Pressing Tools for Quilting at Linda's Electric Quilters
Accurate pressing is as important as accurate cutting and sewing in quilt construction — a well-pressed seam lies flat, reduces bulk at intersections, and produces blocks that match perfectly. Linda's carries a complete range of pressing tools from wool mats through specialty irons. Cutting-side equipment lives in the cutting mats guide and rotary cutters guide.
Wool Pressing Mats
Wool pressing mats are the quilter's preferred pressing surface — the natural lanolin in wool fibres allows steam to penetrate deeply while the dense felt surface holds the fabric in place and resists heat better than standard ironing boards. Pressing directly on wool produces flatter, more crisp seams than pressing on padded ironing board covers. Available sizes at Linda's:
- 13.5"x13.5" x 0.5" thick — compact desktop size for individual blocks
- 14.3"x18.9" x 0.5" thick — standard mid-size for most block pressing
- 17"x17" x 0.5" thick — generous square size for larger blocks and flying geese units
- 17"x24" x 0.5" thick — rectangular format ideal for border and sashing pressing
- 21.6"x58.6" x 0.375" thick — large-format mat for pressing full quilt sections
Quilters Select Wool Press & Cut Mat 14"x14"
The Quilters Select dual-function mat combines a wool pressing surface with a self-healing cutting surface in one tool — press directly on the mat, then rotate and cut on the same surface. Eliminates the need to move fabric between tools. The 14"x14" format fits most block work.
ironMATIK Ironing Mat and Glove Bundles
ironMATIK produces a heat-resistant silicone ironing mat paired with a heat-protective glove — a portable pressing solution that can be used on any table surface. Available in Jaipur Blue and Jaipur Purple. The glove allows handling hot-pressed seams immediately without burning fingers, speeding up the pressing workflow significantly.
Compact Steam Pro Iron
A compact, lightweight steam iron specifically designed for quilting — the small footprint allows precision pressing in small areas and tight intersections that larger irons can't reach. Available in Cork finish.
Shop All Pressing Mats and Irons
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does wool press better than an ironing board?
Heat from both sides — the dense wool absorbs and reflects the iron's heat back into the fabric, effectively pressing the seam from underneath at the same time. Seams come off a wool mat flatter in one pass than in two on a padded board.
Press seams open or to the side?
To the side (toward the darker fabric) is the traditional default — stronger seams and easy nesting at intersections — while open pressing wins for bulk reduction in dense piecing and for quilts destined for dense longarm work. Pick per project, stay consistent within it.
Do wool mats smell when steamed?
Faintly, yes — hot steam raises a natural wool scent that fades as the mat airs. It's the lanolin doing its job; let the mat dry flat after heavy steam sessions and never store it damp.
