Which ironing aid should I use for what? For beginners, this is often confusing. In this article, you will learn which ironing accessories you can use for various purposes.
The most important things at a glance
- In addition to the classic iron, there are several practical aids that can make ironing your fabrics easier
- Some of these are very specialized tools that I will introduce to you in this article
- This article also includes recommendations, because not everyone needs every ironing tool
Hand on heart: Did you think sewing had so much to do with ironing? When I started sewing, I didn't even have ironing on my radar... :)
Over time, however, I started getting the iron ready the moment I walked into the sewing room. Because it quickly became clear to me: No beautiful sewing result without ironing.
Nowadays, there is a practically confusing amount of ironing aids that you can use. It really depends a lot on what you like to sew. Honestly: Not everyone needs every ironing accessory.
If you like doing patchwork, you surely have different needs than someone who mainly sews clothing. To help you keep track, I will introduce 10 recommended ironing aids in this article and explain how to use them.
If you have been following SewSimple for a while, you know that from time to time I take a close look at sewing aids. There are already many such review articles:
- Presser feet
- Juki DX-7 sewing machine
- Pincushions
- Pins
- All about rotary cutters
- Scissors for sewing
- Janome Horizon 8200 sewing machine
- Seam rippers
- The best sewing books for beginners
- The best sewing books for plus sizes
- Overlock needles
- Overlock threads
- Cutting mats
Feel free to browse through the relevant articles if you are about to purchase a specific accessory or machine. I have tested many versions and products and can surely save you from a bad purchase or two... :)
Ironing aid no. 1: Iron
Let's start with the classic: the household iron. For me, an absolute must-have. Why? Because with it – ideally equipped with a steam function – you can work on and smooth out large areas.
Often, it is not just the heat that you work on the fabric with, but also the hot steam that makes materials pliable, removes markings from heat-sensitive pens, or smooths fibers.
I recommend a standard, commercially available iron for beginners, which you can replace if necessary. Sure, an iron like that basically lasts forever. But not for those who often work with fusible interfacing. No matter how you turn it: eventually the interfacing (read more here about non-wovens, interfacings & Co.) will get stuck to the soleplate.
If it does happen, the iron cleaner* from Prym can help: I have already been able to remove quite a lot of crusts and residues with it. I'm glad I found it. :)
To be honest, I don't always buy the most expensive irons. But they should still be well-made. My current one is from AEG, and I am very satisfied with it.
▶ You can order the iron I use here*
There are also irons specifically designed for sewing fans and patchwork enthusiasts, like the legendary iron from Oliso*.
What's special about the large Oliso: it has small feet embedded in the soleplate that automatically push the iron up. This makes burns practically impossible.
Ironing aid no. 2: Mini iron
Now an indispensable tool in many sewing rooms: the mini iron. Many sewing fans love using it because it takes up so little space on the sewing table. And it can be kept practically right next to the sewing machine. I think that's very cool, too. Especially since I got my new ironing mat. More on that later.
The mini iron isn't exactly the greatest for ironing clothing: the soleplate is too small, and there's too little steam. But for quickly pressing open seam allowances or working with small pieces of fabric, it's great!
Many embroidery fans have discovered the mini, because due to its handy size, it can also be used within the embroidery hoop of an embroidery machine. For example, to quickly fix a piece of iron-on stabilizer.
For me, it's more of a nice-to-have than a must-have.
▶ You can order the mini iron here*
Anyone who prefers a slightly larger ironing surface and even better handling is well served by the mini from Oliso. I secured the mint green Oliso Mini, which I think is wonderful:
In the meantime, however, Nähwelt Flach also has the long-awaited (and sensationally beautiful) version of the Mini-Oliso by Tula Pink.*
Ironing aid no. 3: Silicone pad
Matching the mini iron, there is a practical little silicone pad that you can place the small one on. The mat does get warm, but the whole thing insulates enough so that nothing gets scorched.
If you own a small iron: clear purchase recommendation. Why? Because when the mini iron is standing "upright," it often tends to tip over because of the heavy cable. So it's better to place it on a silicone pad, then nothing much can happen.
▶ You can order the small silicone pad here*
This is of course also available for large irons. I own that one too. Highly recommended.
▶ You can order the silicone pad for large irons here*
Ironing aid no. 4: Ironing mat
One of my new favorites, which you surely already know from many of my YouTube videos: the ironing pad made of 100% virgin wool.
