There are a lot of irons available on the present market. Each one has its own special features and benefits.
With so many to choose between, how does one select one thats right for quilting?
Well the good news is that its surprisingly simple and most irons will be acceptable for using with quilting.
Here's what you ought to be trying to find if you're looking to buy a new iron for quilting.
Temperature
This should be your most important concern. Nearly every iron should have an adjustable temperature.
The reason why this is crucial is often because you will not be using the iron on the same material all of the time. Different materials react in a different way to temperature. Materials like polyester or silk will liquify or burn if the temperature of an iron is too high.
Because you are going to be working with several different fabric types in your quilting, you will need an iron with temperature control.
Steam
Not all irons come with steam functions.
The steam function on an iron will enable you to manually or automatically create clouds of steam from the base of the iron to assist you with flattening your fabric. Steam is the simplest way to work a wrinkle out of almost any material.
Most steam functions also come with a water nozzle at the front of the iron also. This can let you pre-soak the fabric before running of the top and making steam as you move over un-ironed surfaces.
Non-stick Surface
Some irons come with non-stick coating on the soleplates.
These are wonderful as it makes it easier and smoother for the iron to pass over any material and stops the material from scrunching up or causing creases from movement. I learnt this while trying to iron out some creases in agreen quilt design that was being especially tough.
So if its available, go for a non-stick surface. It actually makes ironing a way easier process.
So be sure you check out your next iron to be sure that it meets all of your quilting wishes.
With so many to choose between, how does one select one thats right for quilting?
Well the good news is that its surprisingly simple and most irons will be acceptable for using with quilting.
Here's what you ought to be trying to find if you're looking to buy a new iron for quilting.
Temperature
This should be your most important concern. Nearly every iron should have an adjustable temperature.
The reason why this is crucial is often because you will not be using the iron on the same material all of the time. Different materials react in a different way to temperature. Materials like polyester or silk will liquify or burn if the temperature of an iron is too high.
Because you are going to be working with several different fabric types in your quilting, you will need an iron with temperature control.
Steam
Not all irons come with steam functions.
The steam function on an iron will enable you to manually or automatically create clouds of steam from the base of the iron to assist you with flattening your fabric. Steam is the simplest way to work a wrinkle out of almost any material.
Most steam functions also come with a water nozzle at the front of the iron also. This can let you pre-soak the fabric before running of the top and making steam as you move over un-ironed surfaces.
Non-stick Surface
Some irons come with non-stick coating on the soleplates.
These are wonderful as it makes it easier and smoother for the iron to pass over any material and stops the material from scrunching up or causing creases from movement. I learnt this while trying to iron out some creases in agreen quilt design that was being especially tough.
So if its available, go for a non-stick surface. It actually makes ironing a way easier process.
So be sure you check out your next iron to be sure that it meets all of your quilting wishes.
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Would you like more green quilt design concepts? Then head on over to Jane Green's how to make a patchwork quilt site now!