How To Make an Oversize Ironing Board

If you have ever had to iron a large piece of fabric, patter pieces or even a tablecloth on a regular ironing board you know it can be frustrating. After a recent struggle with some large skirt pattern pieces, I found an alternative.

I have seen some large ironing board surfaces on quilting shows but have never seen one available for purchase, not even on Amazon! Being crafty I decided to make one with a little help from my husband.

Not only is this board a practical solution to working with large sections of fabric or patterns but it is also firmer and tauter than the standard board, making everything a little easier to press.

Knowing that the surface will become discolored in time, I decided to make my cover easy to change.  When the top layer of the board, which is made of utility fabric, becomes discolored from ironing, simply remove the staples, take it off, and replace it with a fresh piece.

This video will show you just how easy it is to create your own oversize ironing board! I don't promise that it will make you like ironing your patterns and larger pieces but it will make it easier!

Supplies: 

• Piece of ¾-inch-thick high-grade plywood or ½" premium wood Size depends on how big you want your board
• 2 pieces cotton or wool felt at least 1 ½" larger than the board all the way  around
• 1 piece Bump or Cotton Batting at least 2 ½" larger than the board all the way around
• 1 piece medium-weight cotton twill or utility fabric must be 4" larger than your board all the way around
• Stapler
• Marking pen or chalk
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Package of feet **optional**

Directions: 

1. Cover plywood with two layers of felt. Wrap it to the back of the board, and staple along the side, 1 ½ inches in from edge. Cut the felt diagonally at the corners and bring sides together to create a mitered corner.
2.  Cover the felt with a layer of Warm & Natural Batting or Bump flannel. Use same stapling technique as for felt along the sides.
3.  Miter corners by pinching padding together at each corner so it's centered diagonally, letting excess fabric stick up. Fold corners down neatly and staple.
4. Iron muslin; wrap over the padding, and secure with staples, following steps listed above. For a cleaner edge fold the edge of the fabric under ½" before stapling.
5. With a rubber mallet hammer feet in place**** Feet are optional*****