Eco Plush pads are 100% recycled felt made from new unused carpet fibers and yarn, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. Place the ruler on top of the block and don’t move it! We actually raise sheep! I have a wool mat and like it…except for the smell incurred from steam. Based on some comments here I googled saddle liners. Find the best wool pressing mat one and order online. However, I would disagree. I wonder if it’s as dense. There are some irons that have a surface that have a tendency to collect a residue on the iron. One (1) two-sided mat is included ; Quilter's Cut'n'Press is two sided ; One side for cutting and one side for pressing ; One side of quilt tool has a grid rotary mat with permanent angles and bias lines ; Other side of guide is cushioned ; Not self-healing ; Features 1-inch grid pressing surface which enables you to square during pressing-additional grid features provide bias angle circle … Yes, a nice 4” crack in my granite:(. All the mats I’m finding are New Zealand wool. Hope it works well. That is a pretty steep price to pay just to cut down on some ironing work. Perfect for on-the-go quilters, the June Tailor Mini Cut'n Press is available in a convenient 4" x 4" grid size with handle for easy portability. I’m sure they’d be durable too because they’re made to go under your saddle. Creative Grids Circle Savvy 11-3/4in x 18-1/2in Quilt Ruler. suggestions? Never place the mat on a rotary cutting mat when pressing. Anyone out there who’s done that? 1. I’m letting it air out and using steam w/a regular ironing surface for now. I just look at them and they look to be just as think. Initially, I was using a small travel iron, but I switched to my larger iron and YIKES it started sticking and leaving black gunk on the iron – which also comes off on my fabric. The half that I have fits my big board (24×60) doubled. The only thing I can guess is that some wool mats are felted with other materials that would not react well to steam. I love the smell of wet wool! The heat/moisture went through the wool mat and warped my cutting mat. It seemed to be doing a great job pressing the first couple of strip sets…until I noticed my iron dragging. Say what now? The Omnigrid® Gear mini FoldAway™ is a miniature portable pressing and cutting station for quilters and sewists; it has a 7” x 7” Omnigrid® cutting mat and non-stick ironing surface; its petite size makes it convenient for use beside a sewing machine, for trimming and pressing foundation blocks, for cutting around templates, and for working on miniatures. Anyway it sheds on my fabric so I covered it with a layer of cotton. I have three or four scents. A while back a friend asked me what I thought about wool pressing mats. Not happy with my purchase. Washed it super hot and shrank it as far as I could. I, too, use a pillow case on mine for keeping starch out of the wool mat and to keep from scorching the wool (again). Yes, they are very handy to have beside the machine. I bought the 20×50 mat from project wool and it is only 1/4” thick. I was planning to use a wool pressing mat but didn’t realize granite would crack ( ?) The mat's fuzzy texture grips your fabric in place. It’s obvious these mats have their benefits, but what about the cons? thank you, Maureen! The pressing mat can be used with a dry iron on most surface. Same with mine! After using the mat for awhile, I heard a big cracking sound. However, if you layer a couple towels underneath the wool mat it’s fine. I got my wool mat through your give away with Lily Pad Lake. $29.50 $ 29. Then find a board that gives you a lot of ironing space and place the layers on top of it. If you want to move it around, you can place it on top of a folded towel. This 2-in-1 mat is 18” x 24” with a 13 ½” x 13 ½” removable center. Well the fuzzy feel of these mats helps grip your fabric so it doesn’t slip around. Yup! The heat could warp the cutting mat. The wool should grab your fabric and keep it nice and stable so you can get through your ironing chore quickly. I love using a wool mat. Sign Up for the Newsletter, Get a Free Pattern! Oh la la! Thankfully, as you said.. just lay something flat and heavy on top (or flip it over), and it will go back to shape. So I picked up my mat, threw it in the dryer with my felted wool dryer balls and a febreze dryer sheet, and let it run. So I’ve been reading ALL the comments here. Pingback: Grow Sew Along Weeks 3 & 4: Sewing Blocks - Suzy Quilts. Your email address will not be published. However, I do like to set this little mat up next to my sewing machine and then become very immobile...possibly for hours