How to Make a BIG Ironing Board - Sew Well with Rob Appell 

I’m an old quilter and still use your helpful lessons. The 👍isn’t enough,need a ♥️

Thanks for this tutorial. I've been needing to make one of these but have been putting it off. Now I have the measurements for the wood, so there's no excuse. Also - thanks for being a man that quilts. I sometimes feel a little isolated. Not that all the women I meet at the quilting shops aren't great, but it's really nice to be reminded that I'm not the only guy in the world who loves to make quilts.

Thank you great video

Hi Rob, i had to laugh when you were saying about your ironing board because it reminded me of my dear Mum. I think our ironing board which was made by her great Uncle for her Great Aunt Joey was passed down to Mum when she married and it was so old and rickety, but she loved it and whenever it needed a new cover, of course it went on top of the previous cover. By the time Mum got rid of it, it had about half a dozen covers on top of each other plus the batting that was on top of the wooden board, and it was thicker than any wool pressing mat that is out there today, lol. Auntie Joey must have been small because this ironing board only had one position for the legs to go into and it was just at the right height for Mum, all 4foot 10 inches of her, ha ha ha. I'm the giant at 5 foot and 3/4 of an inch. Thank you Rob for bringing back memories of a lovely, clever and talented lady who i miss so much. Crafty hugs from Norah, Glenochil, Scotland

Thank you! Been thinking about making myself a big ironing area. This was perfect timing to find your video.

Thanks, I’ve been wondering how to do this! Love your joy Rob!

I covered my ironing board with felted wool. Love it. Thanks for the demo on making a bigger ironing board. ❤

Great idea to cover the staples!! Thank you

I made a board and put wool batting under the fabric. Works well. Thanks Rob. Janis from Los Osos trying to stay dry.

Need idea love it

What perfect timing for my ironing space. I work in two homes; at my Mom’s and when I am home. Taking a standard sheet of plywood and splitting it for two boards is a great idea. Also, the contrast of white and black is clever. When not using one of the boards (if there is a set of two at each location) one could be propped against a wall on a dresser or table as a temporary design board. I always have difficulty securing the corners so having those extra pieces to cover the staples is ideal. I was thinking that I could add a set 4 short stool legs that can be screwed down near the corners to elevate the board off the table surface. Then you could place a protective non-slip cap on each leg to avoid scratching. Like you say…keeping it simple is probably best. Thanks for all your shared trade secrets to success!💕🪡🧵

Thank you for the tutorial! I made an ironing board several years ago and I just keep adding to the top with new material every once in awhile. There is two layers of batting under the original cover. I just love it. And I believe I got the idea to make this board from one of your tutorials years ago. Thank you again!!

This is clever using the felt to protect the table surface. Tfs, hugs, Chel 🌸

I made one with striped fabric...and kept them pretty straight. Great for ironing strip sets without bowing them

Very helpful video!!! Thank you Rob. Have a great day 🌞❤️

Hi Rob! I love watching all your videos! I just wanted to mention, that when you fold your corners back, for this ironing board, CUT your excess off. It will eliminate all your bulk in the corners 😁 I made a 3' one for my smaller jobs, and a 6' one for my larger jobs. So, the next time you make one or recover this one....... cut off the excess 🙃 We are coming to the Houston Quilt Show in November, and on our way home to TN, we are stopping into your shop! I! Am! So! Excited! I cannot wait! Kepp up the GREAT work on your RU-vid videos, mental health, and sobriety! I am so proud of you!!!!

Rob, THANK YOU! OH BOY! I was going to try to make one, and you just answered ALL MY QUESTIONS! I am excited.🎉🎉 I just found you, and your videos. I am a sort of newer quilter, I am enjoying learning. I want to learn tricks to make blocks that have unique ideas. I can't wait to see your spots. Thank you for sharing this with us. Huggles Always 🤗🥄🍀🤟🦓🪡🧵✂️

Hey Rob, good day to you. You've inspired me to recover my ironing surface. I made mine about 2010. It is surely a little fuzzy & linty. There is nothing like a 2'x4' ironing surface. I used to use my mom's old ironing board, just kept adding layers when I scorched or melted adhesive to it , and safety pinned underneath. Mom would have been 86 this year so it's seen a few shirts in its lifetime. Here's hoping you & your family are safe in all this weather we've been having. Take care.

Fabulous!

Thanks, Rob! I am ready to make my Big Board ironing surface - this video really helped. Like your hair, but miss the curls. Hope you don't mind, but I think I see a resemblance to Ronald Reagan!

Thanks! This was very timely for me!

