Product Review: Wool Pressing Mat

(Click here for One Monthly Goal December link-up)

Confession time. 

My absolute least favorite part of the entire quilt making process is pressing.  Pressing fabric before cutting, pressing blocks, pressing seams, pressing quilt tops - every one of those steps is not enjoyable.  But every one of those steps is important in the process of creating beautiful quilts.

So when the chance came to try out a wool pressing mat, I didn't hesitate for a moment to see how the Precision Quilting Tools Wool Ironing Mat (affiliate link) could make my least favorite task a bit better.

Please note this post contains affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission if you purchase an item.  This does not increase your costs in any way.  Precision Quilting Tools provided product for my use and evaluation.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The mat is 17 x 17'' and about 3/4 ''thick.  There is no wool smell associated with the mat, something I had been worried about.

The pressing surface is large and portable.  I loved that I could move it right next to my machine or next to my cutting table.

To test out the mat, I decided to try it on three different things - pressing pinwheel blocks where there is always bulk in the center, pressing fabric with creases and folds from being on a bolt too long, and on fusing fusible fleece.   I compared my results to my typical pressing habits - regular ironing board, no steam - and using a spray bottle of water as needed.  (Spoiler alert - I won't be using my regular ironing board and spray bottle anymore!)

The wool pressing mat did a wonderful job on my pinwheel blocks.  They pressed nice and flat and quickly.  (No water or steam was used.)  Everything ended up nice and flat and it all happened quickly!  The wool mat retains the heat from the iron and helps to press it from both sides.  The fabric didn't move on the mat so there is less chance of inadvertently stretching the block while pressing.

Fabric creases and fold can be hard to deal with - I typically drench the fabric with water to get rid of the most stubborn fabric creases. I was very pleased how it dealt with the fold and creases in this fabric.

I had less success with a crisper fold (before and after photo below) and a 'ghost' fold remained behind.  It did go away with a quick spritz of water and a pressing to deal with the ft.  (No photos of the final pressing.)

The mat did a fabulous job on the fusible fleece.  Typically, I need to press the piece from the top (fabric facing up) and then flip to press from the back (fleece side up) using a silicone pressing cloth.  Using the wool mat, the fleece adhered fine by only pressing from the top.  This was not what I was expecting and I was quite pleased!

Things I love:

• large pressing surface (17 x 17 '') means I can press a whole block
• very portable - I moved it to my cutting table and can bring it along to my next quilting class
• speeds up the pressing process
• did a great job on fusible fleece
• handled many of the creases and folds in fabric without water

The wool pressing mats are a bit pricey but I do think it is worth the expense, especially if you aren't a fan of the pressing process.  The pressing job goes faster and is easier.

Please check out the Precision Quilting Tools Wool Ironing Mat (affiliate link) - you won't be disappointed.

Precision Quilting Tools is going to be a sponsor for One Monthly Goal 2019 (more on that coming soon) and one randomly chosen participant will have a chance to win a mat of their very own.)

Have a wonderful day! Patty