How to make a large pressing board
I am interested in making my own pressing board that would measure
about 36″ x 50″ , have a grid, and can be used for pinning and pressing
oversized pieces. I know that you can buy one (called Sew E-Z Board), but
it is expensize and thought of making my own. The back would be felt and
it would need padding in order for the top to be used for pressing. Any ideas??
Replies
I made my own. First I took multiple layers of corrugated cardboard and duct taped them together. The I added one layer of contact paper for moisture protection, clear vunyl would work too. Then I added a thick layer of cotton batting which I attached to the underside with a stable gun. over the entire thing went heavy cotton muslin , again attached with a staple gun. Finally I put a grid printed teflon cloth I found In a store over the entire thing, it tightened via a draw string.
I use this surface for pressing and I have a large rotary cutting mat that I pull out from behind a cupboard when i need a cutting mat. I have been steaming and pressing on this for quite a while with no warping or damage to the top.
I lay the top on four rolling carts at a height of about 32 inches ( I am short) and it is fantasticly helpful. Hope this helps.
Thank you so much.
I have all of the materials except for the "foundation" and the multiple layers of cardboard with duct tape will work nicely for this.
Thanks again,
Pam
it also makes it lighter than if you used plywood. i can easily pick mine up and move it off the rolling carts if I want to rearrange things.
and with the moisture it will get it won't warp as plywood might.
I made one, too. Used particleboard, which is heavy, but won't warp as easily. I drilled some holes in it to let it breath more. Covered it with a few layers of batting, them some cheap 100% wool fabric, then a covering of 100% cotton muslin. Used a staple gun to put it all together. One thing I did which was very useful was to put it right next to my cutting table, at the same height. That way when I pressed something large the excess didn't hang over the edge of the pressing board and get pulled out of shape. Also, if I needed extra room for cutting it was there. Worked out great.
This post is archived.