Modifying a folding table to have an ironing surface....
 

Hi... I figured that someone here has probably already done this...

I have a 2' x 4' folding table that I use to the left of my sewing machine. I bought it at Sam's - it folds up to a really cool 2' square. So it's easy to take places. I really just needed something cheap when I moved in to my new house - and this was only about $35.

It has evolved into being perfect for me - I have a cutting mat to the left, and a uber-cheap ironing pad that I bought at Target for $6 on the right... closest to my sewing machine table that is in front of me, obviously. I love having that 18" of space to iron right next to me - and I just use one of those travel size Rowentas when I'm sewing so I don't have a big iron and big iron heat next to me.

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I'm thinking of having my son make a board of some sort to wrap that silver ironing fabric around and have him drill holes through the table to secure this ironing surface down to the table.

So here's the questions:

What is the name of that silver ironing board fabric so I can find a source for it online?
Or... are there other alternatives? (I do like this blue stuff - it's just not big enough.)
And do some of you have a good source to get a yard of it?

About securing it down...
If I have my son just use a piece of plywood, for instance, what batting can I use under the silver stuff so that the screw heads won't make bumps on the ironing surface? (that would drive me batty!)

Is there a lighter material - other than plywood - that maybe some of you have used to make an ironing surface?

I think this would be really cool for taking to retreats, etc.. because the ironing surface would just be attached.

I'm game for any ideas.

Thanks

The silver stuff I don't know but it is available at JAF. Not sure if I would want it screwed into a table that isn't wood. Might make the table heavier to carry. I like what you have. Smart idea with the smaller Rowenta Iron.

The smaller size plywood the lighter it will be. You could just cut it down to size. 1/4" would be good and easy to carry. You could secure it with Velcro so it wouldn't move. Also non-skid shelving.

The silver cloth is called Therma Flec you can get it on the internet or from Joann's. Also, I wouldn't use plywood because that's going to be too heavy. I would use under lamen, it is a thin wooden flooring that you put under tile when you lay a floor. I don't think I would put screws into the table, I would try to think up some other method of securing it to the table top.

Why? It looks like a good setup now and that pad that you have is very portable.

Maybe secure it down with that mega-velcro stuff?

modfyinng table
 

I used a 12X12 piece of fiberboard, about the weight of pegboard, but no holes. check out you local home depot or Lowes they may have some in there scrap bin. I covered it with 2 layers of warm and natural, than a layer of muslin. Folded all to back and stapled. I do not have mine attached to anything. Have not had a problem with it moving. Small enough to fit in rolling case with my machine, or sit on the table next to me. I also have a wood folding TV try that I covered the top the same way. I usually take the TV tray to classes and retreats, larger ironing surface, easy to transport.

No need drill holes, it would be a pain to recover the board. If it shifts put the heavy duty waffle shelf liner under the board. I have this same size table bought at Sam's and it had adjustable heights. It's one of my favorite portable tables. I keep one in the trunk of my car for workshops and classes. I never have enough room sharing two or more to a table.

It really doesn't move around much. I guess I am wishing that i had more padding & "cush" under it.

And onebyone... yes... it is the same one. I really love this table. I have a second one that I bought for my granddaughter (she's 8) to use - she has her own Elna New Lotus and her own corner in my sewing area that is set up for her all of the time. I have it set to the lower height and we use a student task chair that has been dropped down to a really low height. It works really well for her. It's a great table for $35 or so.

Update:

I swung through Home Depot this afternoon.

And yeah... this seems like a mess waiting to happen.

I would like that mat to be slightly bigger - so now, at least for now, I'm on the hunt for this blue super-heat-resistant fabric that this mat is made out of.

Does anyone know who makes this aqua-blueish colored stuff?

