Do I like Wool Pressing Mats 

Rather than washing mine, I set it outside during a "cold" snow (not the wet heavy snow) and let nature put a dusting on top. I then use a stiff brush to remove the snow and the mat is back to new. once it's dry. I've been using this method to clean my grandmothers wool throw rugs for years.

I like the smell! Probably because I spin yarn and when I get a newly shorn fleece it smells very much like my mat! A lovely natural smell.

Don’t forget to lint roll periodically! And I’ve also noticed that if you are using a spritz of water while the fabric is laying down on the mat (for those who don’t use the steam function in your iron), the excess moisture goes all the way thru very easily. To avoid this, hold your fabric in the air (or on a different surface), and spray it. THEN move it to the wool mat & press like usual.

I happened to have a vintage 100% wool blanket so I cut it out in the shape of my ironing board, layered two thicknesses and then covered it with my ironing board cover...works great!

I just bought one, and I absolutely adore it so far!! I am a stuff a pin everywhere when I iron, so after a while, I end up with a pile of pins stuck into my ironing board, and the wool I can just stick a pin into the mat standing up, and I end up reusing my pins so much more now, and I don't have pins everywhere anymore. I love it!

Another tip I have for ironing on a regular household ironing board to get a similar benefit to using by using a heat reflecting mat. I remove the top fabric cover (they usually come with a cheap cotton cover over a Very thin piece of foam) and I leave the thin foam on top. I then put the shield on top of the ironing board, and then I fit the original cotton top over the reflective shield silver side up. If the fabric cover is too large, you can either pin the reflective cover with safety pins, or you can just cut draw around the reflective cover around the top of the ironing board, then cut it out leaving plenty to cover the sides of the ironing board and some to go around and underneath the board. I prefer to sew a few ties along both sides of the reflective cover so it's easy to keep it in place. I do the same with the cotton cover because the elastic around it doesn't seem to last too long. I've found that the reflective cover underneath sends the heat and steam back up, helping to make both the front and back pressed with one pass of the iron. I used to use cooking foil underneath the cover, but this is far better option. However if you have some spare wool or natural batting left from other projects, you could also use that underneath, but it's not essential because i didn't have any and my board loves it with just the reflective cover and the top cotton cover. You can also cut it if it seems too wide or long for your ironing board, otherwise, you can just use safety pins to make it fit better.

I have had a wool mat for a bit over a year and just love it!

I love my wool mat. They are not cheap, but worth the investment in my opinion as they help your quilt blocks turn out flat and undistorted. Mine is a little discolored in places, as I believe it's been a bit scorched, but it doesn't hurt the performance at all.

I use those kitchen counter mats, the one they use under dish racks, they're great because they're a bit rubberized on one side, with toweling on the other so they help with the moisture and keep the mat in place. (I have very limited room and use a small dresser as my ironing surface) Thank you for all your videos, you're very helpful and so cheerful. 🤗🥰🦋

You have so many ideas and hints. I don’t mind the wet wool smell

I have 3 different size wool mats. I used a old TV tray top and covered a mat with a light cotton. I can move it wherever I need it away from my sewing area. It works. Great info Laura.

How timely! I just got some wool mats in various sizes. I was so disappointed in the smell (which kind of reminds me of a wet dog). 😄 I decided to spray them with Febreeze. I was glad to see that you recommended it in your video because I was hoping it wouldn't ruin the mats. Thanks for your informative video.

I’ve not long bought a wool one...it’s great. Been sewing since forever and never knew about the wool, thanks Laura.

Didn't know I can wash my wool pressing mat - that's good news! Thanks, Laura!

I’ve seen people use wool horse pads. Much cheaper. Funny when you read the reviews on the horse supply websites, most of the reviews are from quilters!

I have been contemplating getting one. Thank you for the helpful info.

I never knew your mat couldn't go under your mat- that's help! Thanks

Thank you so much! I’ve been contemplating purchasing a wool pressing mat; this is very helpful information.

