When it comes to sewing, there are a wide variety of specialized tools and appliances available on the market that help simplify and streamline the process. However, because there are so many alternatives available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are the best use of one’s money. I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about wool pressing mats lately, so I thought I’d put one to the test for myself.

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What is a Wool Pressing Mat?

A thick piece of felted wool that is either square or rectangular in shape and may be used as a surface for ironing is called a wool pressing mat. Because it offers a smooth and level surface that is ideal for pressing textiles, it is most commonly utilized as an ironing pad that is placed on top of a table.

Wool pressing mats typically have a thickness of at least half an inch and are constructed from 100% natural felted wool, which is both dense and absorbent. Although the majority of mats range in length from 17 to 24 inches, there are certain manufacturers who produce ones that are significantly longer.

Because these ironing mats are reversible as well, you may use either side of the mat without worrying about causing any harm to the fibers in the mat.

Wool Pressing Mats Pros and Cons

There are a variety of schools of thought among crafters on the optimal manner to press fabric. Consider both the benefits and drawbacks of wool pressing mats so that you can make an educated decision.

Top 10 Reasons to Use a Wool Pressing Mat

If you sew, you probably already know how essential it is to have a solid pressing equipment at your disposal. In addition, a wool pressing mat ought to be part of your armory, despite the fact that an ironing board is an absolute must. Therefore, why do you need to utilize a wool pressing mat? The following are the top ten reasons:

1. You Can Iron Both Sides of Fabric at the Same Time

The heat from your iron will be absorbed by our wool pressing mat, and then it will be radiated back into the cloth. That way, you won’t have to flip it over and iron both sides!

Because a wool pressing mat is able to absorb heat from your iron and radiate it back into the fabric, you are able to iron both sides of the cloth at the same time while using one. You won’t need to flip it over and iron both sides because of this. Wool is a great insulator because of its ability to quickly absorb heat. The heat is then released, which is what allows a mat to iron both sides of the fabric at the same time.

This can be of great assistance because it decreases the amount of time required to iron in half. When you use a pressing mat made of wool, less heat is lost, and more of it is reflected back onto the cloth. This ends up producing a press that is neater and has fewer creases.

The thick fibers of the wool mat assist to spread the heat from your iron in a manner that is uniform over the surface, which in turn ensures that your cloth receives the same amount of pressure anywhere it is pressed.

2. Sharper Creases

When you press fabric using a wool pressing mat, rather than an ironing board, you may achieve more defined creases in the fabric than you would be able to achieve with an iron. This is because the mat is made of wool, which has fibers that grasp the cloth more securely than other materials. This results in a crease that is crisper and cleaner. When pressing hems, pleats, or darts, this may be a very beneficial technique.

3. Flatter Seams

Recently, I made the decision to do some tests making use of a wool pressing mat. I was intrigued to check whether what I had heard about wool pressing mats producing considerably flatter seams than ironing boards was indeed the case because I had read it. Therefore, I utilized both a wool pressing mat and a conventional ironing board in order to press several half-square triangular sections. The effects of what was done were unmistakably obvious.

The units that were placed on the wool mat were significantly more level and crisp than the ones that were placed on the ironing board. This eliminated the need for me to worry about uneven seams, which resulted in more accurate piecing.

4. Grips Fabric in Place

It is much simpler to get crisp, clear lines when using a wool pressing mat since the wool surface helps to grasp the fabric and hold it in place, so there is no need to be concerned about the fabric sliding out of position while you are pressing it.

5. Ultra Convenient

When compared to an ironing board, wool pressing mats are much more lightweight, making them much easier to move around the room. This makes them one of the most handy types of pressing mats available. The mat is versatile and may be used on a variety of surfaces.

6. Perfect for Sewing and Quilting Projects

Because they offer a level, firm surface on which to press your seams, wool pressing mats are also ideal for use in all types of sewing and quilting tasks. In addition, they are of a size that allows them to be placed on a table directly in front of your sewing machine, allowing you to press your seams as you stitch them, particularly if you have a little iron. Because of this, you won’t need to get up to press your seams on an ironing board as frequently, which will make sewing jobs move much more quickly.#7. Turning back time

Because you may use either side of the mat, they are exceptionally long-lasting due to their reversible design. This comes in very helpful in the event that one side becomes ruined or damaged in some way.

 7. Reversible 

Because you may use either side of the mat, they are exceptionally long-lasting due to their reversible design. This comes in very helpful in the event that one side becomes ruined or damaged in some way.

8.  Easy to Travel With

A wool pressing mat is an excellent item to bring along with you if you want to undertake any type of traveling with your sewing tasks. Because they are not very bulky and don’t weigh too much, they are simple to move from one location to another. Therefore, whether you’re going to a sewing retreat or participating in a sew along class, don’t forget to carry your wool pressing mat so that you can easily press your projects while you’re on the move.