as I sit to sew and press. The main selling point of these mats is that they magically “iron both sides of your fabric at the same time.” Now, I don’t know about you, but I never iron both sides of my fabric, so this selling point wasn’t selling me. Conclusion – yes, it does mess up your wood table. They are pads used under saddles. Can wool mats be used on wooden dining tables? The residue is baffling to me. Moral of the story is: even long-time, professional quilters learn new things! Eco Plush pads sold at rugpadusa.com. The gridded cutting mat and non-stick ironing surface are side by side. Honestly, nothing, but they were too good for me not to share! This gives your pressing efforts an added boost. What can I do to avoid this? Just ordered one. I’ve had my wool mat for awhile now and have used steam…even though the instructions say not to. Wool is also able to absorb a lot more moisture than a synthetic fabric before it feels wet. And it's not that much more expensive. I recommend it this DIY solution. After a bit of searching, I found. That is a big benefit especially when you have a busy schedule to maintain. I’ve got two. 2. You can use both sides or fold one under. The first step is to find and use 3 different fabrics. I put a very thin fabric over it and no mess on iron now. Had to work at getting the black goo off. Cut fabric or paper on the hard-surface mat side. If it is necessary to clean your wool mat, you can rinse the mat out in your sink or bathtub with cold water and then hang it up to dry. Short answer, I made one since I’m just starting out. I cannot even remember if I moved it to the new ironing board, lol. That brings up another reason to make your wool pressing mat. It can be used on any work surface. I wonder what that could be? this place smells like butt.” It’s the only disappointing thing about the mat, but I have been using steam setting. As soon as he got to the sewing room door he said “Hi, geez Mum, What’s that smell?” HAHAHA. Remember that texture we all love? I have a wool mat next to my sewing machine and I love, love, love it. Oh, and they smell bad, probably worse than your mat. However, even with a towel as a buffer, I wouldn’t use it on a cutting mat or wood surface. You can learn more about that here. I’m a new quilter and finding out about new things everyday. It definitely smells more when you are using steam or spraying with water or starch– not so much when ironing dry. Ugh! Maybe I should send them an email. There is no particular order to these tips: One of the main reasons to use a wool pressing mat is the fact that you can use it just about anywhere. They cost about $25 each. I scorched my first mat and noticed an unpleasant smell when I used steam so I have a piece of muslin covering the wool. This includes making a wool pressing mat. Wool is an insulating fiber which means a wool pressing mat cuts pressing time in half. They are so beautiful! I used it with steam on top of my cutting mat!! I saw that one reader above mentioned keeping a pillowcase over it. OHMYGOSH that is a fabulous idea! Another good reason is that you do a better job of pressing. I would love to make a quilt for my niece using those same fabrics. Pingback: How to Press Seams in a Quilt (with Video Tutorial!) How to Bleach Bamboo Sheets, The Sears Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 5186 (Review, Manual), What to Look for When Buying a Wool Pressing Mat. Notions > Cutting and Pressing Mats . I guess I’ve gotten used to it. That keeps starch from building up as well. Wool is a wonderful heat conductor and granite is very fragile when heated! Dottie k says: August 7, 2019 at 7:24 am The thick wool pressing mat is fabulous! They aren’t deal breakers for me, but they are worth mentioning. I had no idea that could happen. My mat is 100% wool, however, so it shouldn’t be an issue. It holds heat and steam like a brick oven. Both mats are 12x18in (30x45cm) and are made of resilient, hard wearing material with gridlines. I assume what happened is the mat got so hot that it was heating the granite too much. One side is a rotary cutting mat, the other side has a … Needles & Pins type . Description. But it works great, smells wonderful, is “natural” cream color without any dye to bleed, and cost less than what I found online for a similar size. It’s a small price to pay for having a great pressing surface. Sometimes I recommend products, and if you click on those links, I may earn a small commission. A cutting mat forms the foundation of your cutting station so quality is key when it comes to choosing the perfect cutting mat. That’s so