What do you use for a table-top ironing board. I've seen the ones that one side is a cutting mat and the other is an ironing board. Do you like them? I'm thinking I wouldn't use the cutting board side.

Judy

i had one of those once. it warped after a very short time. i guess i shouldn't have used steam, but what good is an ironing surface if you can't use steam?

it was soon useless for either ironing or cutting, but it made a nice little work table for my lap.

I have one that is 12 inch square and use it alot for little seams and pressings when I'm paper piecing. It's handy enough to keep right by the sewing machine. The brand is "June Taylor", Cut and Press I. Bought at JoAnns on the 40% coupon. I love it and have no problems with it. Sara

I just made my own, out of a piece of particle board that was ~12" square. I covered it with aluminum foil and then a couple of layers of batting and then some fabric. I just use it in the family room if I am doing applique.

I keep my BIG ironing board set up beside my sewing table at all times, so I don't need a small one there.

Make sure the batting you use is cotton and not poly. I've also heard the best fabric to use on a homemade ironing board is canvas.
Shelly

I had one of the double-sided ones and never used the cutting side of it, either. I think I've just about fried the ironing side of it! I found a small lightweight ironing board at a local department store and it's my iron's new best friend. It's sturdy and hangs on a doorknob. What I really need to do is take the cover off of it and use it as a template for a new cover--before I scorch this one too!

I bought one of these 2 months ago and it warped within a week and the grid cover became distorted immediately. I think I agree that a mini ironing board or a home made board would probably work better.

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I have a small ironing board w/short legs, metal to set on a table, got it at Ikea for 4.99, also leave my reg board next to machine, lower it and roll
to it to press.

Thanks. I didn't think about the warping problem. When I am machine quilting I put my big ironing board behind my cabinet. It gives me just enough extra space and helps with the drag. When I want to sew on the binding I have to take the ironing board out to iron the binding in half and then put it back. That is the time I'd like an extra ironing board. I thought a tabletop one would be just the thing.

And thanks for the ideas on making my own. I think that is the way to go.

Judy

I got an empty bolt used for fabric (the stores just throw them out) wrapped it in warm and natural batting, a few layers, covered it with muslin and can even take it to class with me. Works just fine. Marge