The Top Wool Pressing Mat Tips and Tricks
When a beginner sewist or quilter starts looking at all the different notions and tools that claim to make your life so much easier, it can be slightly overwhelming. Yes, this can be true for some items, but it may only be accurate for some influencer-approved sewing notions.
One of these notions that can make a huge difference, especially for quilters, is the wool pressing mat. In this post, we will discuss the pros and cons of using a wool pressing mat, some tips and tricks I’ve discovered with my mat, and I’ll show you how to choose the best wool pressing mat.
Is a Wool Pressing Mat Worth It?
Before we get into the conversation surrounding a wool pressing mat, let me answer the burning question. Is it even worth it?
Well, it all depends. For instance, if you are a seamstress who primarily makes and alters clothing, you probably don’t need one. However, if you are a quilter who makes a few quilts per year and wants to press their seams like a pro, I highly recommend a wool ironing mat.
We’ll get into why I recommend these to my fellow quilters, but the main point is that using a wool pressing mat will help you get extremely crisp flat seams. This is a massive advantage for those of us who want our quilts to look professional and lay as flat as possible for quilting.
If you deal with a lot of seams, whether for quilt making or any other sewing project that needs crisp, flat seams, a wool pressing mat is definitely worth it.
Can You Use Steam With a Wool Mat?
A common concern with using a wool ironing pad is if you can use steam or pressing spray with it. The short answer is yes, but you should be aware of possible issues that could sprout up.
The main issue that can arise is if you use steam often, the water will accumulate in the wool fibers and could mildew and begin to smell. That’s not what you want. To avoid this issue, I suggest if you do use steam to set up your mat after using it so both sides can dry completely.
If you use pressing spray with a wool mat, the spray could leave a residue on the mat that could create a film on the fibers over time. If you DO need to use a spray, use it on your regular ironing board and not the wool mat.
What Should I Look For in a Wool Pressing Mat?
I have used a wool pressing mat for a couple of years now, so I know a lot about them and what makes them unique for pressing seams. Before I tell you what you should look for, I want to explain how a wool pressing mat works and why they’ve been hyped up so much in recent years.
The best wool pressing mat options on the market all work the same. They work so well because they are 100% wool that has been felted into a thick, firm pad that acts as a heat absorber.
When you press the seam on the pressing mat, you get the heat from the iron radiating down into the fabric and down into the mat. The mat then radiates the heat back into the opposite side of the fabric. This means you can press the seam from both sides simultaneously.
Here’s what you should look for when shopping for a tabletop ironing pad and what to keep in mind when you are looking.
- Make sure it is 100% wool: You don’t want a pad with synthetic fibers. They could melt, which is a big “no-no.”
- Figure out what size is best for you: Do you want a large pad that will cover your entire ironing board, or would you rather have a smaller mat that you can carry around with you?
- The mat’s thickness should be at least ½”: A mat thinner won’t work correctly and probably isn’t good quality wool.
- Ethically sourced wool: If this is important to you, check if the company discloses this information.
- Warranty: It’s always good to see if a warranty is available for a new item.
How To Use a Wool Pressing Mat
Now that you know what to look for and how a pressing mat works, let’s go over a few ways you can use it. These are the most common ways I’ve used, and seen others use a wool ironing pad.
- Iron out wrinkles: If you have some problematic wrinkles or creases, try using the wool pressing mat to get them out.
- Press seams: The most common use for the wool mat. Using a pressing pad, you can quickly press seams open or to one side.
- Use to block pieces: The wool has some grip to it. You can also use pins and pin directly into the mat if you need something to stay secure.
TIP #1: When using your wool mat, it is imperative to place it on a heat-resistant surface or place a towel underneath it, especially if you decide to use some steam or water. The heat penetrating through the mat could damage your beautiful dining room table or countertop. I know companies say you can set it on a table, and it will be fine, but trust me, it’s not worth it to possibly ruin an expensive table. I worked for a company that sold wool pressing mats, and you would be shocked by how many complaints we got about this issue.
TIP #2: When you first open your pressing mat, it will have a slight “earthy” smell. That is totally normal and actually a good sign. That is the smell of natural wool, which should dissipate after the first few times. If you use steam or water with your mat, that smell will return for a while. Remember to set it up so it can dry thoroughly after each steam use.
TIP #3: If you ever need to wash your mat, place it in a clean sink or bathtub with cold water and rinse with cold water. Unfortunately, you can’t scrub or agitate the mat; it will fray and come apart since it is felted wool. Don’t use harsh cleaners since they would be difficult to rinse. You may need to bite the bullet and purchase a new pressing mat if your old one is beyond repair.
3 of the Best Wool Pressing Mat Options on Amazon
Here are a few options for you to choose from for your first wool pressing pad. The three mats I have listed here are excellent quality 100% wool pressing mats that I recommend to any of my quilty friends.
This 17”x17” is one of many sizes LilyPad Lake offers. All of their pressing pads are made from 100% New Zealand wool. This is one of the most highly-rated pressing mats available online.
Here is another excellent choice for a New Zealand wool pressing mat. This company makes five sizes of mats to choose from and boasts their mats are made from high-quality long-strand wool. These mats are a great gift for quilters. Want some more suggestions for gifts for sewists? Check out my post here.
This is a great option if you want a large wool pressing mat to cover your ironing board (I have one, and I LOVE it!). Another 100% New Zealand wool mat, this 22”x60” ironing pad, is large enough to fit an ironing board. You can either cut the mat to fit your regular ironing board or create a larger top for your ironing board the size of the mat.
Thank you so much for reading this far! I hope I taught you some valuable info about pressing mats, and now you’ll be able to find the best wool pressing mat for you! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below!
Happy Stitches!
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