Converting a table to ironing surface

[Pandabear]

I have recently been given a small table that I'd like to make into an ironing surface. The top is laminate so I was thinking of laying down a few layers of batting and some Insul-Bright.

Has anyone done this? I tried searching the forums but came up empty. I just want to make sure I'm not going to ruin the table or my new iron (that I'm waiting to be delivered but need now now now!)

[auntiemern]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

I think as long as it was well insulated it would be fine. You should also put down a heave fabric on top, like duck cloth, or dec fabric, and not iron directly on any of the battings.

[Pandabear]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

I think as long as it was well insulated it would be fine. You should also put down a heave fabric on top, like duck cloth, or dec fabric, and not iron directly on any of the battings.

I was thinking of laying some quilting cotton on the very top, but I think I may have some duck cloth (with giraffes on it!!). I have some canvas as well. Trying to research this is surprisingly difficult. I usually have great Google-fu too.

[K. McEuen]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

One thing, if you pad it with too many layers of batting you won't get a nice, crisp press like you would on a firm surface. You might be better off getting a piece of wood cut the same size as the table top then cover that with a layer of batting and insulbright and covering with cloth.

[Kgrammiecaz]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

I used a piece of wood with one layer of batting and cotton covering. Works perfectly.

[CraftySweetPeas]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

I put a flannel-back plastic tablecloth (cheap, cheap when they're on clearance post-holiday!) against the laminate (flannel-side up) to help capture any humidity that may try to make its way to the laminate. Then I put two layers of warm-n-natural batting, then insulbright then duck cloth. If I want to cover with something fun (all of my ironing surfaces have chickens), I put that right on top of the duck cloth. Oh, and I make the top with an elastic-edge, so I can wash it as needed. Remember, if you're going to take it off and wash, PREWASH your fabric, so the shrinking is done BEFORE you start....don't ask me WHY I may or may not know that...ha ha.

[Alpha O]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

The table cover you can buy seems to have some kind of heavier type of insulating fabric on the back, the name escapes me right now, but it is NOT insulbrite. Then there is padding, and a duck type fabric top.

I bought one to use under the electric griddle since our counters cannot take the high heat like granite counters can. We need hot pads.

[kensington]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

My wide board came with a fabric cover that had something like insulbrite on it and a layer of cotton batting, I added a second layer of batting because it wasn't thick enough for me. I've always added a layer of cotton batting to any ironing board I've bought.

[Simply Quilting]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

One thing, if you pad it with too many layers of batting you won't get a nice, crisp press like you would on a firm surface. You might be better off getting a piece of wood cut the same size as the table top then cover that with a layer of batting and insulbright and covering with cloth.

I like using Karen's idea. There are a couple of pluses to it (this is similar to what I did with the TV tray having a removable ironing board. It is easy to throw the cover in the washer when it get dirty. If I want, I can use the hard surface of the tray for holding a cutting mat or just supplies. There is no wear and tear to the tray so I don't have to worry about the more costly expense of replacing the table.

[Snip Snip]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

Somehow the one I made seemed to reflect back the heat more than I expected. The surface got very hot, and nearly scorched some of the fabric I was ironing. Of course, I didn't need my iron on high, but didn't know that at the time.
Just thought I would mention it.

[CheyMom14]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

I make all my ironing board covers, from the small little fold up thing next to my sewing machine to the 30" x 72" big board we just constructed for by sewing overflow room. I always use a piece of insul-bright and then 1-2 pieces of batting depending on the thickness of the leftover batting pieces I have o hand. I think this helps return the heat up without it getting too hot. I've used the quilted-type ironing board material from Joann's as well as a heavy-weight cotton cloth as the final cover. I'm happy with the pressing I get on both, crispness is more a result of ironing anyway, not pressing.

[cindirae]

Re: Converting a table to ironing surface

I was thinking of laying some quilting cotton on the very top, but I think I may have some duck cloth (with giraffes on it!!). I have some canvas as well. Trying to research this is surprisingly difficult. I usually have great Google-fu too.

One caution about duck cloth - if it gets dirty and you throw it in the wash, it's going to shrink. When I made mine from duck cloth (not pre-washed), it shrunk up about 2" all the way around Now it just lays on TOP of the board until I find time to make a new one. No amount of ironing or stretching was going to get that back on the board. So add some extra if you plan on washing it!