Wool pressing pad DIY?
#11
I am fairly allergic to live sheep. i think it is the wool dander and not the wool, but I am so tired of the inside of the ER. Is this a washed wool that they make it out of? Wool that has been washed, I can handle, but not raw wool. Can someone comment before mine arrives on Jan 24. Marcia
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,515
I have more fun not being cheap. I want something and budget allows I buy it.
I have several of the wool pressing mats in all sizes. The wool pressing mats are thick and dense, they can't be folded. The blankets are soft so the fabric sinks in when pressed.
That makes a big difference and I have compared both types. The wool blanket will be nice to cover an ironing surface but to press a quilt block the wool pressing pad is best.
That's why so many are praising the wool mat and so many are substituting for it and then say they can't understand all the hype about it.
I have several of the wool pressing mats in all sizes. The wool pressing mats are thick and dense, they can't be folded. The blankets are soft so the fabric sinks in when pressed.
That makes a big difference and I have compared both types. The wool blanket will be nice to cover an ironing surface but to press a quilt block the wool pressing pad is best.
That's why so many are praising the wool mat and so many are substituting for it and then say they can't understand all the hype about it.
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Between the dashes of a tombstone
Posts: 12,716
I use a wool mat at work...and yes love it.
At home I have made mini mats with some washed wool fabric...layered it with three layers, sewed them together around the outer edges. It made about a 3/4" thick pad. I then took a lightweight wool gabardine and made a "pillow case" for it. I love it on top of a small wood ironing board next to my machine when I sew my small blocks together. I have another small ironing board that I layered with about 3 layers of washed wool then put a cotton cover on top of it. My next step is to put several layers of this washed wool on top of my MIL's old wood ironing board. I personally think the hard surface is as important as the wool.
Yes go for it. I'm also a believer in upcycling..we do live on a planet with limited resources...
At home I have made mini mats with some washed wool fabric...layered it with three layers, sewed them together around the outer edges. It made about a 3/4" thick pad. I then took a lightweight wool gabardine and made a "pillow case" for it. I love it on top of a small wood ironing board next to my machine when I sew my small blocks together. I have another small ironing board that I layered with about 3 layers of washed wool then put a cotton cover on top of it. My next step is to put several layers of this washed wool on top of my MIL's old wood ironing board. I personally think the hard surface is as important as the wool.
Yes go for it. I'm also a believer in upcycling..we do live on a planet with limited resources...
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,782
I've used a wool blanket and now have a wool pressing mat. I do think the mat works better than the old wool blanket purchased at an estate sale for a couple bucks. That being said, the wool blanket works better than just the ironing board.
Since you mentioned it my thoughtful response would be "Don't be so gosh darn cheap, Watson. You do beautiful work and deserve the best tools.
Since you mentioned it my thoughtful response would be "Don't be so gosh darn cheap, Watson. You do beautiful work and deserve the best tools.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 540
There is big difference from the mats compared to the blankets. The mats are thick and very dense. If you can fold it then it is not a wool pressing mat but a wool surface. I believe in being frugal when needed but never be cheap and cut corners.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,585
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,589
We all do whatever works for us. It's easy to say that if it's in the budget, why not just get the pressing mat. On the other hand, if you'd like to give the blanket a try, what's the harm? If it works for you, great. If not, lesson learned on move onto the mat.
Several months ago, there was a thread about ecorugpads.com. They carry 100% wool pads, normally used under rugs. They are less expensive than the wool mats intended for pressing. Perhaps not as pretty, if you consider the pressing mats pretty, because the fibers are a mix of grey, white, black rather than only grey.
I'm not sure what it is about wool that irritates me, but I do itch. Even with a shirt under sweaters, I can't wear wool sweaters. But having a cover over the wool mat on my ironing board works really well for me. And because the ecorug product is so much less expensive, I bought more than enough to cover my Better Board. I lopped the extra off and put it in a pillowcase for a travel mat, or for times when I don't have the Better Board up.
Several months ago, there was a thread about ecorugpads.com. They carry 100% wool pads, normally used under rugs. They are less expensive than the wool mats intended for pressing. Perhaps not as pretty, if you consider the pressing mats pretty, because the fibers are a mix of grey, white, black rather than only grey.
I'm not sure what it is about wool that irritates me, but I do itch. Even with a shirt under sweaters, I can't wear wool sweaters. But having a cover over the wool mat on my ironing board works really well for me. And because the ecorug product is so much less expensive, I bought more than enough to cover my Better Board. I lopped the extra off and put it in a pillowcase for a travel mat, or for times when I don't have the Better Board up.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 809
Marcia, I would think that the felting process would wash out the dander bits, but I'm not sure. I guess you will ind out when you get it. Have the benadryl ready! It definitely won't be raw wool.
Last edited by themadpatter; 01-20-2019 at 10:20 PM. Reason: Only answered half the Question
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 809
Here's a picture that includes my small wool covered board. It's getting dirty and needs to be cleaned. I think I'm going to try the little upholstery cleaner on my carpet cleaner, so I don't have to take it apart.
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]607144[/ATTACH]
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Delaware
Posts: 1,045
I am fairly allergic to live sheep. i think it is the wool dander and not the wool, but I am so tired of the inside of the ER. Is this a washed wool that they make it out of? Wool that has been washed, I can handle, but not raw wool. Can someone comment before mine arrives on Jan 24. Marcia
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