Quilting can be one of the most satisfying and productive crafting hobbies that you can learn. The time, effort, and energy that you put into each quilt results in a wonderful, personal keepsake that is both practical and beautiful.
One thing that quilters learn very quickly is that having the right tools for quilting is essential in getting your quilt to turn out the way you envisioned.
When planning a new quilt, most of us focus on batting, fabrics, patterns, and colors. These are all important considerations, but one important tool alongside a quilting sewing machine that is often overlooked is access to a quality quilting iron to help with your work.
A good quilting iron will save you time, money, and frustration as you work through your designs. And that’s why it’s very important to choose the best iron that is perfect for your day to day quilting work before you go for one.
BEST IRON FOR QUILTING – BUYING GUIDE & REVIEWS
Best Iron for Quilters Buying Guide
What do you need from a quilting iron?
Quilters work in a variety of ways, and there are many different quilting iron features that may appeal to you depending on the work you are doing.
As you develop your quilting skills, you’ll find that you have your own methods, preferred fabrics, and future fantasy projects – and all of these should be taken into consideration when you’re choosing an iron.
Think about the work you’ll be doing, where you’ll be working, how your workspace is set up, and how often you’ll be using your iron in the future. All of these questions will help you to get a perception of what you are looking for.
Selecting the Perfect Quilting Iron for Quilters
Surprisingly, there is no much difference between the quilting irons and the typical ones when you’re going to make a selection for you. Why? Because those are the basic points that you should definitely check in order to find the perfect one for you!
Quilting is an expensive hobby, and when it comes to adding new tools to your collection, it is important to carefully consider what you’re looking for to make the right selection. Choosing a quilting iron is something that often takes new quilters by surprise, and is a decision with many considerations.
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Features:
Quilting is a very broad practice, and many people have their own methods of doing the job. For this reason, quilting irons come with a variety of features and benefits that you should carefully consider before making a purchase. One way to think of the features you find most valuable is to think of the things that you find most frustrating about ironing, and finding a feature that will help you to avoid that problem.
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Safety:
When quilting, it is very easy to get lost in your work and lose track of what is around you. This is why most modern quilting irons include safety features that will prompt an automatic shut-off when your iron is not in use.
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Heat:
When it comes to heat, not all quilting irons are created equal. Many quilters enjoy having an iron with a variety of temperature settings, while others simply want high heat to blast away wrinkles.
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User experience:
There are many different features on quilting irons that vary from model to model, and from brand to brand. At first glance, these differences may seem unimportant or trivial, but seasoned quilters will tell you that sometimes, the smallest features can make the biggest difference. Consider the weight of the iron, how often you’ll need to fill it, and whether a cord is limiting for you. These features will all, in the end, make a bigger difference to your experience than you might realize.
Even with all this information in mind, it can be hard to know which available quilting iron is best for you. To help you get a feel for some of our favorite quilting irons, we’ve put together a list of reviews that suit every quilter – regardless of style or budget.
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Price:
Quilting irons are available in a variety of qualities and come with many different features. For some people, these features will be a necessity, while others find more simple and affordable models will do the trick. When it comes to quilting irons, you get what you pay for – so anyone who is serious about their quilting hobby may want to consider investing in a professional model.
Best Iron for Quilting Reviews
Oliso TG1100 Smart Iron with iTouch Technology
You can find the manufacturer video on the product page.
The Oliso Smart Iron was designed with quilters and crafters in mind, and this attention to detail shows. This beautiful and functional iron is beautifully designed with a long-cord and many automated features that make it a dream to use.
The Oliso has the best shut-off safety features on the market, with four-point activation of a shut-off mode. Beyond that, this iron also includes functionality to stand itself up when not in use. This cutting-edge development reduces the likelihood of burns to the skin or scorch marks on the beautiful fabric. The light-weight and automated features make it a perfect choice for any quilters who suffer from fatigue or arthritis and need a little support.
The Oliso Smart Iron comes with a 1-year warranty, and this is something you will want to keep in mind. While the majority of Oliso users love their iron, a few have had to get replacements for their purchase. While Oliso is known for providing excellent customer care for purchasers, the interruption of a malfunctioning iron can be frustrating.
The Oliso Smart Iron is the perfect choice for dedicated and seasoned quilters who will use their iron again and again on their projects. The Oliso has a variety of features that make it unique and usable for quilters, with only a slight jump in price.
