If you love sewing and quilting then an iron is a must-have in your toolbox. It’s critical to have a high quality quilting iron to help you when pressing seams, press out creases and smooth out the fabric. But you need a long lasting and durable iron.
If you’re a quilter you need a reliable iron for your fabrics and quilt pieces and projects. However, finding one isn’t always an easy process.
Since I’ve started quilting I’ve been through a few irons and I know how bad it can be! I’ve had iron leaks, overheating and others that just stopped working altogether.
If you’re going to spend your hard earned cash on an iron, you want to make sure it’s the best iron your money can buy. When I was searching for my iron, I decided to compile a list so you can decide which is the best iron for quilting for you.
Top Pick
Rowenta DW6080
This Rowenta DW6080 is an energy saving steam iron which has useful safety features and 3D design for vertical steaming.
Rowenta DW6080
This Rowenta DW6080 is 1700-watt energy saving steam quilting iron, with a stainless steel soleplate with automatic off switch after 8 minutes of inactivity on the heel rest. It has 400 microsteam holes, the soleplate is scratch resistant, with a high precision tip for ironing into those corners.
The 3D design along with the micro holes mean concentrated steam and thorough even distribution.
Steam Settings
It has 3 manual steam settings – you can dry for a perfect finish, boost for stubborn crease and eco for energy-saving steam. Safety comes first so it has a 3 way automatic off features which shuts the iron’s soleplate off after 30 seconds if it’s tipped over onto its side.
Usability
The user-friendly features include 1700 W of power, vertical steam feature for hanging garments, it works with regular tap water, it has a self care and anti-drip system and a soft grip handle.
Specs
- 1700 watt
- 12.6 x 5.7 x 7.08”
Pros
- High precision tip
- Intelligent features
- Can be used with tap water
Cons
- Auto shut off may interrupt your work when you move to your sewing machine.
Best Value
Panasonic NI-WL600
This Panasonic NI-WL600 is a dry, steam and heat iron which is perfect for a quilter who needs variation.
Panasonic NI-WL600
This Panasonic NI-WL600 compact steam iron has dry, steam and deep penetrating heat settings useful for every type of project like interfacing. There will be no more hassle of twisted and tangled power cords for quicker, easier and more convenient ironing on a variety of fabrics.
It has a really sleek contoured 360 degree freestyle stainless steel soleplate which is double tipped to ensure a natural movement in every direction.You can apply the perfect level of heat and steam with the touch of a button.
The powerful steam feature helps to quickly remove wrinkles in curtains and hanging garments. If that’s not enough, this also provides maximum portability with a lightweight heat resistant carry case which snaps easily onto the steam iron and power base after use for instant portability and storage.
Specs
- 1500 watts power
- 11.25 x 6.94 x 8.33”
Pros
- Powerful steam
- Heat resistant carry case
- 360°c freestyle stainless steel soleplate
Cons
- Different shaped stainless steel soleplates have different prices
Editor’s Choice
Rowenta DG8624U1
The Rowenta DG8624U1 Perfect Pro Station Steam Iron isn’t just any iron for quilting and will powerfully blast steam and press your fabrics seamlessly.
Rowenta DG8624U1
This iron powerfully bursts 430g of steam and 7.4 bars of high pressure steam per minute. This makes it a fantastic choice for curtains, bed quilts, and other vertical crease removal. It shortens the time that it will take you for ironing and crafting projects because of this.
Features
The lazer stainless steel soleplate has 400HD active steam holes for unmatched steam distribution. It comes with an anti calc system which is patented to provide long lasting steam performance, which will prevent the holes from getting clogged.
It automatically prevents clogged steam vents by reducing sediment build up in the iron’s vaporizing chamber. It has an easy and safe locking system and steam cord storage for maximum convenience.
Tank Capacity
The larger water tank in this steam ironing system holds 37oz of water, meaning you will spend less time ironing your quilt pieces, and more time doing the fun quilting and sewing.
The iron sits upon this water tank, but can be removed easily for use. You can use this iron for delicate quilt ironing, all the way to thicker dense fabrics.
CHI Professional Steam Iron
The Chi Steam Iron is a professional iron, silver in color which would look great in anyone’s crafting space.
