When I was re-organizing my studio recently, I said that I was planning to make a portable ironing mat for the top of my rolling, folding table. The table measures 12 x 36 inches when folded – almost the same size as the straight part of my ironing board. And it’s on casters, so it’s easy to move around the room. Plus, it’s so much more attractive than an ironing board!
I got that project completed this week, and I’m very happy with how it turned out.
Here’s how I made it.
I considered using wood for the base, but I wanted it to be light and very portable, so I used cardboard. I cut some flaps from a large cardboard box, using duct tape to attach pieces end to end, and then to tape two layers together.
I covered the cardboard base with a layer of polyester craft batting, then a layer of flannel, then the top layer of coated ironing board fabric. I’m sure I could have used an old towel, or cut 
up an old ironing board cover, or purchased padded ironing board fabric – but I happened to have the batting and flannel on hand. I ordered the coated fabric from Joann.com. I wrapped the three layers around to the back and secured it all with duct tape.
I wanted to make sure it didn’t slide around on the table, so I duct-taped a layer of rubber shelf liner to the back. I also added a strip of elastic to each end, to slip around each end of the table top. I attached the elastic strips with a staple gun and then more duct tape – this is the only part I’m not sure about – time will tell if the staples in the cardboard will pull out. If they do, I’ll find another way to anchor the elastic.
I used my new ironing board to press the creases out of six quilts, and it worked just fine.
Great project, Terry!
clever!
Nice idea!
I made a cardboard ironing board once but found the steam penetrated into the cardboard. Not good. Redid it. Same steps you used except before adding anything to cardboard. Covered it with aluminum foil to form a vapor barrier, then added one layer of batt and fabric. Works great now and light weight. Made a small version to keep by sewing machine. Used a cardboard fabric bolt from Joann’s, cut it in half, stacked, taped together, covered w/foil, batt, wrapped like a package w/fabric. Fastened by sticking in fabric edges with straight pins. My favorite!!
Thanks for the tip about the steam and the cardboard – and the aluminum foil solution! I’ll keep a close eye on mine, and see what happens. I’ll update this page if I do add the foil.
Cool ~ great idea!
Brilliant, Terry!
This sound great. I will try this,
I made a similar but a little smaller one. I found the iron’s steam permeated the cover and into the cardboard. I had to remake it by covering the cardboard by taping a layer of aluminum foil on FIRST, then proceeded with the remainder of the construction. It now works great. I made a smaller, portable one (10″x12″) for class work.
Thanks for the tip about the aluminum foil. I rarely use steam, so it hasn’t been an issue for me. But if I make another one, I’ll include a layer of foil.