Skip to Content

How to Make an Ironing Pad

This post shares all about how to make an ironing pad. A magnetic ironing pad for a table top is the perfect small-space or sewing room solution!

How to Make an Ironing Pad

I got the idea to make a magnetic ironing pad when I was researching small-space bathroom solutions. I found a few lovely ones online, including this one for only 8 bucks. But guess what? I already had the insulating fabric, the cushioned fabric, and some super strong magnets in my stash, and I’m super cheap, so I decided to make my own. 🙂

I only spent $4 on some new fabric so that it would look cute. Plus, as with most DIYs, it’s rewarding to make something. And I’m, you know, hard headed.

DIY ironing pad

A magnetic ironing pad is indeed a great solution for small-space dwellers. Ironing boards are generally pretty big and awkward to store, especially if you don’t have a dedicated laundry room or extra closet. So if you’re interested, you can either buy one for $8, or try your hand at it yourself!

Supplies

  • Insul-Bright fabric—buy it here or by the yard at your local fabric store
  • Fleece fabric—I used a piece of suede/fleece fabric that I had in my fabric cabinet. If I didn’t have that, I would have purchased a quilted fabric (like this). This pieces goes on the bottom of your pad, so it really doesn’t matter what color it is—just that it has some cushion!
  • Decorative fabric—this is optional but adds a nice touch. You could easily do the quilted fabric on the top and bottom. I just used a regular thin cotton fabric for the top of mine so it would look cute.
  • 6 heavy duty magnets (these are where it’s at…SO strong)
  • Sewing machine or needle and thred, glue, measuring tape, scissors

And here’s how to make an ironing pad!

Step 1: Measure the top of your dryer, length and width. I wanted my ironing pad to wrap down over the sides of the dryer, so I added a few inches to either side. Make sure to also factor in a seam allowance.

Next I used my measurements to cut three pieces of fabric: one Insul-Bright, one fleece, and one decorative.

insulbright fabric
fabric for the ironing pad

Step 2: Glue the magnets on to the Insul-Bright fabric. I put three magnets down each side. Let dry.

strong magnets

Step 3: Sew the three pieces together on three sides. Make sure to leave an opening on one edge. You will use the opening to flip your ironing pad right-side out so that the fleece and decorative fabrics are sandwiching the Insul-Bright (and the magnets!).

Before you sew your three pieces together, make sure they are laid on top of one another in this order:

layout of fabric pieces

If you don’t have the pieces laid out in the right order and with the right and wrong sides facing the appropriate directions, you’ll flip it inside out and have a mess. 🙁

Step 4: Flip the mat right-side out through opening, then fold the opening in and sew shut. Here it is!

DIY ironing pad

And here it is on my dryer. The magnets are strong enough to hold it in place even through the cushioned fabric. I’ll leave this out all the time so that I can also use it as an area to fold laundry, although Henry and Blanche will probably turn it into a cat bed as soon as they discover it.

DIY ironing pad

Pin this post!

collage that says how to make a magnetic ironing pad
  1. Martha Miles says:

    This is a great Idea! I need a small ironing board in my sewing room . Small enough to iron seams as I construct quilt blocks. It is exhausting to jump up and down to the full size ironing board. Ideas?

    • You could make something like this and attach it to a small piece of wood, or you could just set it down on your workspace and iron over top of it!

      • Martha Miles says:

        I am going to attach it to a wooden TV Table! Make an ironing board cover to the size of the table top and use cording to pull it tight. Or just staple it on.

  2. Very cool Brittany! I don’t have room for mine, I keep it out in the balcony! This is a great solution. Btw, you have such a beautiful blog!

    • Yes it’s quite handy especially because most of my ironing is sewing related, meaning I don’t need a full-sized ironing board! And thank you 🙂

Comments are closed.

I decided to turn off comments on most of my posts because of the crazy comment spam. If you see a spot to leave a comment, please do. If you don't, you can hop over to my Instagram and leave a comment or send me a direct message. Thank you for visiting and reading!
+++
This blog's content is for entertainment purposes only and is not professional advice. By reading this blog and attempting to re-create any content shared on it, you assume all responsibility. Read my full Terms of Use here. Be safe out there!