"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.

That brought back memories of my grandmother's clothes line with the clothes pin basket attached to move along the line. I haven't hung clothes out to dry in decades.

I love the idea of using a wooden clothespin as a pressing bar. My guild has a bargello workshop coming up so I'll buy a package for members to break apart. That should add some more fun to the class.

Great idea. Popsicle sticks or wooden turning sticks would work also. I need to try something as I use my short fingernails for very short seams. My brain doesn't always work as efficiently as it should.
Your bargello will be beautiful, I like the colors.

Beautiful work!!!

Your quilt is beautiful! now, I'm going to think of it every time I brush my teeth...LOL> :D

I have a spoon an old spoon that has actually flattened out a little and if I hold it in my hand long enough to just warm it up (few seconds) it generates enough warmth for pressing.

Well, isn't this a neat idea!!! I may have to borrow that. Thanks.

Dina

I just love it when someone comes up with an idea that involves "repurposing" instead of having to buy yet another tool. Thank you!

I use a bone folder!

Thanks for sharing your tip. I love the colors you are using for your bargello.

Okay, what is a bone folder? :)

Dina

Absolutely love your quilts and love the idea of repurposing an old toothbrush!!!,

I have the wooden pressing tool that I got half off at Joanns or Hancocks awhile back. It's awesome and worth the 2 or 3 bucks I spent on it... having said that I've read that others use a half of a wooden clothespin. The angle is right too. I wouldn't use a used toothbrush. I always chuck mine. I know I should be not so wasteful but I can't get past the thought that it was in a mouth... and now all over my quilt.

Your quilt is striking! Can't wait to see it completed. Thanks for tip.