I like this idea. If your ironing surface is attached to the table it's less things to carry.
Rodney

I made an ironing pad from fabric and Insu-Bright batting. I finished off the edges (so at this point it is just like your ironing pad). I then sewed straps to one side and d rings to the other side. Pass the straps under the table and through the d rings to secure it. This can be taken anywhere and used on any size surface. You could also use Velcro to fasten it but that would limit the size of the table that it would fit on.

After reading all these ideas I see that my ironing pad made with a piece of heavy cardboard and then covered with batting and fabric probably isn't the best but it works for now. Necessity is the mother of invention I guess.

I made myself an ironing/cutting surface out of a roll around unfinished kitchen island. I covered a half sheet of plywood with the silver stuff and stapled it to the underside of the plywood. Laid on the island it makes the top bigger and is removable if I want it to be. The advantage of the island is that it is on wheels, has a drawer built in and a shelf about a foot off the floor at the bottom. In the room where I actually sew I have an old dresser that used to have legs. I cut off the legs and use the surface for a cutting and in a pinch ironing area. The three large draws and two small are very handy for sewing related stuff. I hung on each end a wire rack that holds rolls of stabilizer, freezer paper and even my small iron. If I need to press or cut something I have only a few steps to that surface. I tend to spend hours sewing so having to get up and take a few steps occasionally is a good thing. My sewing machine and two embroidery machines are on the brown laminated tables I purchased at Staples or the other office store. I did have my machinist husband cut down the legs on the table for the sewing machine to make it just the right height for my back. One advantage of the tables is that there is plenty of room under them to stow plastic drawer units full of sewing and embroidery supplies etc.

My ironing table is one of those white plastic tables covered with the ironing board stuff then a cotton cover. The two covers are made like fitted sheets and come off to be washed. I've had this setup for over 2 years and have no problems whatsoever

Great idea! :) I wonder how many pounds I'd lose if I put my ironing board upstairs? lol I'd spend more time stair-climbing than sewing. lol j/k

I have my ironing surface away from my machine so it does force me to get up and move. It helps save my back from sitting too long in one place. I have one of the folding tables described set at the highest setting so I can stand to use it. One half of the table has a self healing mat on it which I use to cut fabric and the other half has the ironing surface. I used a heavy duck drop cloth that I got at Harbor Freight (but they are available most anywhere that sells paint) to cover a lite weight board. Look at the home improvement center for MDF board or particle board which is lite weight. I did use a couple of layers of warm and natural under the drop cloth to give it some padding. If you're concerned about the heat going through then use insulbright instead of warm and natural. My ironing board currently is padded with old blankets covered in cotton duck. I didn't do that. It was like that when I bought it at the thrift store. I don't see why you need special fabric to make one.

What is the name of that silver ironing board fabric so I can find a source for it online? I've always just called it Teflon fabric, and I buy it at my local JoAnn's. I use it for potholders, but I love it for pressing because it reflects the heat back, so you are almost pressing both sides of the fabric at the same time.

About securing it down... IMHO, I wouldn't have it attached to the table. It will be easier to move if it is a separate piece, otherwise the table will be heavy. And it will be easier to replace the cover if it isn't attached to the table.

If I have my son just use a piece of plywood, for instance, what batting can I use under the silver stuff so that the screw heads won't make bumps on the ironing surface? (that would drive me batty!) If you do decide to have it fastened to the table, 1/4" plywood would work, and have him countersink the screws so the heads don't make that bump.

Is there a lighter material - other than plywood - that maybe some of you have used to make an ironing surface? If I remember correctly, Jenny Doan (Missouri Star Quilt Company) has a tutorial on making a pressing board.

I think this would be really cool for taking to retreats, etc.. because the ironing surface would just be attached. I bought a wooden tea tray at WalMart and covered it -- 1 layer of Insulbright, 2 layers of W&N 100% cotton batting, and the Teflon fabric. Then I made a removable cover from pillow ticking that I can take off and wash. I put grommets around it with a cotton clothesline drawstring (the kind of cord you use to make fabric bowls).