Irons & Ironing Mats

You know you’re a quilter when the ironing board is always set up, but you never iron your clothes! Pressing is as much a part of quilting as stitching together beautifully patterned blocks. It is absolutely crucial to press seams as you piece your quilt top together or the result will be disappointing. Taking the time to press makes it so much easier to nest seams together and make points match. So, if pressing is that important, what is the best iron for sewing?

Here at Missouri Star, we’re choosy about irons for quilting. But the answer to that question isn’t always the same iron. The best iron for quilting might not be the best iron for sewing. And maybe you travel a lot, so a mini iron is the best bet.

Quilting irons, also known as pressing irons or quilting steam irons, are specialized irons designed for quilting and sewing projects. They are similar to regular steam irons but often feature specific characteristics tailored to the needs of quilting enthusiasts and professionals.

Key features of quilting irons include:

➤Quilting irons typically have a higher steam output compared to regular irons. This helps in effectively pressing multiple layers of fabric commonly found in quilting projects. Some quilt irons also come equipped with a steam burst function, which is handy for tackling stubborn wrinkles and creases, particularly in thick quilt layers.

➤Many irons for quilting also have a larger soleplate compared to standard irons. The larger surface area allows for quicker pressing of larger fabric pieces and reduces the need for repeated passes.

➤Some quilters irons come with precision tips that enable users to press seams, corners, and other intricate areas with more accuracy.

➤Many pressing irons for quilting often have ergonomic handles designed for comfort during extended use.

➤Like regular irons, quilting irons often have variable temperature settings to accommodate different types of fabrics without damaging them. Many modern quilting irons are equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that turns the iron off after a period of inactivity for safety purposes.

There are several factors involved in choosing the right iron for sewing and quilting. Let’s take a look at a few of our top sellers:

Oliso irons remain popular and they’re some of our favorites for a reason. Oliso irons are unique in that they automatically lift themselves horizontally off of the ironing board, saving you the trouble of always tipping the iron up again. They reduce wrist strain and have large water reservoirs. Oliso also carries mini project irons that are perfect for taking to quilting retreats or keeping right next to your sewing machine on an iron pad.

Other popular pressing irons include the Panasonic 360 Cordless iron and Reliable irons like the Velocity 260IR. Both of these quilters irons will get the job done, you just need to know what features you want in an iron. Quilting irons now have a variety of settings and features that allow for precise temperature control with different fabrics, water reservoirs for steam, retractable cords, nonstick coatings, automatic shutoff mechanisms, self-cleaning features, energy-saving modes, cordless models, and our favorite iron even pops right off of the ironing board all by itself. It’s amazing what this simple device can do. And most importantly, don’t forget to press to the dark side!

What is the best mini iron for quilting? The Clover mini iron and the Dritz Mighty Steam mini iron are both wonderful mini irons, along with the Oliso Mini Project Iron. What is the best iron for sewing? Any of these irons would do a wonderful job, but we recommend irons that have strong steam for sewing. And if your iron has been tripping you up, don’t toss it. Give it a good clean with Iron Clean or Iron Off and it’ll be smooth sailing once more.

Alongside an iron, it’s essential to have a good quilting ironing mat or pressing board for quilting. These handy wool mats help keep seams crisp and make your quilt blocks nice and flat for a smoother finish. They may smell a bit ewe-nique, but that’s just the natural scent of the wool, nothing to be concerned about. We also carry wonderful quilting ironing boards that are much sturdier than typical ironing boards for clothing. Quilt ironing boards are strong and can handle the weight of a quilt!

Quilting irons are popular among quilters and sewists because they provide the necessary features and capabilities to achieve precise and professional-looking results when pressing fabric for quilting projects. So, what are you waiting for? Transform your quilting experience with the right quilting iron and ironing board and you’ll see the results instantly!