Rowenta Micro Steam Iron
You can find the manufacturer video on the product page.
Rowenta is one of the best-known and most respected makers of quilting irons. Their irons are designed with crafters in mind, and the Micro Steam model is a favorite among avid quilters. The Rowenta is easy to fill and easy to use, with a large water tank and straightforward controls. With over 400 steam holes, this iron is perfect for ensuring you get a fast, evenly distributed crease, without risking damage to fabrics. The Micro Steam comes with a full 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee, and many users credit the German manufacturing on the Rowenta for never having to make use of the warranty.
With fast heating, a large water tank, and fantastic safety features, the Rowenta Microsteam is the perfect iron for anyone who has a lot of iron to work with, or who wants to get their work done quickly and efficiently.
There is one note to make for busy crafters! Though the Rowenta is one of the best and most respected brands in quilting irons, you should keep in mind that the micro steam iron is fairly heavy, especially when filled. This means that while it is the perfect choice for any professional quilter in your life, anyone who needs a lightweight model may want to take a look at a smaller model.
Rowenta Perfect Steam Eco Energy Steam Iron
You can find the manufacturer video on the product page on how to set up this iron.
For any environmentally-conscious quilter, the Rowenta Eco Energy Iron is a great choice for all of your quilting needs, providing the heat and steam of traditional irons, with minimal energy and water usage.
For any quilter that regularly uses heavy, warm fabrics in their work, the Rowenta Perfect Steam is the most perfect choice. With functionality designed specifically for quickly removing wrinkles from heavy fabrics, the Perfect Steam can save quilters a lot of time, energy, and hassle on their projects.
Rowenta brand irons are among the most durable and beloved quilting irons on the market, but the extensive features of the Eco Energy Steam model come at a price. If you’re a professional quilter or one that is regularly required to iron large amounts of fabrics for your projects, the Rowenta Perfect Steam is certainly worth the investment. For a hobbyist or beginner quilter, we recommend you check out one of the other models on this list.
Panasonic Cordless Iron
Even the most organized quilters occasionally find themselves in the midst of chaos. When a project is about halfway done, it is difficult to keep materials straight, with everything in order. The Panasonic Cordless Iron was designed to help with moments like this. With a design that is unlike any other trusted quilting iron on the market, the Panasonic Cordless really has a few genius features that you won’t find anywhere else.
Many people tend to worry that cordless devices will leave them without power when they need it most. The Panasonic Cordless has a unique design that allows you to place the handset of the iron on the base for charging and reheating while it is in use. This means that while you work, you’re not lifting the entire appliance, and you’ll be able to reach and work without worrying about a cord.
The Panasonic truly brings together the best in portable and traditional quilting irons and is the perfect choice for quilters looking for unique features, or for a beginner just looking to get started. With that said, quilters who work often or work with very heavy fabrics may want to invest in a model with more incremental heat settings, or a larger water tank.
Considering the features that are included on the Panasonic Cordless, the price point is amazingly fair. The unique design that Panasonic has introduced isn’t for everyone, but it is definitely one of our favorites. When it comes to value, the Panasonic Cordless iron is one of the best choices for quilting irons.
Black & Decker Classic Steam Iron
For some quilters, nothing beats a classic. This simple Black & Decker iron is beloved by many quilters who prefer a simple, straightforward tool for their ironing needs. The high temperature and even steam distribution make it easy to work with even the heaviest fabrics to allow for quick, sharp ironing of fabrics and seams.
One of the great features of the Black & Decker classic is the ability to run the iron dry, something that is not available with many other quilting irons. If you’re working with delicate fabrics, or want to do a quick iron of fabric without worrying about steam drying, the Black & Decker provides the ability to work both ways.
Black & Decker is known for their quality, reliability, and supportive warranty service. Anyone who is looking for a reliable, branded iron that they will be able to use for their quilting projects for years to come can’t go wrong with the classic Black & Decker.
Black & Decker Digital Advantage Professional Steam Iron
You can find the manufacturer video on the product page.
If your quilting hobby has become more of a profession, the Black & Decker Digital Advantage iron might be the perfect choice for you.
The digital display on the Black & Decker iron allows quilters total control over how they iron their fabrics, allowing for fast, efficient, and low-damage ironing for your projects.
