If you’re a quilter, you’re going to need a good quilting ironing board. And no, that skinny, wobbly board you’ve had for twenty years won’t do the trick.
You’ll need something that works for a large swath of fabric and a heavy finished quilt, something that doesn’t tip over or make you trip over yards of material as you’re trying to iron.
Fortunately, there are ironing boards made just for your quilting projects, so don’t skimp on this important piece of equipment.
If you want a quality, beautiful finished product (and we know you do), invest in an ironing board that makes the job easier and safer.
Why do you need a quilting iron and ironing board for your quilting projects? Because you’ll need to:
- Press seam allowances to get the most from your blocks of fabric.
- Press quilt blocks so they fit together exactly as they should when you assemble the quilt.
- Press all of the assembled blocks before you add batting and complete the quilt (for a smooth finished product).
- Press a completed quilt after washing or extended use.
You might wonder what makes for a quality quilting ironing board. Here’s what you need to look for:
You Need A Reliable And Sturdy Ironing Board For Quilting
Most quilters find that a board that hits you at hip level is the most comfortable to use when you’re piecing and constructing a quilt. Being comfortable while ironing is a key element in quilting since you’ll be doing plenty of it.
Before you buy, check out these features and figure out what matters most for your space and your projects.
- Adjustable Height: Most ironing boards are adjustable. If you are taller or shorter than average, find one that adjusts to a comfortable height.
- Length and Width: Arguably the most important feature is how large the ironing surface is. You want something that fits your workspace and your needs.
- Breathability and Ventilation: If you use a lot of steam or starch spray, pick a board with a breathable cover and a mesh top. Don’t use steam on a wood-top board, because the moisture can warp the wood and even create a mold issue.
- Sturdy Legs: When you want to press a whole quilt top, a sturdy board is crucial. It’s annoying and potentially dangerous if your board wobbles while you move the fabric. Hot iron + wobbly ironing board = disaster.
- Washable Cover: Glues, dyes and starch sprays can stain or leave a smell on your cover. It’s a plus if the cover is removable and machine washable.
There Are Three Types Of Quilting Ironing Boards
- Full-size ironing boards range from about 15 x 54 inches to 19 x 63 inches.
- Larger professional ironing boards are also out there.
- Basic, lightweight, portable boards are the most popular, but they are rarely the best fit for quilts.
Since you’re pressing a quilt, you’ll probably want a heavier-frame model. That gives you the stability to finish the job without a lot of unnecessary movement.
You also want a wide board, so you have room to focus on different areas of the quilt without a lot of frustrating maneuvering. Ironing board gurus say width is more important than length, but you need both for most quilting projects.
Here Are The Best Quilting Ironing Boards And Pressing Mats
Choose from these six ironing boards and two wool pressing mats. The mats aren’t boards, but a wool mat holds heat and presses both sides of your seams at once, so it’s a smart add-on for any board. Check the width first, then the frame.
1. Bartnelli Pro Luxury Ironing Board
Best for: the widest surface and a no-wobble frame.
This European-made board has a 51 by 19 inch surface, an aluminum build, a steam iron rest and adjustable height. It is the widest board on this list, so a lap quilt top fits with room to spare. It is also heavy, at around 21 pounds, so it works best if it can stay set up.
2. Xabitat Full Size Ironing Board, 57 x 18
Best for: the longest surface and wall storage.
The 57 inch length is great for long borders, sashing strips and backing. The full metal frame has a heat-resistant triple-layer cover, a cord holder and a wall hanger, and it adjusts from 30 to 36 inches. Buyers who quilt mention how well it handles pressing seams.
3. Bartnelli Extra Wide Pro Ironing Board, 19 x 48
Best for: a wide board with built-in extras.
You get a 19 by 48 inch surface, a four-layer heat-resistant cover, an iron rest, a cord holder and a shelf underneath. The solid-bar feet cut down on shifting while you press. One quilter noted that the width fits a wool mat nicely.
4. Xabitat Deluxe Ironing Board, 47 x 18
Best for: small sewing rooms that need storage built in.
This one is a little shorter than the 57 inch Xabitat but just as wide. It has a wall-mount hanger, a tray for finished pieces and a rack for hanging clothes. The tray is handy when you are pressing a stack of blocks.
5. Brabantia Ironing Board B
Best for: a stable, well-built board that is easy to fold away.
At roughly 49 by 15 inches, this is narrower than the others, so it suits smaller blocks and piecing better than whole quilt tops. What you get is a steady four-leg frame, seven height settings, non-slip feet, a steam iron rest that works for lefties and righties, and a 10-year guarantee.
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6. Reliable 320LB 2-in-1 Ironing Board
Best for: serious quilters who want a board for life.
Made in Italy with a heavy tube frame, this board extends into a large pressing surface of about 55 inches and adjusts from 30 to 38 inches. It costs several hundred dollars, which is a lot for an ironing board. If you press every day, the stability and the extra space add up.
7. Savina Wool Pressing Mat, 17 x 13.5
Best for: pressing blocks next to your sewing machine.
This 100% New Zealand felted wool mat holds heat and presses both sides of your seams at once. The wool grips the fabric, so pieces do not stretch while you press. It is small enough to keep at your machine or take to a retreat.
8. HunnmingRe Wool Pressing Mat, 22 x 60
Best for: turning any wide board into a wool pressing surface.
This extra-large, half-inch thick mat is made of 100% New Zealand wool and has non-slip sides. Lay it over your ironing board or a sturdy table and you have a big wool surface for borders and backing. If you use steam, protect the surface underneath, because moisture can pass through the wool.
Choosing The Best Quilting Ironing Board For Your Needs
Choosing an ironing board can feel like buying new tires for your car: necessary but boring. But this board is going to serve you for a long time and help you make quilts that can last for generations.
If you’d rather skip the research, here is the short version:
- Widest surface: Bartnelli Pro Luxury
- Longest surface plus wall storage: Xabitat 57 x 18
- Wide board with a shelf underneath: Bartnelli Extra Wide Pro
- Small sewing room, steady frame: Brabantia Ironing Board B
- A splurge that will last: Reliable 320LB
- Pressing blocks at your machine: Savina Wool Pressing Mat
Wider boards are better for quilters, and adjustable height is a big plus. Not every board can handle a large quilting project, and some cost more than a sewing machine, so pick the one that matches the quilts you really make. Your back will thank you.
Which of these ironing boards is your favorite? Do you have another board you’d recommend? Tell us in the comments.