weird! In reading the label it tells you not to use steam. Unlike the flannel, the Magic Pressing Mat holds the heat and steam like crazy. I don’t mind the smell… however my son stopped by one day to say hello. . I bought a wool blanket and my local army/navy store just for this purpose to save money. Did you know the wool of a domestic sheep will grow forever? I did not let the manufacturer know. Search Mustang wool mat. Curious if anyone else has had that issue. English Paper Piecing. I have purchased iron cleaner before after a mishap with some fusible webbing. If I could, I would cover an Ironing board in wool matting. When you are getting ready to make your wool pressing mat, it is always a good idea to get a few tips to guide your work. I am hoping this isn’t a problem. Thanks so much, Fiona. It’s awesome and does not smell. You can get a wool saddle pad, 30x30x1/2″ for just over $30.00! The blanket convers the entire 30×60 table top. Would just have to try it out I suppose. These mats don't smell great. Good to know steam is ok? Why Wool Batting Makes the Warmest Quilts, 8 Things You Never Knew About the Tailor’s Clapper, The Difference Between Cotton and Poly Thread: A Hard-Hitting Interview, Grow Sew Along Weeks 3 & 4: Sewing Blocks, https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N5JCKVM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1, https://www.statelinetack.com/item/mustang-square-wool-pad-liner/SLT901243/, Grow Sew Along Weeks 3 & 4: Sewing Blocks - Suzy Quilts, How to Press Seams in a Quilt (with Video Tutorial!) The best surface is your ironing board. It also takes me back to those years of owning sheep. Application tool . The only drawback to this DIY option is that your end result may not be as thick as the store-bought items. Just to keep your followers informed. Oh no! The fabulous texture I’m talking about is wool. When I started using my mat, I was horrified at the barn smell! My husband was looking for Christmas gift ideas and I thought of a pressing mat as it’s something I’ve wanted for a while. I have a large wool mat made in Ireland. The wool grabs the fabric you are ironing and hold sit in place making your ironing time a lot easier on you. You can guess what happened next. … I love it! The trick is when to know to use steam or not. However, heat and especially steam heat will make the lanolin melt and run!!!!! Years ago I folded up an old wool blanket and used it as an underliner beneath my cotton ironing board cover. I don’t suppose you have the company’s name, or where you bought it? The milk is excellent for yogurt making and I am *hoping* to get some good use out of the wool this year from our new wool bread sheep! I’m actually shocked I haven’t done that yet. It isn’t hard to make your wool pressing mat. Don’t think it is 100% Wool. When not in use, storing your presser mat should not be that difficult. It only cost $20 for the wool blanket and it covers the entirety of my ironing board. They are a tan color. I don’t know why! Some manufacturers add additional fibers that are synthetic. 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. These advantages may have you enjoying doing the ironing once again. The cutting mat is the unsung hero of the architecture and crafting world, saving your table and providing an excellent work surface. When you use the two together, they provide the most accurate cutting system available. FREE Shipping CA/US $199+ FREE $20 Gift Card at $299+ Order by phone 1-888-662-0319 Anyway, has anyone else had this problem? I’ll leave you with one last fact, contrary to popular belief, sheep are extremely intelligent. Since wool can absorb moisture, you certainly do not want to store them in an area that gets a lot of moisture. So I guess these mats will work fine for experienced quilters but I might skip it for now! They come in all shapes and sizes and you should find them a lot cheaper than the $50 to $75 prices quoted earlier. Yes everyone, wool will scorch. Handy combination of a A3 Cutting Mat with a pretty floral padded Pressing Mat on the reverse. They cost about $25 each. And it worked. What makes these mats so popular is that they are supposed to trap the heat as you iron and ‘press’ the other side of your fabric as you are working. It’s funny you ask this because I just had a quilting weekend with my nieces and we did this exact thing. I was able to order 100% “Wool Felt Fabric” for in-store pick up. What can you put under a wool mat to protect the surface that it is on? Makes piecing quilts even more fun and faster too. Ironing Board side is ideal for pressing, sewing, quilting