QUILTING CAN BE AN EXPENSIVE HOBBY, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. SO WHY NOT SAVE SOME MONEY AND ADD YOUR OWN STYLE WITH A DIY IRONING BOARD!
Creating a DIY Ironing Board can be a game-changer for anyone knee-deep in the world of quilting and sewing. Think about it – ironing is often overlooked, yet it’s crucial for making your projects look polished.
Store-bought options are fine, but they can be bulky, overpriced, and, honestly, a bit uninspiring. So why settle for less when you can make your own ironing board that’s tailor-made for your space?
Materials for a DIY Ironing Board
Making your own ironing board can be fairly inexpensive. Here is what I used for mine:
Plywood
I chose to use 2 pieces of ½-inch plywood cut to 32″ x 18″. I had originally planned to have this sit on top of a small Kallax unit, but it really didn’t fit well into my studio. Of course, you can cut the plywood to any size that suits your needs and your space.
Also, keep in mind that if you don’t have the right tools, the hardware stores will generally cut the plywood for you to your specifications.
Cotton or wool would be the best choices here. I chose to use a cotton batting that I had on hand.
Cotton or canvas with your choice of design. Again, choose a fairly hearty fabric that will stand up to lots of use.
Medium-duty works just fine
Because I decided to use two sheets of plywood, I glued them together first to keep them from sliding around.
Optional materials
You may want to add feet to your ironing board as I did if you don’t have a dedicated place for it to stay. You could also add handles, which I’m pretty sure I will do at some point. Keep your scissors close at hand to trim any extra fabric or batting.
Watch the YouTube Tutorial
You can check out my YouTube video here. It’s a quick watch and can give you a visual rundown of the entire process.
Remember – be sure to hit that LIKE button and subscribe to the channel, so you don’t miss out on anything new!
Step-by-Step Instructions for a DIY Ironing Board
Step 1: Cutting the Plywood
First thing first, get your plywood cut. If you don’t have the tools at home, don’t sweat it. Just take your measurements to a hardware store, and they usually can cut it for you.
Step 2: Smoothing the Edges
After you’ve got your plywood, go around the edges with some sandpaper. This is important because no one wants to get a splinter while ironing a quilt, right?
Step 3: Laying the Batting
Next up, lay your piece of plywood on the batting and cut the batting around it, leaving a few extra inches on each side. You can staple the batting in place at this stage as I did.
Step 4: Adding the Fabric
Now, for the fun part – adding the fabric! Cut your chosen fabric about 4 to 5 inches larger than your plywood on each side. This will give you enough room to fold it over the edges. Lay the fabric face-down and center your batting-covered plywood on top of it. Fold the fabric edges over to the back of the plywood and staple them securely.
When stapling, start on one side and then do the opposite side, pulling the fabric taut. Repeat this for the other two sides. For the corners, you can fold them like you’re wrapping a gift or simply fold them over, ensuring they lie flat before stapling. Just remember that it will be the bottom of your ironing board, so as long as it’s secure, it’s okay if it isn’t perfect!
Step 5: Final Touches
This is the stage at which you’ll add feet if you want them, or handles. I chose to use non-slip pads designed for furniture and attached them with finishing nails. Be sure that if you are doing this, your nails are the right length and won’t come through the plywood!
Finally, give your new DIY ironing board a test run. Make sure it’s stable and that the fabric stays firmly in place while ironing.
And there you have it – your own custom DIY ironing board. It’s perfect for all your quilting and sewing projects! For another space-saving tip, be sure to check out my Portable Sewing Room!
Want to remember this? Save “Make a DIY Ironing Board in 5 Easy Steps” to your favourite Pinterest boards!
