Do you quilt? If so, then you know how important it is to have a great iron. Not just any iron will do the job! In this article, we will discuss the best irons for quilting and sewing. We’ll share our favourite irons, and we’ll cover what makes a good quilting iron and why you might want to choose one over another. So whether you’re a beginner quilter or an experienced sewer, read on for the inside scoop on sewing and quilting irons!
Why You Need A Quilting Iron
As a quilter, you know that pressing is key to success. A good iron can make the difference between a quilt that lies flat and one that doesn’t. But what makes a quilting iron different from a regular iron?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a quilting iron. First, quilting irons have a larger surface area than regular irons. This is important because it allows you to press larger areas of your quilt at one time. Second, quilting irons often have steam capabilities. This helps get out stubborn wrinkles and fabric lines. Finally, quilting irons are often lighter weight than regular irons. This is important because you will be moving the iron around a lot when quilting.
Now that you know why you need a quilting iron and what to look for, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market!
The Best Quilting Irons
Here are our top 6 quilting irons, after many hours of research and testing our final list of irons is perfect for any quilter or sewer!
Oliso M2 Mini Project Steam Iron (Great All-Rounder)
The Oliso M2 Mini is simply a great iron for any sewer or quilter, its compact ergonomic design makes it easy to use and store. This iron heats up in just 45 seconds meaning its ready to go whenever you need it, and the powerful steam burst function allows you to easily remove even the most stubborn wrinkles!
The fabric selector dial is also something you don’t normally see for this price point and adds even more to this little irons functionality! The precision tip is specifically designed for sewers and quilters as it allows you to iron small projects and get into tight corners.
You also get a really great high temperature silicone stand allowing you to place the iron face down without worry! We would recommend this iron to all quilters no matter the level! Find out more about this great little iron be clicking the button below!
Steamfast SF-760 Cordless Steam Iron (Best Budget Option)
The Steamfast SF-760 is our top pick for a low budget option, it has all the functionality you need and is a fraction of the price of some specialist irons on the market.
The Steamfast iron delivers 1200 watts of power and heats up in a little under a minute. What makes this iron stand out is its cordless design, allowing you to easily transport around your craft room without the normal cord issues!
Some of the key features of this iron are:
- Adjustable Tamp settings
- Burst or continuous steam functions
- Dry or Steam ironing
- Spray Mist nozzle
Click the button to take a closer look at this iron!
Oliso TG1600 Pro Plus Smart Iron (Top Pick)
The Oliso TG1600 Pro Plus is by far the best iron on this list, but the price reflects this. If you do a lot of sewing or quilting its definitely worth taking a closer look at this one.
It has too many features to list and is the top pic for people who want an iron that lasts a lifetime and will be suitable for any project!
If you haven’t heard of a smart iron before don’t worry neither had we until we tested this one! Click the button below for tons more information and a couple of really neat videos of how this iron works!
Panasonic 360º Advanced Ceramic Iron (Best For Cordless)
If a cordless iron is what your looking for then the Panasonic 360º Advanced Ceramic Iron is the one for you! It has all the power and functionality of a corded iron, without the cord to get in the way!
One of the big benefits of this iron is that it has a ceramic plate, we found that thigs don’t stick or burn as easy with ceramic and its also super easy to clean and maintain!
We found this iron to be the perfect size for quilting, its bigger than a mini iron but not so big that its heavy. The movability is great and even without a really precise tip can still get into the tight corners with ease!
Take a close look by clicking the button!
BLACK+DECKER Allure Professional Steam Iron
The BLACK+DECKER Allure Professional Steam Iron is a great starting point for new quilt makers, it has all the features you would expect for a great sewing iron as well as a few great extras like its “comfort grip” and anti drip technology.
We would consider the Allure Professional Steam Iron to be a mid range product when it comes to price but its on sale right now, so if your quick you could grab yourself a great iron at a bargain price!
This iron has one unique feature that we haven’t seen anywhere else, the auto clean function. The iron automatically flushes out mineral deposits making taking care or your iron a breeze! This cleaning system combined with the reputable brand means this iron could last you a lifetime!
