So let's share all there is to know about the subject.
The tips and hints, and what you have and do!!


Yes, a vested interest from my part as my specific question is ... what is the best covering?

Currently I have mine padded with a few layers of flannelette, then the top layer is a piece of quilting cotton. It's good when doing smaller pressing, though when doing larger pieces (eg. yardages or a finished quilt top), they stick to the cotton, and not slide easily.

I'm considering purchasing the silvery ironing board fabric (whatever it is called?) as a new cover.

Pros? Cons? as to why or why not for each?
Please? and Thanks!


And as I said ... this thread is meant to be
"Everything you ever wanted to know about Pressing/Ironing, Ironing Boards and Covers"

So, please do go wild on the subject!! :)

I was frustrated when pressing yardages. You know how the board is narrow to begin with and then narrows to the point. Seemed like I got nowhere fast when pressing because of that point!

Solution -- Screwed a rectangular piece of plywood to the a metal mesh top. About 22" wide and a bit longer on each end than the ironing board is. Now I have a nice large surface that I can use for pressing. Nice when doing several blocks at once, space for the stack of unpressed, can press several at once and let each cool before lifting for the next bunch.

And when doing yardages .... it's a dream!

Bonus ... With a tablecloth or vinyl covering, it doubles as a side table when I have company. Or as the bar! :)

I'm watching this as I'm going to do something to iron yardages on. MY first idea was to take a 30x60 folding table, lay a thin piece of plywood on top, than pad and cover that. Would be able to fold it up when not in use.

Will watch ya all describe yours.:)

For a regular ironing board, I love this cover.


http://www.clotheslineshop.com/mm5/m...=IroningBoards

I do find the width I am at is pretty much the max when pressing detailed work. It doesn't seem like it's very wide to start, but when you are doing a whole quilt top, it becomes a long stretch across, especially when you're being careful not to stand on the quilt that is draping between you and the board.

Just mentioning this, as it'd be work practicing on your 30x60 before you commit to it, just in case you find the same.

That is so neat!

Not as deluxe as this, though for other size boards, one could purchase the flannelette with the grid on that is used for design walls.

I have the silvery lining (whatever it's called) and was thinking about ditching it for something different. But there is one thing I like about the silvery lining - starching. I think flanel or cotton would be too absorbant and soak up the starch and I would have to wash them more frequently.

I do however need to do something about the fact that I have a typical board with the narrow end and yes that narrow end drives me bananna's when trying to press yardage. ARGH!!

Good point, this would be set up in the spare room next door to my sewing room. I'd only use it for yardages. I do have a 24x48 that might be more practical.

For next to my sewing machine I have a wood tv tray that I covered. I tend to press very little, except with my fingers and and half of a clothespin.:)

Sharon Schamber recommends a hard ironing surface. She has a Youtube video on how to make this type of ironing board (would work for a large board as well as the small one she demonstrates). Here is a link to her video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LGbXou_u4c

I like the cotton tightly woven twill.

If you make your own - shrink it before cutting.
Bought one with my Big Board - and I have to put it on almost wet to be able to stretch it to BARELY cover the top.

I like the removable covers that I can take off and wash to freshen them up every so often.

(Well, I do have a cat that likes to supervise - from guess where?)

I use a lint roller in the interim to get rid of fuzzies, snippets, and hair.

I also use the ironing board as a cutting table.

I like the June Tailor Cut n Press board for when the regular ironing board is buried. :oops:

I do use the lines to help square up blocks and press strips straight. I would check the ACCURACY of the markings before blocking to those sizes. One of them I had - the markings were off -