9. Easy to Pin Projects to the Mat

Anyone who has ever dealt with jersey knit fabric is aware that the raw edges of the cloth have a propensity to curl inward. Because of this, it may be challenging to obtain positive press coverage. A crisp finish may be achieved, however, if the fabric is pinned to a wool pressing mat before being ironed. After pinning the cloth to the mat, continue pressing as you normally would.

The mat will assist in maintaining the flatness of the cloth, making it much simpler to produce a satisfactory finish. The mat is substantial enough to support the use of pins, and the wool fibers contribute to the fabric’s ability to cling to the mat and resist sliding.

10. Easy to Store

When not in use, these mats may be folded up into a small space because of their low profile. You may easily store it in a drawer, a closet, or even beneath the bed. Because it does not require a lot of space, it is an excellent choice for sewing rooms that are on the cramped side. If you like, you may even mount it on the wall using the included hardware.

As can be shown, making use of a wool pressing mat comes with a number of advantageous outcomes. Therefore, if you are seeking for an improved method to press your materials, giving some thought to purchasing a wool pressing mat is highly recommended.

What are the Cons of Using a Wool Pressing Mat

Quilters and sewers may find a wool pressing mat to be a helpful tool; nevertheless, there are a few possible downsides that should be kept in mind while using one of these mats.

1. Can’t Be Used Without Something Under it.

When used on their own, wool pressing mats can leave marks on surfaces if nothing is placed below them beforehand. The heat that is produced by the wool pressing mat is able to quickly go through the mat, and as a result, it can leave bumps or indentations on cutting mats, tabletops, and other flat surfaces. Always use a pressing mat made of wool and place a piece of heat-resistant fabric or even a bath towel below it. This will prevent the damage from occurring. Your surfaces will be more protected as a result of this.

2. Animal Smell

These carpets are prone to developing an unpleasant odor, particularly after being subjected to the heat and moisture generated by a steam iron. If you are sensitive to odours or if you simply do not want the fragrance of a barn to permeate your sewing area, then this mat is probably not the right choice for you.

On the other hand, the odor will not be transferred to your textiles, so if you are able to ignore it, there won’t be a problem. The odor does not disturb me in any way.

3. Can Be Costly

The price is still another disadvantage. If you are working on a significant project, you might want a mat that is fairly large; however, mats of this size can be extremely pricey. There are also more economical mats available that are smaller in size; nevertheless, it is possible that these mats will not be adequate for your requirements.

4. The Wool Fibers on the Mat can make an Iron Dirty

If you accidentally use a really hot iron, there is a risk that the wool can melt, which is another possible problem. If this occurs, the iron will most certainly become soiled, and you will need to clean it before you are able to use it again.

Even while this isn’t a particularly common issue, when it does arise, it may be extremely annoying. To your relief, there is a simple method for removing the wool strands that have been scorched by your iron. A straightforward iron cleaning is all that is required.

Is Wool Pressing Mat Worth It?

The answer is an emphatic yes if you are a sewer or quilter who values their time and wants the finished product to have a professional appearance. Wool pressing mats are not going to demand a considerable investment, and they may save you time while also producing better seams and sharper creases. Pressing mats will more than pay for themselves in a short amount of time if you prioritize the saving of time and the improvement of outcomes.

Because they are constructed to retain heat, pressing your cloth on a wool mat will cause it to reach a higher temperature. This additional heat will assist in the removal of wrinkles and will result in seams that are flatter and creases that are more defined.

Not only that, but wool pressing mats are also long-lasting and sturdy over the course of their use. A wool pressing mat is an excellent purchase to make if you are seeking for a pressing surface of high quality that will help you save time while also assisting you in producing better outcomes.

Are Wool Pressing Mats Better Than Ironing Boards?

Wool pressing mats provide several advantages, but they are not a replacement for ironing boards. When pressing larger items, I continue to make use of an ironing board. There are instances when I can even utilize the mat by placing it on top of the ironing board.

Wool pressing mats are superior to ironing boards for some applications and for working in locations that are limited in space. The most important benefit of using a pressing mat is that it enables you to iron both sides of the cloth at the same time.

Wool pressing mats are something that I believe should be included in every sewing area. Whether or whether you should spend money on one depends heavily on the tastes and requirements that are unique to you as an individual.

How to Use Wool Pressing Mats

Just be sure to stick to the same rules that you would use without the mat. Because both sides of the mat are constructed with the same amount of thick wool fibers, there is no “right” or “wrong” side to use as the top.

Although making use of a wool pressing mat is not very difficult, there are a few considerations that need to be taken into account to get optimal results. Wool pressing mats may be utilized in the same manner as an ironing board or any other surface that can be ironed on. There is a suitable approach to carry out this activity, even though it could appear to be a rather basic chore. If you want the greatest outcomes possible, here are some suggestions you should follow.