The Quilted Bear Mini Iron (Best For On The Go)
The Quilted Bear Mini Iron is our top pick for the on the go sewing enthusiast! Owning a mini iron is a great idea even if its just to substitute you main quilting iron for small projects or when you on the move.
This iron is one of the best handheld irons on the market and has a very budget friendly price point!
The mini iron has a lot of the features that the bigger irons do which is useful if you normally use one of the more pro level irons like the ones above.
The neat carry case that comes with this iron makes it even better you can take it to craft fairs or shows to make sure your projects are always looking there best!
What To Look For When Buying A Sewing Or Quilting Iron
Here’s a checklist to help you in making your decision and easily find the iron that perfectly fits your sewing style!
Steam
The ideal quilting iron will have a steam setting which you can turn on and off. When the iron is in steam mode you want it to pump out a good amount of steam so that it can penetrate the quilt fabric and remove any wrinkles.
Type Of Iron
The type of iron you need depends on the kind of quilting you will be doing. If you quilt small projects or quilts with intricate patterns, a smaller iron might be all you need. For larger quilts or quilts with less detailed patterns, a larger iron will make everything more efficient, so bare this in mind when looking for quilting irons.
Adjustable Temperature Settings
Adjustable temperature settings are a must-have if you quilt a lot. This allows you to fine-tune the temperature of the iron to match the quilt fabric you are working with. Sewing irons with adjustable temperature settings are the better pick if you want a versatile iron that’s going to last you a long time.
Weight
The weight is super important especially if you enjoy long quilting sessions, no one wants to be lugging around a super heavy iron for hours at a time! Look for irons that are under four pounds, this will make a big difference when you are quilting for extended periods.
Safety Features
Some quilting irons come with safety features like an automatic shut-off, this is great if you are forgetful or tend to get distracted while quilting. It’s also a good idea to look for an iron that comes with a cover for the soleplate, this will protect your quilts from getting burned.
Corded Or Cordless?
Corded irons are just as good as cordless in a lot of cases this one comes down to two things.
Your budget: Cordless irons tend to be a little more pricey to get the same quality as a corded iron.
Your quilting space: If you have a lot of outlets in your quilting space then a corded iron will probably be just fine, but if outlets are limited then you will want to go with a cordless quilting iron.
Frequently Asked Quilting and Sewing Iron Questions
We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing the perfect quilting iron. To help make your decision easier, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about quilting and sewing irons!
Do I need A Special Quilting Iron?
No, you don’t need a special quilting iron. However, some irons are specifically designed for quilting which can make your life easier. we recommend getting an iron that is lightweight and has adjustable temperature settings. This will allow you to quilt different types of fabrics without having to worry about damaging them.
What Are The Different Types Of Quilting Irons?
There are many different types of quilting irons on the market. The most popular quilting irons are cordless, have adjustable temperature settings and have a steam function.
The main differences in irons are these features plus the weight and size. We have included many different options in the list above and there should be one that fits your needs!
How Do I Clean My Quilting Iron?
Cleaning your quilting iron is important to keep it in good condition and prevent damage to your fabrics. The best way to clean your iron is to use a natural cleaning solution. These solutions are specifically designed to remove build-up from quilting irons and they will not damage the soleplate.
The best natural quilting iron cleaning solution is white vinegar. Simply mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bowl and use a clean cloth to wipe down the soleplate.
Once you’ve cleaned the soleplate, be sure to wipe it down with a dry cloth to remove any residual vinegar.
Always make sure your iron is completely cooled before cleaning!
What Type Of Water Is Best To Use In My Iron?
While most people just use tap water in their irons this can over time cause a build-up of minerals like calcium inside your iron. This can cause it to wear out before its time.
The best option is to use distilled water in your iron, this will help you maintain your iron and it will last you a lot longer!
Conclusion
We hope this guide helped you find the best quilting iron for you! If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us and we would be happy to help. Quilting can be a lot of fun and it’s a great way to relax, but it’s important to have the right tools to make your quilting experience the best it can be! Happy quilting!
If sewing or quilting is you craft of choice we are sure you will like our fabric crafts section! Check it out by clicking below!
