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Who knew a DIY portable ironing board could be such a game changer AND that they are so easy to make?
If you’re like me, having a portable pressing station that’s too small can be frustrating—especially when you’re doing live videos or quick ironing demos in your sewing tutorials. That’s why I decided it was time to create a DIY portable ironing board that fits my needs perfectly.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I made mine, using simple supplies and a bit of creativity. Whether you’re sewing, quilting, or crafting, this portable ironing board is a total game changer.
Watch the video below or jump down to written directions. Get ready to make the ironing board in your dream size!
SHORTCUTS TO SPECIFIC TOPICS:
01:05 How to use Insul-Brite batting
01:31 Staple Insul-Brite to the board
02:00 How to fold the corners of the Insul-Brite
02:28 How to use a Staple Gun
03:37 Add fabric to the board
05:02 Why I use a darker fabric too
Table of Contents
Why Make a DIY Portable Ironing Board?
My old portable pressing station was just too small for live videos and quick ironing demos. I wanted something larger and more functional that could sit right next to my sewing machine or be easily transported to classes. Plus, I wanted it wrinkle-free and heat-resistant to protect my workspace. This project turned out to be exactly what I needed, and I’m excited to share how you can make one too!
Materials You’ll Need
• Staple gun and staples
• Two pieces of Insul-Brite batting
• A sturdy board (about 1/2 – 1″ thick; plywood or any material of your choice)
• Rotary cutter with a wavy blade (to prevent fraying on starching fabric)
I actually repurposed an extra shelf from a bathroom remodel that was the perfect size and thickness for my board. But you can use plywood or any kind of board that fits your space and needs.
Using Insul-Brite Batting for Heat Protection
One of the key components of this DIY portable ironing board is the Insul-Brite batting. It’s a special batting with a metallic layer that reflects heat, which helps protect your board and your workstation from the heat of your iron.
I used two layers of Insul-Brite, both facing up, to maximize heat reflection. This way, the heat bounces back up through the fabric you’re ironing, giving you better pressing results on both the top and bottom of your fabric.
Stapling the Insul-Brite to the Board
Start by flipping your board upside down and centering the two pieces of Insul-Brite on the back side. Pull the batting taut and staple it securely all the way around. I tend to be an overzealous stapler because I want to make sure everything stays nice and secure during use.
When you get to the corners, you’ll have some extra batting to deal with. You can either trim it or fold it up. I decided to leave the extra bulk folded under because it adds a bit of air space between the board and the surface it’s resting on, which can be helpful.
One tip: when using the staple gun, make sure it’s flat against the surface rather than hanging off the edge. This gives you better leverage and makes it easier for the staples to go through thick layers.
Adding the Fabric Cover
Next, I added a layer of white fabric on top of the Insul-Brite. I chose a white-on-white fabric with little honey bees—it’s cute and makes it easy for viewers to see what I’m ironing, especially darker fabrics.
I cut the fabric a bit larger than the batting so I could wrap it around the edges and staple it securely on the back side of the board. When working with the corners, I folded the fabric like wrapping a present, making sure it was as flat as possible underneath before stapling it down.
Why I Use a Darker Fabric for Starching
One extra tip I want to share is about starching. I use a lot of starch when ironing, and starch buildup can make your fabric cover sticky and stained over time. To avoid ruining my beautiful white fabric, I cut a piece of darker fabric with a wavy rotary cutter to prevent fraying and use it as a “starching fabric” on top.
When I starch, I lay this darker fabric down first, then the fabric I’m working on. When the starching fabric looks worn or stiff, I simply toss it in the laundry and it’s good as new. This keeps my main ironing surface clean and fresh without needing to replace or redo the whole board.
Final Thoughts on My DIY Portable Ironing Board
So that’s my new plan for a portable ironing board, and I’m really excited about how well it’s going to work for my sewing and crafting projects. It’s simple to make, customizable to any size you want, and perfect for live tutorials or sewing classes.
If you want to make one, all you need is a staple gun, a board, some Insul-Brite batting, and one or two fabrics. It’s that easy! And if you do make one, please tag me on social media—I’d love to see what size and fabrics you choose.
Happy ironing and sewing!
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If you’re a quilter and love a good DIY, you will also want to check out the DIY design boards to keep those quilt block pieces organized!
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Tara Reed