Steamfast Mini Travel Steam Iron
The Steamfast Mini Travel Steam Iron is a popular choice for quilters as a secondary quilting iron. This lightweight and portable iron is perfect for straightening seams on the go, or for allowing quick touch-ups as you work through a section. Any quilter who crafts regularly will definitely need a heavy-duty quilting iron as well, but many quilters swear by their Steamfast as a tool they simply can’t live without. The Steamfast is particularly helpful when you’re nearing the end of a quilt and don’t want to set up your work on a table for a complete iron.
For quilters who tend to take projects on their travels, or for anyone who tends to move around to quilt in a circle, a travel iron is a fantastic addition to your quilting equipment. If you’re looking for something portable, reliable, and heavy-duty, the Steamfast Mini is the perfect quilting iron for you. With a carrying case and easy-to-use controls, it may be the perfect addition to your quilting circle.
Dritz Petite Press Portable Mini Iron
The Dritz Petite Portable Iron is a wonderful and ingenious portable quilting iron with features that are perfect for quilters and other crafters. For any crafter that does their quilting while they travel, or for anyone working with small scraps of fabric, the Dritz Petite Press makes a great compliment to a standard iron. Any serious quilter will undoubtedly require a full-sized quilting iron in their repertoire, but with the lightweight design and small surface area, the Dritz can actually be preferable for a lot of jobs, particularly seamwork. The Dritz Petite Press makes the perfect addition to any quilter’s collection of tools, and makes a great gift for the quilter that already has everything.
Darice Mini Crafting Iron
If you’re just getting started with quilting and aren’t sure you’ll be taking on the hobby in the long run, you might want to consider a Darice mini crafting iron.
The Darice crafting irons are adorable, easy to use, and extremely affordable. These small irons will certainly not be powerful enough for a professional quilter, or one that works extensively. But anyone who wants to give the hobby a try without investing too much money should consider purchasing a Darice (which is also handy for many other small projects).
Quilting Iron – Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
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Why do I need a quilting iron?
Irons are necessary in quilting to be sure your patterns, measurements, and designated lines line up in the way that they are intended. By ironing, you can be assured that each fabric is laying naturally, and that all of your seams will align.
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When will I use a quilting iron?
You will use a quilting iron much more often than you might have anticipated throughout the course of quilting. Any time you need to sew a seam, align a pattern, or begin a project that has been stored, you’ll need your iron.
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Can I use my home iron for quilting?
Many quilters can and do use their regular home iron for their quilting needs. But, more often than not, quilters find that they need the heat, steam, and specialty surfaces of a quilting iron to complete their projects neatly and efficiently.
- Can I use a travel iron for all of my quilting needs?
A travel iron is a wonderful addition to any quilter’s tools, and many quilters use it for a lot of their projects. But, when it comes to ironing out large swaths of fabric, and working with materials that have been folded or wrinkled through travel, you’ll want to have a solid, full-sized quilting iron to use.
Why Do You Need a Quilting Iron?
- Quilting involves bringing together many pieces of fabrics to create a large, beautiful masterpiece. The process can be painstaking, and requires a lot of planning, packing, storing, and organizing as the project comes together. As your fabric becomes wrinkled, you’ll need to iron it to be sure it is smooth, flat, and lays as you need it to for your design. For bringing together squares or sewing seams, it is absolutely essential that you have an iron on hand.
- Many quilters have made the rookie mistake of skimping on their iron purchase. After all, many of us have irons in our homes, and some quilters are able to make them work. But, working with rumpled fabrics, and taking the time to work many yards of fabric through an iron that is not suited for the job can cost you time, can tire out your hands, arms, and shoulders when you work, and can make one of your favorite crafting activities tedious and frustrating.
- To ensure your patterns come out as you envisioned, and that your measurements align, and lie in the perfect way that you had planned – it is essential that you find a high-quality quilting iron to straighten seams, align squares, and be sure everything measures up.
Wrapping It Up!
Quilting is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can have, but getting all of the equipment you need can be costly, and requires some research. With this list, we’ve given you an overview of the different features and price points available for quilting irons, and have shown you the best of the best.
Quilting is one of the most rewarding crafting hobbies that you can get into. Quilting allows you to create beautiful, long-lasting and personal home-pieces and gifts that will be treasured for a lifetime, and a handmade quilt can become one of the most treasured personal items a person has. But, the tools you need to ensure that your projects turn out the way you envision can be very expensive, and come with a variety of qualities and features.
To ensure you’re able to get the supplies you need to succeed without breaking the bank, be sure to do your research and take a look at these quilting irons reviews to be sure your money is well spent.
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