• Be sure that your pressing mat is laid out on a level surface, and that it is located in a well-lit place. Put it as close as you can go to an outlet so that you can plug in your iron if at all feasible.
• It is essential to position a surface that is resistant to heat at the base of the mat. If you are unsure of how well the tables or other surfaces resist heat, you should at the very least fold up a bath towel to use as protection for them.
• Place your fabric down on the mat, and then straighten it out. Before you can iron a piece of fabric, you may need to fold it in half first if it is an especially large piece of cloth that you are dealing with.
• When the cloth has been smoothed out, move the iron in a steady back-and-forth motion across it.
• Make sure the iron is set to the appropriate setting for the cloth you’re using. If you are ironing something fragile, you may want to use a lower heat setting and possibly even cover the material with a pressing cloth.
• You should also avoid spraying starch directly on the mat since this might leave a stain on the mat; if you iron over starch droplets, you might see brown streaks on the mat. Pressing mats tend to accumulate a coating of starch over time, which affects the efficiency of the mats when used for pressing. If you plan on using starch, you should spray it onto the cloth first and then press it.
• Keep the mat flat while storing it; if you roll it up or fold it for storage, it may be difficult to get it back into its original shape when you want to use it.

How to Clean Wool Pressing Mat

Even the highest quality mat can get discolored and clogged with lint and thread after prolonged use. By rubbing a lint roller over the surface of the mat, you may remove minute debris such as threads and lint from the surface of the mat.

You may also wash the wool pressing mat by hand in cold water (no soap!) in a sink or bathtub, and then let it air dry fully before using it again. Another option is to wash the mat in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. Avoid putting them in the washing machine at all costs.

The device is known as a portable lint remover. This useful device features a blade that can be used in either direction, allowing you to rapidly remove any dirt from your mat. You can make your mat seem as good as new in no time at all by just dragging the blade across the surface of it. The lint remover works exceptionally well on a wide variety of surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, floors, and even garments.

What Should You Look for When Comparing Wool Pressing Mats to Buy?

It’s possible that at this point I’ve managed to convince you that your life is missing a wool pressing mat. Several firms provide these items, but there is a large amount of variety among them. When you are out searching for the wool pressing mat that is most suited to your requirements, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Look for wool that is one hundred percent unbleached and does not include any dyes.
At a minimum, pressing mats should have a thickness of half an inch; however, the greater the thickness, the better.
If you are unhappy with the product’s quality, it is important to be sure the shop or manufacturer gives a guarantee on it.

In any other case, you should choose a mat according to the size of the cloth you intend to press as well as the workspace you have available. If you intend to travel with your pressing mat, consider how much space you will need to pack it.

Which Pressing Mats Are Ideal for Wool Products?

Pressing mats may be purchased from dozens of different vendors and manufacturers. It’s possible that the product descriptions on the sales sites will make them all seem interchangeable.

They differ in terms of price, size, the location of the maker, and the origin of the wool. Each of my selections has a thickness of at least 0.5 inches and is made entirely of natural wool that has not been dyed.

MOHOM, 24 inches by 17 inches.

MOHOM, much like Rdutuok, provides a mat made entirely of New Zealand wool that is of superior quality. Users have commented that it works well for quilt blocks, sewing projects, needlework, and even smoothing out creases in clothing. In addition, the MOHOM comes with many helpful accessories, such as a carrying bag and an iron rest. On Amazon, customers have rated this mat an impressive 1,500+ times with a perfect score.

Love Stitch measures 18 by 12 inches.

Quilters are responsible for the creation of these 100% wool mats, which are then manufactured by a firm using 100% New Zealand wool that has been fleeced and securely felted. It is functional, long-lasting, portable, and, according to feedback from a significant number of clients, just the correct size to fit in their workstation.

17 x 13.5 inches, please, Madam Sew

This pressing mat is made entirely of wool, and it comes with a convenient vinyl bag for storing it. The densely felted wool originates from New Zealand and has a built-in resistance to catching fire. Customers posted more than 600 evaluations, the vast majority of which lauded the mat for its ease of use and its capacity to create clean seams.

17 inches by 24 inches of Mountain Mist Wool Pressing Mat.

Mountain Mist has been catering to quilters and other crafters ever since it was founded in 1946. The firm takes great satisfaction in the fact that their mats are made in the United States using material that is provided by Canada. People who desire to iron larger blocks of cloth or other larger pieces of fabric may also find that the size of this mat is to their liking.

MARTIN COBRA MART

This extra-large wool pressing mat is 60 inches by 22 inches. It is half an inch thick.

