When I first started quilting, I quickly realized how important a good iron and ironing board was to the process. I had a decent iron, but I had been using an ironing board that was 40 years old! Like all new quilters, I spent hours on Pinterest, and followed many quilt bloggers. Yes, I took sewing and quilting classes, but I literally learned to quilt online! One thing that caught my attention were these HUGE RECTANGLE PRESSING BOARDS! I wanted one!
Large rectangle boards enable a quilter to more easily –
- press fabric yardage which is typically 40″ wide
- press seams on a large quilt
- press binding on a large quilt after attaching to one side
Several years ago, I gave my husband a Christmas list that included an Oliso iron and a “piece of wood”. Only another quilter would understand! Yes, that year, I received my new iron and a 24″x72″ 3/4″ pine board! I have been using my Oliso iron ever since, but I really did not have room in my sewing space for that pine board. Until this year…!
I purchased an 8-cube organizer from Target, measuring 57.8 inches (H) x 30.0 inches (W) x 14.57 inches (D). It can be used vertically or horizontally. Perfect for my 24″x72″ board.
After assembling the cube organizer, my husband helped me attach 3 sets of heavy duty castors so my pressing board could be moved as needed. We purchased 3 with stops and 3 without stops, using the castors with stops on the front side. The castors were attached to 3 small 2″x4″ rectangles; the rectangles were attached to the bottom of the cube organizer with liquid nails and screws.
Based on the size of the cube organizer, and the space I had available in my sewing room, we decided to cut the board to a length of 62″. We left the width at 24″. The sides of the board were already pretty smooth, so we only slightly sanded and rounded the corners. This allowed my board to overhang slightly over the cube organizer, about 5″ on the long ends, and about 3 inches on the short ends. (My board is made of pine, but I understand you can also use plywood.)
My next step was to choose the batting and fabric. I wanted my pressing board to be firm, not soft like a traditional ironing board pad. I used one layer of cotton Warm & Natural batting. Going through my collection of new and vintage fabric, I stumbled upon this wonderful cotton upholstery fabric. I’m pretty sure I paid next to nothing for it at an estate auction. Perfect! I washed and dried my fabric to make sure it would hold up well.
I lightly pressed the batting, and then placed it face down on my dining room table. The board was then placed on top of it, making sure there was roughly the same amount of batting on all sides – about 10″ or so. (I did not completely cover the underside with batting.) Beginning on one of the long sides, we started stapling the batting to the board. We initially started using an electric staple gun, but it was acting up, so we switched to a heavy duty manual one.
After stapling the first long side, we made sure to lightly pull on the other long side to insure there were no wrinkles. Next we folded the ends (like a package), and stapled them. Use a hammer to pound each staple to insure a nice smooth surface. So far, so good!
Next step was to place the fabric face down, with the batting-covered board face down on top of the fabric. We followed the same steps as with the batting, stapling one long end, slightly tugging on the other long end, and stapling it. My fabric was wide enough to cover the bottom of the board. We folded the ends (like a package again), but this time, folding under the raw edges. Once again, pound each staple with a hammer to make sure it is flat.
Done and ready to take to my sewing room!
First, I placed a non-slip underlayment on top of the cube organizer. I did not want to have to attach the board, but did not want it to slip.
The final step! I found inexpensive 13″ foldable fabric cubes at Walmart. Not only will this make the perfect pressing station, it also holds lot of supplies. I am so happy with the results!
Stay tuned! I am in the process of setting up my new sewing room. More DIY to come, and lots of quilting!