"Wooden pressing bar" subsitute
 

I have just started making bargello quilts...I am on my third...and in two of the videos I watched, the quilter used a "wooden pressing bar" to flatten the seams before pressing them. I have been wishing I had this nifty tool and at the same time, I was too impatient to order one and wait for it, and too lazy to go to a LQS and look for one.

Well, just today I discovered that the handle of a toothbrush works pretty well. (I get a new tooth brush every 6 months from my dentist, and I can't seem to throw those away. Now I have another use for that old toothbrush....other than the occasional scrubbing when I am on a cleaning spree.)

Anyway, my son just took pictures of me using it, so I could share, in case this interests anyone else. It sure makes the actual ironing of the seam easier. I also took a picture of where I am on this bargello (small bargello), so you can see what I am working on.

Give it a try. I am pretty pleased with my toothbrush tool. :)

Dina

Your bargello quilt is going to be gorgeous when it is finished!!! And I love re-purposing household items so thanks for this tip. Much more fun to use an old toothbrush this way than scrubbing the bathroom grout!

Gorgeous quilt in progress. Nice use of old toothbrush! I have plenty of those too. Please post photo of your quilt when it is done so we can "oooo" and "ahhhh" over it!

Yes, I agree. I would really rather use my old toothbrush for this than for scrubbing the bathroom grout. I hate to do that!! And I am rather fond of quilting. :)

Dina

Ah yes, that would work great. love your work so far!! Quilters also use their credit cards in their sewing rooms. not to buy either!

Wow!! Beautiful Beautiful bargello! I bought a little wooden ironing tool from EB web site. I love it! Use it when I PP too. I think I only paid 5 o6 dollars for it. Nifty little tool!

Love the colors in your bargello. Good eye!

I use 1/2 of a flat cloths pin. Sees like I have a couple of broke pins every time I hang laundry on the line. LOL

Now why didn't I think of that! I break clothes pins all the time!!

Dina

Great idea, beautiful Bargello.