This Extra Large Wool Pressing Mat is constructed out of one hundred percent New Zealand wool, which is thick and interlocking, preventing it from stretching. In addition, it is roomy enough to accommodate even the most ambitious of your quilting projects. Because it comes with its own carrying case, you can take it with you everywhere you go without having to worry about damaging it.

OHOCO Wool Pressing Mat for Quilting – 22 by 60 Inches Extra Large Felt Ironing Pad 3/8 Inches Thick, 100% Wool Heat Resistant for Ironing, Sewing, and Cutting on Ironing Board, Tabletop, Dryer, and Countertop

This pressing mat spans 22 inches by 60 inches, making it ideal for use on an ironing board, tabletop, or countertop. If you are looking for an ironing mat that can be used for a number of reasons, then you should look no further than the Extra Large Size pressing mat.

Due to the mat’s thickness of 3/8 of an inch, you won’t have to worry about the heat penetrating it and ruining the area you’re working on, which makes it ideal for quilting, embroidery, sewing, and appliqué work.

In addition, the individual pieces may be pinned to the mat for an additional layer of protection and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical thickness of a wool pressing mat?

The majority of manufacturers adhere to this recommendation, which states that a wool ironing mat for quilting and sewing should have a thickness of at least half an inch.
The mat has a thickness of half an inch and provides some protection for the surface underneath while yet maintaining a reasonably small profile and being easy to transport.
There are other mats that have a thickness of a third of an inch.

Do wool pressing mats have a pungent odor?

Wool fibers can wick away moisture from a steam iron, which can lead to an unpleasant odor.
If you want to eliminate the most common source of odors from pressing mats, iron the mats without using steam, and never spray starch directly into the surface of the mats.

Is there any way to remove the smell from a wool pressing mat?

Hanging the mat outside can help it dry more quickly and get rid of any scents, according to some people.
Avoiding steam and other forms of moisture when ironing is the most effective method for preventing the development of smells; if necessary, softly spritz the garments with a spray bottle, but do not use the steam setting on the iron.

Would a table be a suitable surface for your wool sewing mat?

If you want to utilize your mat, you may put it directly on a table that has a surface that can withstand heat instead of using an ironing board.
If you want to give yourself an extra layer of defense, you may fold up a towel and place it below the mat. This will ensure that the underside of the mat is protected.

What methods are available for removing burn marks from an ironing mat?

To remove scorch marks from the fabric, you may use some hydrogen peroxide and a clean cloth. First, dampen the cloth with hydrogen peroxide, and then distribute it over the scorch mark. Finally, press the fabric with your iron on the lowest setting.
This cleaning solution works best with fresh markings before they have had the time to set deep within the fibers. Because wool is resistant to fire and does not often catch on fire, it provides an ideal material for pressing.

When not in use, how should a wool ironing mat be stored?

If you fold or roll the mat to store it, you may have trouble flattening it out perfectly for use. A pants hanger with clamps is another simple way to store a wool pressing mat. Just make sure that the clamps are not too tight, as this could also cause the mat to become distorted over time. If you fold or roll the mat to store it, you may have trouble flattening it out perfectly for use.

Is it possible to use cloth as a cover for a wool pressing mat?

For a variety of reasons, some people choose to cover their wool ironing mats with fabric. The efficiency of the mat should not be affected in any way by the addition of a layer of lightweight cotton fabric.
Some individuals have an itchy sensation when their skin comes into contact with wool, and a layer or even two of lightweight fabric can provide protection against this. The fabric can also assist avoid scorching or soaking the mat with steam, minimizing the likelihood of unpleasant odors or stains.

What characteristics should I search for when purchasing a wool pressing mat?

If you do a lot of quilting or sewing, you’ll need a mat that’s large enough to accommodate fabric of all sizes. On the other hand, if you primarily work with smaller pieces, you can opt for a more compact mat. Size and thickness are the two most important factors to consider when selecting a wool pressing mat. Think about the types of projects you typically work on.

The majority of mats have a thickness that ranges from half an inch to one inch.
In the end, the wool pressing mat that is ideal for you is the one that caters to your requirements and tastes. Although cost is also a vital component to take into account, you should be sure to weigh its significance about the other aspects so that you can get the most bang for your buck.

Is it possible to use steam when pressing wool with a mat?

When using a steam iron on a wool pressing mat, you do need to exercise some caution because this type of iron is a useful instrument for smoothing out creases in cloth.
Steam is something that some producers of the mat do not advise utilizing with the mat; nevertheless, in my experience, using steam is not an issue as long as you take care of the mat afterward.

When you press the mat with steam, it will get moist; thus, you must ensure that it is hung up or laid out flat for it to dry fully; otherwise, you run the danger of leaving it susceptible to the formation of mold and mildew.
If you’re going to use the mat on a table or any other piece of furniture that you don’t want to get scorched, you’ll need to put something that can withstand high temperatures underneath it.