And since 100% wool comes from live sheep – I'd be surprised if it didn't have some kind of smell. Quilters can also find wool pressing mats useful. What exactly is a wool ironing mat? Today we're going over 3 of the best wool ironing mats for quilters as well as our best-of-the-best pick for where you should start your wool-ey shopping adventure. We like to simply put it on top of our ironing board for now and will be building an ironing surface later that more closely matches the large size. The result is a flat but textured surface that stops fabric from slipping beneath your iron. The best quality wool ironing mats are at least 1/2" thick, with a dry iron, this is generally thick enough to avoid heat transferring through the backside of the mat. When using a wool pressing mat, less heat escapes and is directed back at the fabric. Sonoma Wool Company wants everyone to Re-Discover the Wonders of Wool! Ethically sourced wool: happy sheep = happy wool mats.
Wool Mat For Ironing Board
WARNING: Do not use iron or pressing mats on surfaces that can be damaged by heat or moisture, including (but not limited to) wood furniture and rotary cutting mats. This is because I don't know if I can wash out the starch. However, if you routinely work with larger quilt blocks or plan to iron clothing, you may want to choose a larger size. Wool pressing mats have many benefits but they don't cancel ironing boards. This characteristic is especially helpful to quilters, who often work with bias cuts that have edges that can become distorted, such as flying geese or half-square triangles. Any thicker, and it would be hard to use when ironing. You can use steam as well. These wool mats give you wrinkle-free fabric, but a tailor's clapper is still the best way to get crisp seams that stay crisp through multiple passes through a sewing machine. Iron without steam to avoid the most common cause of smells from pressing mats. These Ironing Board Pads are generously sized at 56" x 18" or 56" x 22". Specifically, you get the ability to hold the fabric steady so that it doesn't shift as you work. When using a wool pressing mat you can iron both sides of the fabric at the same time because the mat retains heat from your iron and radiate it back into your fabric.
Large Wool Pressing Mat
The size works well for many situations, and the mat can be rolled up for easy transport or storage. So you can end up walking away with the perfect set, one small one to keep next to the machine, the other being the work horse on the ironing table. I just put the fabric on my wool pressing mat and pressed it with a steam iron – the wrinkles disappeared almost instantly.
Wool Mat Ironing Board Cover
Does yours kinda smell too? You can also pin directly to the surface, which is very useful when working on small or highly detailed items. So now that you know exactly what a wool pressing mat is, why you need one, and how to take care of one, it's time to move to part two of this wool party. Fortunately, most quilters report that the heat reflecting properties of the wool are so effective that a dry iron is truly all you actually need to get the job done.
Wool Pressing Mat For Ironing Board 3.4
This gives your pressing efforts an added boost. If you are struggling to get nice points and flat seams, they can make a noticeable difference and just might be the help you need! This is the same high quality wool felt the pressing mats are made of but 1/4" thick. Whether you are going to a quilting class, convention, hotel, or dorm room, a smaller wool pressing mat is a perfect substitution for a full size ironing board. We recommend using a 100% cotton or linen ironing board cover. The mat has the same dense wool fibers on both sides, so there is no right or wrong side to face up.
Wool Pressing Pad For Ironing
The manufacturer explicitly states that the pad is made from New Zealand wool with a reputation for fine fiber quality. Mat works well with all types of fabrics. Higher price than others of its size. The 17-inch by 24-inch size is popular because it meets most quilters' goals for saving space and portability. Browse for more products in the same category as this item: The ability to hold heat is especially handy when it comes to pressing quilt seams. If you're a starcher, you know that your ironing board covers need to be periodically replaced. If you have been considering a wool pressing mat, we definitely say go for it! Several companies offer these products, but they vary a lot. A local store owner didn't care for the smell, but I believe she is regularly using the mat. Lilypad Lake hits all of the need-to-haves like a nail on the head: - No bleach or dye. These three factors are major upgrades to your ironing strategy that a regular ironing board can't always live up to. Kaltek also states that they make a strong effort to ethically source all of their wool which when dealing with products created by animals is always comforting to know. This was such a great purchase, the wool pressing mat has been amazing.
Small Wool Pressing Mat
Some folks have said that hanging the mat outdoors helps dry it and remove odors. After some internet sleuthing, I found Project Wool. You'll also need to use a heat-resistant material under the mat if you're using it on a table or other piece of furniture that you don't want to damage. And you thought wet dogs were bad. This is especially handy if one side becomes somehow damaged or stained. Cons for wool pressing mats. The one I bought for this review is 12" x 18"—the mid-size version. If space is limited, it's easy to tuck a wool pressing mat out of sight once you've finished your work. Mat is about 1/2-inch thick, sufficient to provide the heat retention quality that warms your fabric quickly from both sides while still protecting the surface below the mat. They are very wrinkled because I put them in the dryer (together with some towels) on high heat. When we were looking at the reviews on the mats, we noticed that the majority of the reviews were from quilters! The results were definitely noticeable. But anyway, I like to use my wool ironing mat for quilting projects.
What experts didn't like. Some folks cover their wool ironing mats with fabric for several reasons. The Difference Between Cotton and Poly Thread: A Hard-Hitting Interview. You use a wool pressing mat just as you would your ironing board or other ironing surface. Unlike regular foam backing, this all-natural 100% wool ironing board pad provides you with luxurious solid padding while absorbing the steam for a smooth ironing experience. Most of all, a pressing mat lets you iron both sides of the fabric simultaneously.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. The only downside is you can't buy them individually. It's very tempting to jump on the latest trend, but if you are like us, you don't have a never ending bank account. You will get all of your quilt blocks pressed faster than with a regular ironing board. This means wool is much better at keeping your fabric in place and you are much less likely to iron over your fabric to find it slipped causing you to have accidentally ironed a new massive wrinkle in it. Tips: Due to the nature of this mat, it will give off a slight wool smell when the first used. The average thickness of a wool pressing mat is about 1/2", which is suitable for most applications, although there are also thinner mats. If you like to sew, I can make a pretty accurate assumption that you love texture. We touched on this already but they can essentially go anywhere you go. The best defense against developing odors includes avoiding steam or other moisture when ironing. Once I have had a chance to experience it myself I'll be sure to include an update with my personal experience with how long the smell lasts. I love & use all items included!
A wool ironing mat is just that, an ironing mat made of wool. That's why I only use mine either at my ironing board or on a protected surface. No more puckering, wavy or stretched results. There are three really beneficial purposes to owning a wool ironing mat (in addition to an ironing board) that are what make them so popular among quilters: Portability. The market for wool ironing mats is not exactly huge so there is not a huge variety of brands out there worth your time or money. Beats getting out my big ironing board! The one thing you should not put underneath your wool ironing mat. I'll leave you with one last fact, contrary to popular belief, sheep are extremely intelligent. Online seems the best way to get one as I haven't found them on any of my quilt shop-hopping treks. It absorbs heat like a sponge. Regardless, I am so happy to support Canadian businesses and as a side note my youngest son just finished his first term at UBC Okanagan and LOVES Kelowna! Through tiny pockets of air within each wool fiber, it can absorb heat and release moisture. Your only option is to buy the bundle of two mats, so if you already know you will use them and don't mind the extra investment, this is the perfect option.
You can return any item you bought within 60 days after receiving it. The manufacturer uses a felting process to tightly compact the 100% wool fibers to prevent shedding onto your fabric. Lightweight for portability. Easy to Use: Store flat and do not roll. This quality is really great if you like to come in hot with the steam setting on your iron. This will help to prevent the mat from becoming distorted over time.