A poem, this thing. All the more surprising because I really hadn't expected that. I often order things that I think I need to test for the blog. It was no different with this ironing pad.
It is light, comfortable to use, and very, very practical. I have even disposed of my beloved and self-built ironing board in favor of this ironing pad! It was simply because I always had it in use. And my sewing room doesn't have unlimited space (who would have thought?!). ;)
This is what the mat looks like:
It is available in various sizes; mine is 30 x 45 cm. And I actually use it to quickly iron over a piece of clothing too.
Funny detail: When it absorbs steam while ironing, i.e., gets warm and damp, it smells a little like sheep. I find that extremely endearing. :)
▶ You can order the ironing mat here*
Ironing aid no. 5: Wooden spoon
An incredibly practical ironing aid that costs almost nothing because you can simply take it from your kitchen drawer: the common wooden spoon!
I don't even take mine back to the kitchen: my wooden spoon now has a permanent place by the scissors because I realized at some point that I use it really often.
What is it good for? For example, for forming corners, ironing seams, pressing seam allowances open, or shaping curves. I show you exactly how I do that in my article Sewing curves: Success guaranteed!
Especially for curved seams, there is nothing better in my view! If you make the fabric pliable beforehand with a little steam, the round head of the wooden spoon really does a great job there.
Try it out!
Ironing aid no. 6: Tailor's ham (Ironing egg)
Another classic ironing aid that I resisted buying for a long time. Because the part just looks so old-fashioned. Funny that these things always have to appeal to me visually first for me to notice them, isn't it?
This is what tailor's hams look like:
Not necessarily that egg-shaped, right?
Tailor's hams are usually filled with heat-resistant material, very often wood shavings, by the way. They do not conduct heat, so they insulate well and absorb the moisture that is created during steam ironing very well.
The whole thing is encased in a robust plaid fabric on the top and a light cotton fabric on the bottom. I was a bit surprised that such a tailor's ham actually has quite a good weight. But that pays off when ironing, because you are working with something truly stable that doesn't slide away so easily.
You can also sew such a tailor's ham (or an ironing cushion) yourself. In my sewing journal* you will find instructions with a matching pattern for it.
How is a tailor's ham used?
Basically, the tailor's ham is simply placed under the fabric. Then the fabric follows the curve and can be ironed out wonderfully.
Great, by the way, also for giving darts a nice shape!
▶ You can order the wide tailor's ham here*
This is also available in an elongated form. Then it is great for sleeves and narrow pieces of clothing.
A narrow tailor's ham is also simply pushed into the garment.
Then you can start ironing.
Such a tailor's ham is great for shoulder sections of blouses and shirts...
▶ You can order the elongated tailor's egg here*
For me, the tailor's egg is also just a nice-to-have. I would choose the next candidate, the "Berliner Block" (tailor's clapper), over it any day. In the next section, I'll reveal why.
Ironing Aid No. 7: Berliner Bock/Tailor's Clapper
The Ornter tailor's clapper is quite the beast of a little helper, I must say. When the package with the "Berliner Bock" arrived, I was floored. Some people also call it a "Berliner Block." That’s what I call it in the video because that name is more familiar to me due to family tradition. In this post, I’ve stuck to the product description so you can find it if you want to get one for yourself.
First, of course, because the clapper is quite imposing. It is truly solid, partially crafted from beech wood, filled with needle felt, and covered with a sturdy linen blend fabric.
But above all, because it is so beautifully and brilliantly made. You don't really find things like this too often these days.
Here is a comparison with the tailor's eggs from Prym:
How do you use the Berliner Bock?
You use the fabric-covered top side just like a tailor's egg. With the difference that the clapper stands firmly and doesn't wobble like a tailor's egg. That is a decisive advantage, I think.
The garment or fabric is simply stretched over the ironing cushion and then pressed.
It really works fantastically.
Because the ironing cushion is quite large at about 30 cm long, it can also be used as a small ironing board. Very practical, I think.
Another function is hidden in the broad, heavy base of the tailor's clapper: it flattens. And in a very classic way! How does that work? I'll show you:
You simply press the seams of your fabric smooth once first.
Then, briefly place the clapper onto the fabric.
What does that do? The base of the clapper absorbs heat, allows the fabric to cool down, and holds the freshly pressed fabric in position. So it cannot wrinkle again—which freshly ironed and still-warm fabric likes to do.
Especially for quilters who like to work with hexies and other small cut pieces, this function is worth its weight in gold because the pressed fabric forms beautiful, sharp folds and creases due to the weight of the clapper.