Thank you, Laura for answering my question. My next purchase will be a wool pressing mat.

I found a source online for felted wool mats used for oil absorption. It was a huge roll (72 inches long), 1 1/2 inch thick. I cut it into several smaller pieces, still bigger than the same felted wool mats sold to quilters and a lot less expensive. I love my wool mats.

Love mine but should've bought an extra on that was bigger. I take the small one to workshops as it fits in my bag!

Yes, it will warp the cutting mat. I learned that before today🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️👵🏽. New subscriber.

Excellent. I just bought a Lilypad Lake pressing mat. I love it. Great tips about cleaning! Thank you Laura.

Wool pressing mats are not only good to use for yourself but make great gifts for your friends who sew. :D

I love my Matilda's Own pressing mats. I bought a cheap mattress protector with plastic on one side and terry towelling on the other to put between my table top and the mats. No more issues with moisture.

Thank you for this. I just got a wool mat for Christmas!!

I’m envious of your very large mat! Thanks for all the tips. I made my own ham and bar. Went to thrift shops and bought 100% wool and felted it first. Another great video!

I just bought a wool mat.I love it.

Thank you! Everything I put under my mat gets wet. I'll try the TV tray! LOVE your hair! Sooo pretty!

Thank you.❤️ I didn't know that the wool mats can warp the cutting Matt. I love my wool ironing mat.

I sew love my wool mat. 👍🏻👍🏻

I have several sizes of wool pressing mats. I love them, was very sceptical initially, but now wouldn’t be without them. When i bought the largest one they sent me a small 8”x8” which i use mainly to keep track of pins etc , wouldn’t be without mine now.

Thank you for making a video about the mats, I've been looking into getting one.

I just ordered mine! I can’t wait to get it. ❤️

I’m allergic to wool. So I have an Alpaca mat. It works the same. I love it

I use a pillow case to keep my wool mat clean.

Thanks!

My wife got me mine for Christmas and I love it and don’t mind the smell ,I find sometimes I get a damp patch underneath after ironing a bit

Oh this is wonderful information thank you Laura, I was wondering about the transfer of heat, but you answered that question👌 Also, is it okay use Mary’s Best Press and other spray starches on the beautiful wool mats? You’re a fabulous teacher 😃🌺🇦🇺 PS I really, really love my wool mat 🤩

I break into a red itchy rash as soon as wool makes contact with any skin surface. Sheep's wool, goat hair wool, or alpaca wool. I know how helpful a wool pressing mat would be, and I wish I could find a good substitute. I press my quilt blocks on several layers of cotton towels. Not quite the same, unfortunately.

Thankyou Laura !

Thank you, Laura! (Love your new cooking channel with your husband, as well!)

Thanks so much. I certainly agree with your assessment of all things wool !! I love the wool smell when pressing as it reminds me of our wool snow pants and mittens drying on the radiators and registers from grade school days...

Oh it does it does smell when you first get it, but after a while it does quit I don't know if it's from the steam in the moisture in the fabric and other things what does go away I would love to own a big one to

Hi Laura, I would like to know how you store all your fabric. Do you keep them folded on open shelves or put them in boxes? Which is the best way? I live in the UK where it is a very damp. I would hate for my all fabric to become damaged by mould. I would be so grateful for your advise. Thank you.

Thank you for the informative video.

So I’m curious, are your mats 100% wool? When I read their label, it said 90% wool, 10% polyester. My concern would be melting the polyester onto my iron. Thanks so much!

Wish they were not so expensive. I have a small one that I love. But would love to get a full size one

I used one once with a large cutting table. It permanently warped the cutting mat. Be careful what is under your wool mat!

I have a "huge wool mat", it was a gift for taking a class at a local quilt store. It's about 5x7 inches. I would love to have a really big one like yours but they can be very expensive!

Can you give a tip on how to get the scorch marks out.

A little note, my wool pressing mat doesn’t smell, maybe different brands do, not the one I bought.

I love my wool mat.

