I broke down and bought a cotton June Taylor ironing board cover for the tape measure it has running down the center, It is not entirely precise anymore, but a good estimate nevertheless (and now and then I proof it with a ruler to straighen it out).
The best money I spent was on a third of a yard of 60"wide wool batting to back the cover with. It reduces my need for a pressing cloth (sort of a pillowtop board, buttons on shirts sink into it when I iron them from the back), I don't have the burning or boiling problems with high heat ironing, and it seems to make the fabric recover faster (cooling time is shortened) if I am pressing easily stretched stuff. I don't remember where I read this hint, but I am grateful I followed it. |
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Thanks for the idea of adding 60" wool batting for the back. I finally retired my early 80's ironing board cover. The new batting has immediately flattened and I have been very frustrated with having to constantly pad my ironing.
11/24/03 7:02 AM
The classic source of 'wool batting' for pressing needs is 'Old Army Blanket'. Check out an army surplus store - or similar, and you can probably find a 100% wool blanket suitable for backing your ironing board. I have a thick cotton batting on top of a thin piece of foam, with a 100% cotton cover. I love it. firm, but yielding, and no scorching.
11/24/03 12:47 PM
I should add that since I did this, I use my ironing board to block smaller knitted pieces.
1/30/12 2:33 AM
I was just wondering if this would work so it was helpful to find this hint.
3/19/13 10:40 PM