Like this idea. Going to ask my son to make me one. Thanks for the sharing. Keep it up.❤

ALWAYS such a pleasure & wonderful learning experience, Rob. THANK YOU!🧵🪡✂️🫶

Hi Rob, I really would love to see you do a stain glass quilt again. Maybe on a smaller scale. Thanks agian for all you do.

I’ve made portable ironing boards too and added little rubber feet at the corners. No worries about scratching tables.

Great tutorial rob

Rob, thanks! This is such a timely idea for many of us.

Exactly the size of my board! I will need to update mine soon. I need a nicer staple gun like yours. Please keep us updated on how the batik fabrics work.

Great ironing surface. Love your Grandpa's hammer!

Love watching your videos!

Hi Rob! Love the board! been using your idea for many years mine i used a sewing notion fabric just for fun. I can't agree more though when you use black and white to audition and too for contrast. thanks again for the informative video ! Socks

Hi Rob! Thanks for the video. I have a 2X2 ironing pad that I made years ago, but I never thought to finish off the underside to cover the staples. I use it on a cheapy folding table so it's never been an issue, but I love the way it looks and think I'll do that when it's time to recover it. Love your videos. Your enthusiasm is contagious!

Would like to see video of making the board from the start, with information about the batting - type of batting, number of layers, how to attach to board, etc. for those of us starting from scratch making our first one. Maybe some ideas on how to secure it to an ironing board on a temporary day use basis at a sew day type event. Thank you.

Good job Rob, thanks

Thank you for the tutorial and thank you for explaining why it was black. I do currently use my wool mat on top of my cutting board - I will now stop thanks!

This is a great idea! I made one of these several years ago. However, I did find silver ironing board fabric to use as a cover. It has worked out very well but is difficult to find now. I also put it on top of my regular ironing board using a pony clamp on one end to stabilize it.

Love your big board

So psychic. I was just thinking of making one of these. Thank you.

I actually just made one of these yesterday.....♥

I did this with a 22” x 60” with a wool pressing mat of the same size, this is mounted to an antique ironing board and folds for transport

Thank you so much for this! Going to make one. 😊

Thank you for this tutorial! I need one of these so much. I am not a quilter, but I subscribe to your channel because I learn so much about sewing! So, I appreciate the occasional “how to make an ironing board” very much!

Thank you for this video I was just going to go out and buy me another little tabletop ironing board but I think I'm going to make me one and be able to personalize it

Rob, could you do a great quilt cruise??

Did you ever think about covering with iron quick fabric for your board. It has a aluminumized coating. Been using this kind of ironing board cover for years. Joann's also has a version of that not the quilted just flat fabric

You go girl

Thank you! Was looking to using my wool mat but was not sure how to do that. Need to make a better flow for my sewing center.

Thalei from Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Hello Rob, I’d love to have space for a two by four foot pressing surface but budget and space prevent it. I hope to expand my crafting area in the future.

Hi Rob. I hope you are doing well. Thank you so very much for sharing all of your sewing wisdom and experience with each and every one of us. I do have a request. I would like to know if you could help with giving some coaching on how to overcome the fear of making videos to post. I have an Etsy shop and I always hear it's best to put up videos and pictures of products. I just don't know how or what steps to take. Plus I always feel awkward in front of a camera

I have a board like this that needs a new cover. I used a canvas last time. I use water or starch, should I be concerned with batik’s bleeding? (I will use a lighter colored fabric.) Thanks for this, the staple covering is GREAT!

Did you cover the bottom with batting and fabric or just fabric? I made one but just have raw plywood on the bottom . When I iron on my counter the wood sweats and my countertop is wet. Thanks for all your videos. I really enjoy them.

WIN

I'm in love with quilt behind you. Do you have a video on it?

This is great! Is it possible to obtain a written list of supplies? My Attention Deficit Disorder is interfering with the visual of your awesome tutorial. Thank you.

Rob i love that quilt top hanging on the wall behind you is there a tutorial for it?

I have a lot on leftover ultra heat and bond. Do you thing that would work?

Rob why use black on the board.? Thanks for sharing the big board. 9:53

Where can I get the pattern for the quilt in the background?

Do you worry about dye transfer from black batik onto your starched fabric

I'm curious as to why you keep "adding" fabric verses, remove/replace fabric?

Do you have any batting in there or just the board?

Great presentation. The board(s) will store easily in a closet. I like the idea of having one board with a dark fabric and the 2nd board with light fabric. Adding a webbing strap on one or both ends will make it easier to lift. Your tutorials are great and infused with a little humor.