It folds up when not in use and does not take up much room. I also have the June Taylor one that is a cutting mat on one side and ironing pad the other - It is 12 x 18 works great for smaller pieces.

I use mine while sewing, it is next to my sewing machine, when I am finished it is right there to use so I am always sitting down.

I got some wood from my dad tonight. I'm going to cover it with batting and fabric and use that. :)

I started putting my new ironing board together. And this is where I'm at.....(see pictures)

My stapler worked at first but then it wouldn't work any more and the nails I have are too long for the board. So for the moment it's being held together with scotch tape.

The tape will hold until you get more staples.
You did a nice job on that ironing board.
I reading all the other solutions, also.
I have some wooden trays that may have found a use ... I have been using a towel laid over a piece of 3/4 inch plywood (a cutout for a sink, I think) ... however, the finish on it has some gaps and I find the towel will flip seams around/over at a most inopportune time.
Nice thread, quilters! Thank you for the question and all those answers.
This is all so fun!

Great and creative ironing boards! Here's a tutorial that would make a nice travel ironing pad.

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot....-tutorial.html