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

I helped a neighbor clean out the home of an elderly couple. Among the things we found, was a home made ironing board. It was a table leaf that had been wrapped and wrapped again in lots of newspaper. Then it was covered with several layers of fabric. That thing was solid! and worked on a table top. Even a left over board from construction could be wrapped and used along side a sewing machine. I used it for years, then when I unwrapped it, out of curiosity, the newpaper dates were back to the 30's. That had been in use a long time, as this lady died in the 80's.

Be creative!

June in Cincinnati

I made mine from a 1" thick board that is 18"x36". It fits right on a 2'x4' conference table by my sewing machine table. You could make yours any size that is best for you. I covered mine with an old piece of blanket cut tocover whole surface and reach around to the back of the board so you can staple it securely. Then cover with heavy cotton canvas (this fabric helps anchor your fabric as you iron). you can draw grid lines on it with a Sharpie if you'd like.

It does get dirty-looking after a while, but you just put on new canvas. It has worked great for me. Hope this helps :)

I found one of those regular small ironing boards for $1. took the legs off it and use it beside my sewing machine on the banquet table I use for cutting and basting. The only time I use the big one is when I need to do big pieces. For class I have one of those Oh shoot I forget what it is called, but you put your mat, ruler and whatever else you would need for class or whatever. It has a pressing sheet inside that I use to take where ever I need a ironing board. Its made of fabric, but can be thrown on a table and used there, I wouldn't recommend you use a real hot iron, but it works well for pressing seams when there is no ironing board around. It is padded so works well. I love it

Rita

I have only the small ironing board for table top. It's nice and all, but it isn't big enough for my needs. It's the only one I have.

I made a LARGE ironing board not too long ago. But, when it's small pieces that I'm pressing, I think that the college dorm version of the ironing board works best. Most larger stores like Wally World, KMart Etc have them. Just a dormitory ironing board. Some hang on closet doors, others have little legs that fold up.

I have a regular size ironing board, but I hate dragging it out. SO, I use a ironing pad that you lay on the table and a cordless iron. These are two of my best friends. I love them. I do occasionally pull out the big one when I have to iron clothes. LOL