and crafting projects. Now you may ask, "Would it be overkill to use a tailor’s clapper on a wool mat?" You can make sure you get the thickness you want that traps heat without damaging any materials underneath it. And it grabs much better than the Cut n'Press boards I've used before. If using steam, place the mat on a protected surface since moisture does go through the mat and can harm the surface below. All this talk about some wool mats smelling…my question is…does the smell transfer into the fabric you are pressing on the mat? $37.17 $ 37. Here at SQ you will find free sewing tutorials, product reviews, basic how-to’s, design inspiration, and quilt patterns geared toward you – the chic, modern quilter! I might try that and see if it still works as well. (also for Art Gallery). The heat could warp the cutting mat. Then press them while making 3 different layers. Application . Moral of the story–beware of the surface under your wool mat! After looking at the reasons why you should use a wool pressing mat, you should agree that they are worth the time and trouble to add to your ironing arsenal. I did the same thing! I actually recommend this product specifically when making the ​Grow quilt pattern because of all of the strip piecing. The quilt featured in this post is the Reflections Wall Hanging & Pillow Extension pattern. As of today, August 8, 2020 they are listed at $31.99. I also use the wooden clapper and have good results as the combination compliment each other. My iron just has a silver surface and I have never had a problem. So if someone calls you a sheep for buying a wool mat, take it as a compliment! I’d be lost without the mat. I hope you reached out to the wool mat manufacturer. Excellent size and weight for portability while travelling. The floral is part of the Emmy Grace fabric line by Bari J. Get it as soon as Tue, Feb 23. I don’t use steam at all, just a hot iron. I just got a wool mat and made a kid quilt using it. RELATED: The 10 Best Utility Knives The 10 Best Hot Glue Guns. JT-720, Cut 'n Press™ I. Thanks for letting me know I’m not the only one with a bad experience! Hi Suzy, I am Vegan and would like to know if you are aware of an alternative quilters pressing matt instead of wool. You are capable and equipped to handle just about any sewing issue that comes your way. This confidence lays a good foundation that should carry over to your sewing projects. I prefer this to my ironing board. Cutting & Pressing Mats . I should try this! I do love how it works. That would be so easy to do! Just saw they now have a Paca Pressing Mat, made from 100% Alpca…says it is great for those sensitive to wool by fiber or fragrance, and is 3 times more insulating than wool. I think I’ve going to do what another review had done and put a cover on it. Suzy, I’m trying to set up a small ironing station in my sewing room and recently found the perfect sized cabinet – but- it has a granite top. When you are getting ready to make your wool pressing mat, it is always a good idea to get a few tips to guide your work. Living in Ireland, I was keen to buy local and have done every sort of Google search and can’t find any Irish wool mats. Love the large size. Ha Ha! A big selling point for them is that they allow you to be mobile, but let’s get real, I don’t need to be that mobile. I got a wool pressing mat for christmas and when I used it all those little fibers stuck to my iron. I haven’t had a problem with melting or odor. Wool pressing mats magically iron both sides of your fabric. The costs can add up if you are only making one item out of the supplies you are purchasing. Reflections Wall Hanging & Pillow Extension pattern. QS Select Dual Side Cutting Mat 24" x 36" $69.99. Maybe if I continually use scented spray starch I can mask the odor? A great source for cheap wool mats measuring 30”x30” is State Line Track. They won’t stink up your house, or even your small enclosed sewing studio, but when they get hot, and especially when they get steamy, they smell baaaaad. English Paper Pieces. Do you have a wool pressing mat? Convenient size for trimming, foundation piecing, or cutting around templates One side is a gridded mat and the other side a non-stick pressing surface Fold easily in half wit Arctic Fox arrow101420 Unbeknownst to me, a wool mat was my friend's favorite notion. I will make a small cover for the mat and move on. In Australia a sheep was found roaming about and after being sheared, she was 89-pounds lighter! Will a towel work as it did on the wood table? Maureen says: P.S. 50. A wool pressing mat is basically what the name says. To experience