A wool pressing mat is a special type of pressing surface that is made from wool felt. It is designed to provide a smooth, firm surface for pressing quilt blocks and seams. Some quilters use them exclusively when pressing and others don’t care for them. Here are some of the pros and cons so you can decide if you want to try it.
Pros
There are several pros to using a wool pressing mat when quilting. One of the main advantages is its heat retention capabilities. Because wool is a natural insulator, a wool pressing mat can help to evenly distribute heat and prevent hot spots. This is especially helpful for thick spots where several seams meet at one place on your quilt. It can give you a nice crisp seam using much less starch, or even none at all.
Another advantage of a wool pressing mat is its moisture retention capabilities. Because wool is naturally absorbent, a wool pressing mat can help to wick away excess moisture from your fabric, preventing it from becoming damp or soggy from a steam iron. This is really helpful as it can help to prevent puckering or distortion (I’m talking to you, Half Square Triangles!).
A wool pressing mat is also durable and long-lasting. Because wool is a natural fiber, it is resistant to wear and tear, and a wool pressing mat can withstand many years of use without losing its shape or effectiveness. My own wool mat is well over a year old and aside from the stray threads that are stuck to it, it looks brand new. This makes it a good investment for quilters as we do a lot of pressing.
Cons
On the other hand, there are also some potential cons to using a wool pressing mat when quilting. One of the main disadvantages is its cost. Because wool is a natural fiber, it can be more expensive than synthetic materials, and a wool pressing mat can be a significant investment. This may be a deterrent for some quilters who are on a budget.
Another potential disadvantage is that a wool pressing mat can be bulky and difficult to store. Because it is made of wool felt, it can be thick and heavy, which can make it challenging to fit into a small space or carry with you when traveling. You can purchase wool mats in all different sizes, but if you prefer to use a large one the size might be frustrating at times.
Obviously, the worth of a wool pressing mat when quilting will depend on your individual preferences. I personally recommend it as it allows me to get nice crisp seams with just steam, no starch. I’m not anti-starch or anything but if I don’t have to keep paying for it, all the better! I don’t usually take mine when traveling because it’s not an essential item, but I do like having it when I’m at home. It falls in the “nice to have” but not the “need to have” category for me. How about you?
If you’d like to try a wool pressing mat, give this one a try. It’s a good price.
I’ve also linked my all-time favorite iron. It creates a crazy amount of steam, heats up really fast, and is nice and heavy. I highly recommend it!
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