I really like my wool pressing mat.

Hello Laura ⚘ I was just reading up on wool mats. I here there are companies that aren't using just wool as indicated. Plus price.. big issues for lots of people. Getting the right product and the best price. Anywho, as I was reading they say don't wash your mat as you've explained. ( just sharing the info) is said to cause the mat to come apart over time but that it causes .. umm I don't recall the exact word used, in essence, it will ball up on the surface and you'll not have that lovely smooth surface. They mentioned submerge it in a sink or tub with soap/ cleaner let it soak in a bit then hang it to dry.. never laying flat. So much to figure out. Lolol what do you think? And what brand is reliable and more adorable. I know for some like myself. It's a needed purchase ( giving one more time in the work room when they have limited time each day, physically that is) now I wasworrying and missed the later part.. time to re-watch lolol thanks🙆‍♀️ for all your share n do Laura, Hugs and Bless'ns ⚘

I love my pressing mat! Are you using steam when you press? If sew do you get moisture underneath the mat?

Thanku so much for sharing

I was wondering if I could clean my will mat. Thank you!

My iron scorched my new wool pressing mat. I was trying to iron some binding and had the iron in one spot too long. 😮‍💨

Can you tell me what the name of the quilting gloves so you don't cut your fingers? I saw them before on amazon but don't know what they are called. Thank you

Great vid. Thank you!

Another great video: Question is it advisable or not to make a cover/pillow case type for the wool mat? I saw another youtuber do that. What do you think?

Awesome helps!

Luv mine !

Can I make a wool pressing mat using wool fabric?

I love the quilt block you were pressing, I love the pattern, would you be able to show us the pattern?

I made a cover for my wool mat because it left dark grey streak marks on the sole plate of my iron. Has anyone else had this problem? Other than that, I love using the wool pressing mat.

Thank you for your videos! Laura, do you use spray or steam when you use your wool mat to press your blocks??

Would a layer of InsulBright on my wood table protect it from heat and moisture when I use my wool ironing pad?

I wondered if you would post a link for the wooden tray you use for the smaller wool mat. I have a wool mat that size and that wooden tray would be a great help. Thank you. :)

I guess it’s okay to put it right in my padded ironing board?

Thank you for sharing. Please share where to find the wood tray.

wool lite or the generic wool wash

Any suggestions for those of us who can’t tolerate wool?

I like my wool pressing mat but my grandson spilled chocolate milk on it. ( don’t ask) can I like use one drop of dawn dish soap and try and wash it out?

Can you confidently use cotton settings with the wool mats? Use steam? I had a clump of blackish crusty something on my mat after using cotton heat with steam...please advise. Thank you

I like my wool pressing mat

Do you use steam when you press your quilt blocks?

Hi Laura is your little folding table varnished as I have one very similar and it has been varnished and I am wondering if I should use the wool mat on top of it. Thanks Desley

Do you recommend putting a cotton cover on your wool mat?

I’m a little confused about heat settings using the mat. If I use the linen setting (to press actual linen pieces) it scorches the mat. Any hints? Thanks so much!

I must have been crazy when I ordered mine...it is way too big for my space. Do you think I should just cut it into 2 tv tray size? And, how?

❤❤❤

Hello SewVeryEasy! Is it easy to cut 1/2 inch thick wool mat? I want to cut one to the shape and size of my steam press I use to press my clothes for work. Thank you.

The directions on the wool mat that I purchased warned not to use steam. Is that a problem?

is there a need to make a cover for the wool mats?

Wondered if it made a difference. Can you make one?

Would you use spray starch on this mat

I just received a wool blanket, hum wondering if I can make one

So allergic to wool. My fingers swell up and itch ! I envy those who aren’t. No beautiful sweaters to wear. No wool socks, no pressing mats!

Can I use a wool blanket for same effect?

How do you make fabric pads

Please can you share where you got your wood tray?

I love mine, as well. Question: is it ok to use pins in it? Thank you.

I have to No. I brought the pressing mat.

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