▶ You can order the Berliner Bock here*
Related to this, by the way, is the tailor's anvil. It offers a similar shape but instead of a cushion, it has a type of pressing board made of hard beech wood. This forms a narrow edge over which seams and edges can be pressed quite easily.
I don't have the tailor's anvil yet, but I’m just waiting for my husband to express a need for it: He is our ironing professional, usually wearing dress shirts... ;)
▶ You can order the Berliner tailor's anvil here*
Ironing Aid No. 8: Ironing Ruler
Discovered relatively late in my sewing career (feel free to read My personal sewing history), but by now indispensable: the ironing ruler. And because I had to try out a few before I found the best ironing ruler for me, I can make clear recommendations here.
How do I use ironing rulers?
Ironing rulers, also called hem rulers or hot rulers, are ideal for pressing hem edges. They are placed on the wrong side of the fabric.
Then the hem is folded over to the desired marking. The edge of the ruler lies exactly on the fabric fold of the hem. Now you can press the hem.
Some ironing rulers have corners and curves. You can use them to press rounded hems.
Extra tip: You can use the hem ruler with delicate fabrics to prevent the seam allowance from pressing through to the outer fabric when ironing. Because that doesn't look so cool.
How is that done? Simply place the ironing ruler between the seam allowance and the outer fabric while ironing. Then nothing is guaranteed to press through.
Which ironing ruler is recommended?
I started with an ironing ruler from Dritz, which I still like to use. It is made entirely of metal. The advantage of metal: it reflects heat, making the fabric smooth even faster.
The only disadvantage: The Dritz ironing ruler has inch markings. I marked the distances for my favorite hems with a permanent marker. It works. But it’s not as chic.
Also, the ruler gets really hot during ironing, which can sometimes lead to burning your little fingers while working...
▶You can order the Dritz ironing ruler here*
To have a hot ruler with centimeter markings, I ordered one made of plastic next. That’s the yellowish ruler in the back that is warping a bit.
And that’s the rub: The ruler is actually completely unsuitable because it doesn't withstand direct ironing heat. Time and again, the ruler stuck to the sole of the iron—without, however, really melting. Annoying. Therefore, at this point: better keep your hands off this model!
But what I can really recommend: The ironing rulers from Clover!
The advantages:
- simple to use
- stays nice and cool while ironing
- doesn't bend
- has a textile texture, so it doesn't slip
- centimeter markings
- absolutely heat-resistant
- doesn't stick to the iron
The Clover ironing ruler is available in different shapes; I have these two here, which I find really handy. The long, narrow ruler is extremely practical for shirt hems, which can simply be a bit longer...
▶You can order the small Clover ironing ruler here*
▶You can order the long Clover ironing ruler here*
For both: Clear recommendation. The two "hot rulers," as Clover calls them, are truly indestructible!
Ironing Aid No. 9: Ironing Spray
My grandmother always used to have spray starch and a water bottle with a perforated lid on hand when it came to ironing.
I surely copied that from her: I really like ironing with a spray starch. My favorite here: The legendary Best Press. It creates razor-sharp edges and ensures that fabrics become really crisp.
Small disadvantage: The starch sometimes leaves slight traces in the fabric. But nothing that a quick wash after the work is done couldn't fix. :)
I knew Best Press from American quilt shops and eventually found it here in Germany on Amazon. Since then, I always have a bottle of it near my iron.
▶ You can order Best Press here*
Ironing Aid No. 10: Patchwork Iron
My latest acquisition: a really hot little thing! The patchwork iron falls, at least for me as a non-full-time quilter, into the nice-to-have category. But it has already done me excellent service when sewing mitered corners because it irons cleanly into the corners.
It has a handy grip and is equipped with a narrow mini-iron at the tip that can be heated to two levels.
Also included is a small stand on which you can park the tiny iron.
The small iron is also very suitable, by the way, for pressing out bag corners or for making your own bias tape.
▶ You can order the patchwork iron here*
All in all, a quite nice little thing, even though I only bought it because I was simply curious... ;)
My YouTube video about the ironing aids
My conclusion on the ironing aids
Okay, you don't absolutely need all of them. But some of these hot little helpers can really make your sewing and ironing life easier, I think.
And that is, even though sewing is a hobby for many of us, a very legitimate endeavor, I think. :)
Did you like this post? Then feel free to leave me a comment. If you like, tell me your favorite ironing aid and why you think it's so great.
Happy simple sewing, yours Sabine
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