something you must touch it. It helps make wool so insulating. Or maybe I’m just getting used to it? Close call!! You could also get one of those roll-up travel ironing pads and use that. For best results use a dry iron. I’m guessing a smaller iron would work better. To reduce potential damage, store your mat flat, out of any direct sun, do not iron on it, and keep it away from extreme temperatures. Making just one will make buying a ready to use wool pressing mat attractive by comparison. Hmmmmm….I did not need to see that . I haven’t heard of that issue so it’s possible your mat is defective. Works very well at a fraction of the cost. QS, Dual Side Cutting Mat 9" x 12" - Anniversary Edition. My wool mat has no warning on the label about avoiding steam. I keep my covered w a pillowcase as I starch & this way I can change the case when needed. Maybe give your mat a shave and take off just the very top layer that’s scorched? Dritz-Omnigrid Foldaway Portable Cutting & Pressing Station. I have two wool mats side by side on my tabletop ironing board to make a larger surface. And you are good to go. 12"x18" Self Healing Olfa Rotary Mat. There shouldn’t be a problem in finding a wool pressing mat that fits your budget and needs. I can use high heat, steam, Best Press and not worry about the mat. Wonder if it could be cut in half though? I love my mat. Quilter's Cut & Press II is a two-sided board with a cutting mat and pressing surface all in one great quilting tool. An ironing board, table, a makeshift cutting board or even an old p[ice of wood that is lying around the house. I believe those are all Art Gallery Fabrics. Depending on where you buy your wool pressing mat, you may spend up to $50 to $75 just for one small one. You can pick your size from 1 ft x 1ft to 16 ft x 24 ft. Use it to cut, press, and square the smallest quilting pieces with complete accuracy. Cutting Mats. If you have a wad of wrinkled fabric fresh from the dryer, using a wool pressing mat will cut your ironing time in half without scorching your fabric. Enter e-mail address to tell a friend. Tonight I followed their instructions – wool heat, steam. As for the smell, there’s only a oder when you use steam in your iron. It is made of metal mesh allowing steam to pass through so that is where I will use my lovely mat from now. Thanks Suzy! Wool is also able to absorb a lot more moisture than a synthetic fabric before it feels wet. I think that is what they are meant for is small area pressing. And if you like the smell of wool, these top wool presser mats will accommodate that feeling. Also, you can tailor-make your wool pressing mat to fit your situation. The heat goes all the way through the fibers, too. The manufacturer said to only use a dry iron, no steam! Wool is an insulating fiber which means a wool pressing mat cuts pressing time in half. If you don’t steam, check your iron setting before you use the mat. Contact Us: Calico Creations 400 S 1st … Needles & Pins Brand . Get it here! New to sewing? The pressing mat can be used with a dry iron on any surface. You can’t help yourself! Wool Ironing Mat - 15x24" $70.00. I won’t lie, it was a process and I would do a couple of things differently. The FoldAway is covered in black heavy-duty nylon with sturdy straps for easy travel and a hook and loop tape tab. I found this site https://www.statelinetack.com/item/mustang-square-wool-pad-liner/SLT901243/. Like it too. I don’t have to get out my ironing board for every little thing I need to press! It worked great. wouldn’t make a nice soft yarn). It is filled with those ideas as well as tips on how to make your own wool pressing at and save money doing it. And yes, there is a hot wet smell. This is the largest size Omnigrid Gear FoldAway, which is a portable pressing and cutting station for quilters and sewists; it features a 12” x 18” Omnigrid cutting mat and non-stick ironing surface; use it for trimming and pressing foundation blocks, and for cutting around templates; it folds easily for travel and storage. Hi Suzy, this is a little off topic, but one of the quilt examples you used in this post reminded me of the Bright-Pink-Wall-Hanging quilt in your shop for the Reflections Wall Hanging pattern. The one con I can think of is that a horse blanket probably isn’t that thick. Here’s the one I have: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N5JCKVM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1, Go to Amazon and copy/paste this: 12″ x 14″ Quilter’s Pressing Pad – 100% Wool Ironing Mat, Provide Professional Results for Quilting Projects, For some reason it won’t let me put in a link.