Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • Best way to press a big quilt top >
  • Best way to press a big quilt top

  • Best way to press a big quilt top

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 09-07-2012, 07:32 AM
      #1  
    Senior Member
    Thread Starter
     
    liont's Avatar
     
    Join Date: May 2012
    Location: USA
    Posts: 475
    Default Best way to press a big quilt top

    What is the best way to press a big heavy quilt top (Queen - King size)?
    Do you do it on a standard ironing board, standing up, use another table to prop the other part that you are not working on? Or with the board on the floor?
    liont is offline  
    Old 09-07-2012, 07:48 AM
      #2  
    MTS
    Banned
     
    Join Date: Nov 2010
    Posts: 4,134
    Default

    Originally Posted by liont
    Or with the board on the floor?
    Ouch. I'm in pain just thinking about that.

    In my dream studio, I'd have 4'x8' ironing board surface.

    But since I don't, an ironing board (with me most definitely STANDING) and a folding table to hold some of the bulk/weight of the quilt top if needed (meaning I wasn't too lazy to set it up).

    I usually try to make sure that the sections are well pressed (I'm a starch junkie) so that when sewn together, it's only THAT seam that needs to be worked on.

    I also like to work in quadrants rather than long rows.
    Much easier to handle.

    Just personal preference.

    Last edited by MTS; 09-07-2012 at 07:50 AM.
    MTS is offline  
    Old 09-07-2012, 07:56 AM
      #3  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: Ontario, Canada
    Posts: 41,501
    Default

    Ditto. I press my rows, then my sections and then it just leaves the last few seams to press when assembled. If it has been folded away and I need to press the whole top, I put on my knee pads and press it on the old carpet on the cement basement floor. Yep, that is my last resort and I only do it when really desperate.
    Tartan is offline  
    Old 09-07-2012, 07:57 AM
      #4  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: May 2008
    Location: MN
    Posts: 24,521
    Default

    My response is similar to MTS - except I'm generally NOT a fan of starch/sizing.

    If/when each section is pressed, and one takes care not to rumple the section(s), the only serious pressing required is for those last seams. It's also easier to find and fix a glitch if one catches one when the sections are smaller.

    On the floor? I can barely get MYSELF down to and up from the floor - but the visual is pretty interesting - - -

    I think my carpet would melt - I dropped the iron once, and there is a melted spot there.
    bearisgray is offline  
    Old 09-07-2012, 07:57 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2012
    Location: Texas, USA
    Posts: 5,896
    Default

    YIKES! I've only done up to a twin size but what works for me, is to lay out the quilt on my cutting table, then slip an ironing pad underneath. You have keep moving the pad from spot to spot, but it gets the job done. I do this, when I glue baste, to set the glue. If you don't have an ironing pad/ironing mat, do a Google search on them. They're fairly easy to find and come in different sizes.
    Neesie is offline  
    Old 09-07-2012, 09:24 AM
      #6  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: May 2008
    Location: MN
    Posts: 24,521
    Default

    Originally Posted by liont
    What is the best way to press a big heavy quilt top (Queen - King size)?
    . . .
    With an iron -

    Seriously, if you have room for a 'big board' - a large rectangular surface instead of the angled standard ironing board - it makes pressing/ironing large items and yardage ever so much easier.
    bearisgray is offline  
    Old 09-07-2012, 10:28 AM
      #7  
    Senior Member
    Thread Starter
     
    liont's Avatar
     
    Join Date: May 2012
    Location: USA
    Posts: 475
    Default

    Thanks for all the ideas. Using a table to prop up the bulk is doable.
    I was thinking of laying layers of fabric on the floor - that becomes a big big ironing board
    liont is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    QuiltnNan
    Links and Resources
    11
    08-19-2014 04:54 AM
    terri bb
    Main
    45
    01-13-2013 03:19 AM
    nantucketsue
    Main
    12
    06-01-2012 08:07 PM
    Qarena
    Main
    22
    04-24-2011 05:36 AM
    Corry
    Main
    14
    02-18-2011 06:08 AM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter