Rather than washing mine, I set it outside during a "cold" snow (not the wet heavy snow) and let nature put a dusting on top. I then use a stiff brush to remove the snow and the mat is back to new. once it's dry. I've been using this method to clean my grandmothers wool throw rugs for years.

I like the smell! Probably because I spin yarn and when I get a newly shorn fleece it smells very much like my mat! A lovely natural smell.

I have had a wool mat for a bit over a year and just love it!

I’ve not long bought a wool one...it’s great. Been sewing since forever and never knew about the wool, thanks Laura.

I just bought one, and I absolutely adore it so far!! I am a stuff a pin everywhere when I iron, so after a while, I end up with a pile of pins stuck into my ironing board, and the wool I can just stick a pin into the mat standing up, and I end up reusing my pins so much more now, and I don't have pins everywhere anymore. I love it!

I have been contemplating getting one. Thank you for the helpful info.

Excellent. I just bought a Lilypad Lake pressing mat. I love it. Great tips about cleaning! Thank you Laura.

Another tip I have for ironing on a regular household ironing board to get a similar benefit to using by using a heat reflecting mat. I remove the top fabric cover (they usually come with a cheap cotton cover over a Very thin piece of foam) and I leave the thin foam on top. I then put the shield on top of the ironing board, and then I fit the original cotton top over the reflective shield silver side up. If the fabric cover is too large, you can either pin the reflective cover with safety pins, or you can just cut draw around the reflective cover around the top of the ironing board, then cut it out leaving plenty to cover the sides of the ironing board and some to go around and underneath the board. I prefer to sew a few ties along both sides of the reflective cover so it's easy to keep it in place. I do the same with the cotton cover because the elastic around it doesn't seem to last too long. I've found that the reflective cover underneath sends the heat and steam back up, helping to make both the front and back pressed with one pass of the iron. I used to use cooking foil underneath the cover, but this is far better option. However if you have some spare wool or natural batting left from other projects, you could also use that underneath, but it's not essential because i didn't have any and my board loves it with just the reflective cover and the top cotton cover. You can also cut it if it seems too wide or long for your ironing board, otherwise, you can just use safety pins to make it fit better.

Thank you! Everything I put under my mat gets wet. I'll try the TV tray! LOVE your hair! Sooo pretty!

I use those kitchen counter mats, the one they use under dish racks, they're great because they're a bit rubberized on one side, with toweling on the other so they help with the moisture and keep the mat in place. (I have very limited room and use a small dresser as my ironing surface) Thank you for all your videos, you're very helpful and so cheerful. 🤗🥰🦋

I just ordered mine! I can’t wait to get it. ❤️

I love my wool mat. They are not cheap, but worth the investment in my opinion as they help your quilt blocks turn out flat and undistorted. Mine is a little discolored in places, as I believe it's been a bit scorched, but it doesn't hurt the performance at all.

I have 3 different size wool mats. I used a old TV tray top and covered a mat with a light cotton. I can move it wherever I need it away from my sewing area. It works. Great info Laura.

Thank you, Laura for answering my question. My next purchase will be a wool pressing mat.

How timely! I just got some wool mats in various sizes. I was so disappointed in the smell (which kind of reminds me of a wet dog). 😄 I decided to spray them with Febreeze. I was glad to see that you recommended it in your video because I was hoping it wouldn't ruin the mats. Thanks for your informative video.

Thank you for making a video about the mats, I've been looking into getting one.

You have so many ideas and hints. I don’t mind the wet wool smell

Thank you.❤️ I didn't know that the wool mats can warp the cutting Matt. I love my wool ironing mat.

Thank you for this. I just got a wool mat for Christmas!!

Don’t forget to lint roll periodically! And I’ve also noticed that if you are using a spritz of water while the fabric is laying down on the mat (for those who don’t use the steam function in your iron), the excess moisture goes all the way thru very easily. To avoid this, hold your fabric in the air (or on a different surface), and spray it. THEN move it to the wool mat & press like usual.

I just bought a wool mat.I love it.

I happened to have a vintage 100% wool blanket so I cut it out in the shape of my ironing board, layered two thicknesses and then covered it with my ironing board cover...works great!

Thank you so much! I’ve been contemplating purchasing a wool pressing mat; this is very helpful information.

Love mine but should've bought an extra on that was bigger. I take the small one to workshops as it fits in my bag!

Yes, it will warp the cutting mat. I learned that before today🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️👵🏽. New subscriber.

I never knew your mat couldn't go under your mat- that's help! Thanks

@sandramyer7081

3 жыл бұрын

I meant my acrylic behind the wool mat. I love the TV wood tables- they are having for the wool matand close to the sewing machine- thanks!

Didn't know I can wash my wool pressing mat - that's good news! Thanks, Laura!

@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647

3 жыл бұрын

wool wash

I have several sizes of wool pressing mats. I love them, was very sceptical initially, but now wouldn’t be without them. When i bought the largest one they sent me a small 8”x8” which i use mainly to keep track of pins etc , wouldn’t be without mine now.

Thankyou Laura !

I’m envious of your very large mat! Thanks for all the tips. I made my own ham and bar. Went to thrift shops and bought 100% wool and felted it first. Another great video!

I sew love my wool mat. 👍🏻👍🏻

I was wondering if I could clean my will mat. Thank you!

Thank you for the informative video.

Great vid. Thank you!

I’ve seen people use wool horse pads. Much cheaper. Funny when you read the reviews on the horse supply websites, most of the reviews are from quilters!

@heleneikerenkotter2950

3 жыл бұрын

What are wool horse pads ? Where do you purchase them?

@laliichin5471

3 жыл бұрын

@@heleneikerenkotter2950 they’re wool pads that people put under the saddle. I saw them on statelinetack.com but you can probably find them on any horse supply site.

@starboe617

3 жыл бұрын

Here was the one that I got from state line. www.statelinetack.com/item/mustang-square-wool-pad-liner/SLT901243/ It definitely smells farm-y but that doesn’t bother me and I have to be careful with scents because they can trigger a migraine for me.

My wife got me mine for Christmas and I love it and don’t mind the smell ,I find sometimes I get a damp patch underneath after ironing a bit

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

yes me too, but I find it dries quickly

Thank you, Laura! (Love your new cooking channel with your husband, as well!)

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

thank you, wait until tomorrow we are cooking Chichen wings :)

@deanncarlson8865

3 жыл бұрын

What is the name of cooking channel?

@jcfromupstate1693

3 жыл бұрын

@@deanncarlson8865 It's "Cooking with the Coias" right here on KZread.

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

@@deanncarlson8865 cooking with the Coias

@wendywilkinson1733

3 жыл бұрын

Maybe it was the brand? Maybe I should try the brand you showed us today! Thanks, Laura. You are an inspiration for so many.

I love my pressing mat! Are you using steam when you press? If sew do you get moisture underneath the mat?

Oh it does it does smell when you first get it, but after a while it does quit I don't know if it's from the steam in the moisture in the fabric and other things what does go away I would love to own a big one to

Wool pressing mats are not only good to use for yourself but make great gifts for your friends who sew. :D

Hi Laura, I would like to know how you store all your fabric. Do you keep them folded on open shelves or put them in boxes? Which is the best way? I live in the UK where it is a very damp. I would hate for my all fabric to become damaged by mould. I would be so grateful for your advise. Thank you.

I use a pillow case to keep my wool mat clean.

Thanku so much for sharing

Thank you for your videos! Laura, do you use spray or steam when you use your wool mat to press your blocks??

Thanks so much. I certainly agree with your assessment of all things wool !! I love the wool smell when pressing as it reminds me of our wool snow pants and mittens drying on the radiators and registers from grade school days...

Luv mine !

Awesome helps!

Oh this is wonderful information thank you Laura, I was wondering about the transfer of heat, but you answered that question👌 Also, is it okay use Mary’s Best Press and other spray starches on the beautiful wool mats? You’re a fabulous teacher 😃🌺🇦🇺 PS I really, really love my wool mat 🤩

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I do all the time but every once and a while I give it a cleaning just with water and a cloth

Can you tell me what the name of the quilting gloves so you don't cut your fingers? I saw them before on amazon but don't know what they are called. Thank you

I love the quilt block you were pressing, I love the pattern, would you be able to show us the pattern?

Hi Laura is your little folding table varnished as I have one very similar and it has been varnished and I am wondering if I should use the wool mat on top of it. Thanks Desley

Any suggestions for those of us who can’t tolerate wool?

Can you confidently use cotton settings with the wool mats? Use steam? I had a clump of blackish crusty something on my mat after using cotton heat with steam...please advise. Thank you

So I’m curious, are your mats 100% wool? When I read their label, it said 90% wool, 10% polyester. My concern would be melting the polyester onto my iron. Thanks so much!

I found a source online for felted wool mats used for oil absorption. It was a huge roll (72 inches long), 1 1/2 inch thick. I cut it into several smaller pieces, still bigger than the same felted wool mats sold to quilters and a lot less expensive. I love my wool mats.

@NightKitchenQueen

3 жыл бұрын

Do you remember the name of the supplier? I'd love to have even a small mat, but $63 for one is out of my budget. Thanks for any help you can give!

I love my wool mat.

Thanks!

@SewVeryEasy

6 ай бұрын

Thank you

Would a layer of InsulBright on my wood table protect it from heat and moisture when I use my wool ironing pad?

Please can you share where you got your wood tray?

Can I use a wool blanket for same effect?

is there a need to make a cover for the wool mats?

Can you give a tip on how to get the scorch marks out.

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

let me work on it

Do you recommend putting a cotton cover on your wool mat?

Wondered if it made a difference. Can you make one?

I love my Matilda's Own pressing mats. I bought a cheap mattress protector with plastic on one side and terry towelling on the other to put between my table top and the mats. No more issues with moisture.

@Carolmaizy

3 жыл бұрын

I use my mat on a wooden t.v. tray, with a piece of fabric under the mat. I use a dry iron, so don't get a strong wool smell.

I wondered if you would post a link for the wooden tray you use for the smaller wool mat. I have a wool mat that size and that wooden tray would be a great help. Thank you. :)

@denisestilling2810

3 жыл бұрын

For the smaller size mats you can use a cutting board from the dollar store...

Thank you for sharing. Please share where to find the wood tray.

@dale3404

3 жыл бұрын

Try amazon.

I must have been crazy when I ordered mine...it is way too big for my space. Do you think I should just cut it into 2 tv tray size? And, how?

Would you use spray starch on this mat

I really like my wool pressing mat.

The directions on the wool mat that I purchased warned not to use steam. Is that a problem?

I’m a little confused about heat settings using the mat. If I use the linen setting (to press actual linen pieces) it scorches the mat. Any hints? Thanks so much!

@lindapumphrey9416

3 жыл бұрын

The Mountain Mist mat was tested at the Cotton/Linen settings on a iron which is usually the highest setting with no issues. You do not want to leave the iron face down on the mat once you are down pressing.

@marymannion4445

3 жыл бұрын

I keep mine covered with an old pillow case and that keeps it fairly clean

Hello Laura ⚘ I was just reading up on wool mats. I here there are companies that aren't using just wool as indicated. Plus price.. big issues for lots of people. Getting the right product and the best price. Anywho, as I was reading they say don't wash your mat as you've explained. ( just sharing the info) is said to cause the mat to come apart over time but that it causes .. umm I don't recall the exact word used, in essence, it will ball up on the surface and you'll not have that lovely smooth surface. They mentioned submerge it in a sink or tub with soap/ cleaner let it soak in a bit then hang it to dry.. never laying flat. So much to figure out. Lolol what do you think? And what brand is reliable and more adorable. I know for some like myself. It's a needed purchase ( giving one more time in the work room when they have limited time each day, physically that is) now I wasworrying and missed the later part.. time to re-watch lolol thanks🙆‍♀️ for all your share n do Laura, Hugs and Bless'ns ⚘

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

I would just use a damp cloth and wipe it

Another great video: Question is it advisable or not to make a cover/pillow case type for the wool mat? I saw another youtuber do that. What do you think?

@suzannemcgee4885

8 ай бұрын

That's my question too

Hello SewVeryEasy! Is it easy to cut 1/2 inch thick wool mat? I want to cut one to the shape and size of my steam press I use to press my clothes for work. Thank you.

How do you make fabric pads

Do you use steam when you press your quilt blocks?

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

I use steam when I first press the fabric and then after that I find I do not need it.

@lesleywatkins1172

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your advise. I really appreciate it.

I break into a red itchy rash as soon as wool makes contact with any skin surface. Sheep's wool, goat hair wool, or alpaca wool. I know how helpful a wool pressing mat would be, and I wish I could find a good substitute. I press my quilt blocks on several layers of cotton towels. Not quite the same, unfortunately.

@dale3404

3 жыл бұрын

Same here. I made wool dryer balls, but had a terrible time with itching. Wool is not for me.

@patboothman5116

2 жыл бұрын

@@dale3404 Nor me, unfortunately. Very allergic to wool.

Can I make a wool pressing mat using wool fabric?

@AnitaSouthall

3 жыл бұрын

Good question, or at least use some wool fabric as a layer on usual ironing board?

Wish they were not so expensive. I have a small one that I love. But would love to get a full size one

@marymannion4445

3 жыл бұрын

They go on sale every once in a while - thru Eleanor burns

@janetrothwell4448

3 жыл бұрын

If you have a horse tack shop nearby, stop in there. They use the same material for the padding under the saddle. It is much less expensive than getting it through a quilting store.

My iron scorched my new wool pressing mat. I was trying to iron some binding and had the iron in one spot too long. 😮‍💨

I just received a wool blanket, hum wondering if I can make one

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

check and see if it is 100% wool

@fabulousmarilyn3.088

3 жыл бұрын

@@SewVeryEasy ok

I used one once with a large cutting table. It permanently warped the cutting mat. Be careful what is under your wool mat!

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes...I can not stress it enough. do not use a cutting mat under it. Thanks for the reminder

I guess it’s okay to put it right in my padded ironing board?

I love mine, as well. Question: is it ok to use pins in it? Thank you.

@vfabila21

3 жыл бұрын

I've seen a lot of quilters use pins to hold the fabric piece in place while ironing.

@anns3801

3 жыл бұрын

@@vfabila21 thank you

@vfabila21

3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome :)

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

I use pins all the time in the mat ☺️

@anns3801

3 жыл бұрын

@@SewVeryEasy thank you

❤❤❤

I have a "huge wool mat", it was a gift for taking a class at a local quilt store. It's about 5x7 inches. I would love to have a really big one like yours but they can be very expensive!

@karenmatze9769

3 жыл бұрын

Buy a wool horse pad from horse.com. Same as the pressing mats and a whole lot cheaper!

@susanmei9980

3 жыл бұрын

@@karenmatze9769 thank you for sharing that!!! 😊

@solitairecatnaps4444

3 жыл бұрын

@@karenmatze9769 : Yes, I have one for riding. The same except it has wear leathers on the sides!

I like my wool pressing mat but my grandson spilled chocolate milk on it. ( don’t ask) can I like use one drop of dawn dish soap and try and wash it out?

@doreensherk287

3 жыл бұрын

Dawn soap works for a lot of things, I would think if you didn’t saturate it you would be ok......just my thoughts.....I wonder what Laura’s suggestion is.....

@doreensherk287

3 жыл бұрын

Oh Laura just said you can wash them........

@mojoscrappler59

3 жыл бұрын

@@doreensherk287 where and how and with what? Is there a segment I missed?? Thank you! 💗

@susanc8898

3 жыл бұрын

Laura said use detergent you would use for gentle fabric. I would probably Not use Dawn because it would break down the lanolin in the wool. I would use something that is not a de-greaser, mix a small amount with water as you would to hand wash a sweater, but use a cloth to rub the wool mat.

@mojoscrappler59

3 жыл бұрын

@@susanc8898 thank you!!

I made a cover for my wool mat because it left dark grey streak marks on the sole plate of my iron. Has anyone else had this problem? Other than that, I love using the wool pressing mat.

@wendywilkinson1733

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I bought a wool pressing mat and had to return it because it got a black tar like substance on the bottom of my iron. The manufacturer said to never use a steam setting and to keep the iron on low. That seemed restrictive to me. I had already ruined a quilt block because the black tar stuff transferred from the bottom of my iron onto the white patchwork. As I said, I returned it and was turned off by the mats. Has this happened to anyone else?

@pattielarson9506

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Ruined some of my blocks too...burned the edges of the fabric and left stuff on my iron....stopped using it....tried different things but didn't change what was happening 😕

@SewVeryEasy

3 жыл бұрын

I have never had that problem and I use an industrial iron.

@lindaladner5880

3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad to know it’s not just me. I figured it out but not using steam seems to defeat the purpose....

@AnitaSouthall

3 жыл бұрын

Isn't the point to have heat and not steam? Lori Holt uses clapper blocks to absorb heat after pressing.

wool lite or the generic wool wash

A little note, my wool pressing mat doesn’t smell, maybe different brands do, not the one I bought.

I like my wool pressing mat

I’m allergic to wool. So I have an Alpaca mat. It works the same. I love it

@deadiemeyers1661

3 жыл бұрын

I sympathize. I am allergic to sheep's wool AND to Alpaca wool!

@AnitaSouthall

3 жыл бұрын

Are there other animal wool options?

So allergic to wool. My fingers swell up and itch ! I envy those who aren’t. No beautiful sweaters to wear. No wool socks, no pressing mats!

@dale3404

3 жыл бұрын

I know. 😞

@susanmei9980

3 жыл бұрын

I wonder if you could use it if you did what one lady said she does: she puts a cotton pillow case around it. Once you put it in there you wouldn’t have to touch it. Wear gloves while inserting. What do you think?

@sullysmom5050

3 жыл бұрын

@@susanmei9980 I can’t touch sweaters, scarves or any fabric in the stores unless I have gloves on, to read the labels. It’s really just not worth the aggravation to purposely subject myself to the problem. But thanks for trying to help.

@AnitaSouthall

3 жыл бұрын

Awww, that s a tough allergy problem, I'm sure you will find other solutions for your sewing. I'm just using a multiple layer old sheet on a fold out table when I need to iron blocks close to my machine. As long as it's thick enough, having no problems at all.

@dale3404

3 жыл бұрын

@@AnitaSouthall That’s a good idea. I’m just glad I live in Florida and don’t need to wear cold-weather clothes very often.

I have to No. I brought the pressing mat.

;