A wool pressing mat is a useful tool for quilters and seamstresses, as it provides a smooth surface for pressing seams and fabrics. These mats are typically made from felted wool, which gives them a dense and solid texture that is perfect for pressing. They can be made from an old wool blanket, or from layers of wool roving and batting.
The thickness of the mat can vary, but it is generally around 3/4 inch thick. In this guide, we will discuss the process of making a wool pressing mat, including the materials and tools required, as well as tips and tricks for creating the perfect pressing surface. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced quilter, a wool pressing mat is a valuable addition to your sewing arsenal.
Step 1: Felt the Wool Blanket
The process of felting wool
Felting is the process of matting, condensing, and pressing fibers together to create a dense, solid fabric. Wool is a natural fiber that can be easily felted by washing and drying it in the washing machine and dryer. The heat and agitation of the washing and drying process cause the fibers to interlock and become more tightly bonded, resulting in a felted fabric.
Tips for felting the wool to the desired thickness and density
To achieve the desired thickness and density, you may need to repeat the felting process several times. You can also add layers of wool roving or batting between the layers of felted wool blanket to make the mat even thicker and more sturdy.
It’s important to pay attention to the texture and feel of the wool as it felts, and stop the process once the wool reaches the desired thickness and density. It’s also a good idea to test the felted wool by pressing it with an iron to ensure that it is heat resistant and able to withstand high heat without scorching or burning.
Step 2: Cut and Layer the Felted Wool
To begin this step, measure and cut the felted wool to the desired size for the mat. A common size for a wool pressing mat is around 15 inches square or larger, but you can choose a size that best fits your needs and the size of your ironing surface.
Next, decide on the number of layers for the mat. You can use a single layer of the felted wool blanket or you can layer multiple pieces of the blanket to create a thicker mat. You can also add layers of wool roving or batting between the layers of felted wool blanket to make the mat even thicker and more sturdy.
Once you have decided on the number of layers, lay the felted wool pieces on top of each other, aligning the edges. If you are using multiple layers, be sure to evenly distribute the layers and make sure they are aligned with each other. This will help to ensure that the mat is evenly distributed and has a smooth, consistent surface.
Step 3: Sew the Layers Together
To sew the layers of the wool pressing mat together, you can use a sewing machine or a needle and thread. If you are using a sewing machine, choose a wool or denim needle and a thread that is strong and durable. Set the machine to a medium stitch length and tension, and adjust as needed based on the thickness of the layers.
To begin sewing, create a large X or crisscross pattern across the mat, starting at the center and working your way out to the edges. This will help to evenly distribute the layers and secure them in place.
Next, sew around the edges of the mat to secure all the layers together. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to reinforce the stitches and prevent the layers from coming apart.
As you sew, you may need to stop and adjust the layers to ensure that they are evenly distributed and lying flat. You can also use a pressing cloth or a damp cloth to press the layers as you sew to help smooth out any wrinkles or bumps. Once you have finished sewing, trim any excess threads and press the mat with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles.
Step 4: Use the Wool Pressing Mat
To use the wool pressing mat, place it on a flat surface, such as a tabletop or ironing board. The mat is ready to use, and you can press seams open or press fabric in place while quilting or sewing.
When using the mat, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your iron and use the appropriate heat setting for the type of fabric you are pressing. You can also use a pressing cloth or a damp cloth to help protect the fabric and the mat from excess heat and moisture.
The wool pressing mat can be a useful tool to have in your sewing room, and it can help to make pressing tasks easier and more efficient. With proper care and maintenance, the mat should last for many years and can be an essential part of your sewing and quilting toolkit. So, it is a very useful and helpful tool for sewing and quilting.
Benefits of Using a Wool Pressing Mat
Benefits of Using a Wool Pressing Mat
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Heat resistant | Wool is a natural fiber that is heat resistant, making it an excellent choice for pressing fabric. It can withstand high heat without scorching or burning, and it helps to press fabric evenly and smoothly. |
| Absorbs steam and moisture | Wool is a porous material, which means it absorbs steam and moisture from the iron. This can help to prevent moisture from soaking into your fabric or your ironing board, which can cause wrinkling or distortion. |
| Presses seams open | A wool pressing mat is also a useful tool for pressing seams open. It can help to add weight and pressure to the fabric, allowing you to achieve a crisp and flat seam. |
| Portable and easy to store | A wool pressing mat is portable and easy to store, making it a convenient tool to have in your sewing room. |
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about wool pressing mats that we didn’t discuss earlier:
To clean a wool pressing mat, use a lint roller or a brush to remove any lint or dirt from the surface. If the mat is particularly dirty or stained, you can spot-clean it with mild soap and water. Avoid getting the mat wet or damp, and allow it to air dry after cleaning.
It is generally not recommended to use a wool pressing mat with a steam iron, as the steam can cause the wool to become wet and soggy, and can also cause the mat to become misshapen. Instead, use a dry iron or a steam iron with the steam setting turned off.
Yes, a wool pressing mat can be used on both sides. The mat is double-sided, with one side being slightly firmer and denser than the other. You can use either side of the mat depending on your preference and the type of fabric you are pressing.
To store a wool pressing mat, fold it in half or roll it up and place it in a dry, cool place when not in use. Avoid storing the mat in damp or humid conditions, as this can cause the wool to become moldy or musty.
A wool pressing mat can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. To extend the lifespan of the mat, avoid using excessive heat or steam when pressing, and avoid getting the mat wet or damp. With proper care, your wool pressing mat should last for many years and can become an indispensable part of your sewing and quilting toolkit.
Editor’s Note
To make a wool pressing mat, you will need to feel the wool first. This can be done by washing the wool blanket on a hot water cycle in the washing machine and then drying it on a hot setting in the dryer. Repeat this process a few times until the wool is felted and becomes more dense and solid.
To make the mat, you can either use a single layer of the felted wool blanket or you can layer multiple pieces of the blanket to create a thicker mat. You can also add layers of wool roving or batting between the layers of felted wool blanket to make the mat even thicker and more sturdy.
The size of the mat is up to you, but a common size is around 15 inches square or larger. You can use a sewing machine or a needle and thread to sew the layers together, creating a large X or crisscross pattern across the mat and then sewing around the edges to secure all the layers together.
You can use any type of wood surface to place the mat on, such as a tabletop or an ironing board. The mat can be used to press seams open or to press fabric in place while quilting or sewing. It is a useful tool to have in your sewing room and can help make pressing tasks easier and more efficient.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing your wool pressing mat! The finished mat should be thick, sturdy, and ready for use in your sewing room. To extend the lifespan of the mat and keep it in good condition, it’s important to follow a few simple tips for maintaining and storing it.
- Avoid using excessive heat when pressing with the mat. This can cause the wool to scorch or burn, and can also cause the mat to shrink or distort.
- Avoid using steam when pressing with the mat. This can cause the wool to become wet and soggy, and can also cause the mat to become misshapen.
- Avoid getting the mat wet or damp. If the mat becomes wet, allow it to air dry before using it again.
- Store the mat in a dry, cool place when not in use. Avoid storing the mat in damp or humid conditions, as this can cause the wool to become moldy or musty.
The versatility and convenience of using a wool pressing mat for a variety of pressing tasks make it an essential tool to have in your sewing room.
Whether you are pressing seams open or pressing fabric in place while quilting or sewing, the wool pressing mat can help to make your work more efficient and accurate. With proper care and maintenance, your wool pressing mat should last for many years, and it can become an indispensable part of your sewing and quilting toolkit.
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