CHI Professional Steam Iron
The Chi Steam Iron for quilting and sewing fabrics has a titanium infused ceramic soleplate It’s been built with 400+ steam holes, an 8 foot cord and a 3 way shut off safety system.
The iron has been made with Chi flat iron technology, using the same titanium-infused ceramic soleplate that power the brand’s hair styling tools.
Steam Holes
The powerful steaming with over 400 holes will deliver steam that makes the process of steaming out wrinkles smooth and fast. The 8 foot retractable cord means easy use and storage and winds up quickly with the touch of a button.
Temperature Control
The steam iron is built with an electronic temperature control guide which will help you match heat with the right fabric. The steam is controlled with an easy to use an adjustable steam lever for your comfort.
The Chi Steam Iron is a professional iron, silver in color which would look great in anyone’s crafting space.
Specs
- 8ft cord
- 1700 watt power
Pros
- 8 ft cord
- Temperature control guide
- Steam iron is controlled with a steam lever
Cons
- Expensive shipping
- No anti calcium system
Singer 20” Steam Press
This Singer 20” Steam Press iron is a horizontal flat iron you place your fabrics between. This is useful in a professional setting for pressing sheets and towels as well as all your quilting fabrics.
Singer 20” Steam Press
This Singer 20” Steam Press iron comes in different sizes of 20”, 26” and 36” – the size of your quilting project will depend on which size you need. It has a non-stick pressing surface, and the iron heats up to a nylon heat setting in 66 seconds.
Instead of running an iron over the fabric, you place the fabric in between two hot iron plates and press the top plate down.
Steaming Options
This is a professional level steam press, with different types of steam – either a continuous steam, or on-demand bursts of steam of up to 30/g per minute. The power consumption is 1500 watts, and the quilting iron has an automatic shut off.
Tank Capacity
The water tank has a capacity of 150ml, and gives you dry cleaning press results without you having to spend the money on a dry cleaning bill.
Specs
- 1500 watts power
- 20”, 26” or 36” in length
Pros
- Low power watt
- 30g steam per minute
Cons
- Smaller water tank
- Not easily transportable
Laurastar Lift Steam Iron
This Swiss Laurastar is a 3 in 1 quilting iron that will steam, clean and press your fabrics ready for quilting and sewing.
Laurastar Lift Steam Iron
This Swiss Laurastar lift iron sits in a carry case with an easy to carry handle meaning the iron is always ready to go. It’s safe to sit down anywhere you like with its nonstick feet.
Speed
The Laurastar will purify your textiles with the powerful steam which claims to work 15 times faster than steam from standard steam generators. The removable water tank can be refilled during use for non-stop ironing.
Steam
The ultra fine steam will help to bring back volume to even the most sensitive fabrics and can be used on velvet, cashmere or mohair. It’s also possible to ensure that every detail is perfect without deforming or leaving marks on embroidered or beaded fabrics.
It’s an easy and efficient machine that you can use that might even make ironing enjoyable again for you!
Specs
- 11.68 lbs
- 19 x 5 x 11.5”
Pros
- 3 in 1 iron
- Easy to carry
- High temperature steam
Cons
- Small water tank
- Uses lots of water
Steamfast SF-717
The Steamfast Mini is an inexpensive travel iron which is half the size of a full sized iron.
Steamfast SF-717
This is a mini steam iron with a dual voltage, travel bag, a non-stick soleplate, anti-slip handle and rapid heating. It uses 420 watt power, so you could use this when you’re quilting on your holiday. However, if you do a lot of steaming, I would recommend something with a higher power for a stronger steam burst.
The mini steam iron has a really quick heat up time of 15 seconds! The 1.4 ounce water tank is equipped with 1-touch steam controls and 3 temperature heat settings for various fabric types.
Power
The 420 watt power is plenty to remove any wrinkles from almost any fabric by pressing, and the anti-slip handle means you’ll have a strong grip no matter how hot and sweaty you are. It has been built with a 7.5 foot power cord for reachability from plug socket to ironing board cover.
The superior support with the Steamfast iron means you are investing in superior performance and design. You get a 2 year warranty with this product to make sure that you have total satisfaction, which is supported by a customer service team based in the US.
Specs
- 1 lbs
- 420 watts
- 5.2 x 3 x 3.1”
Pros
- Auto shut off
- Easy to transport
- Good customer service
Cons
- Not so powerful
- Not suitable for dense fabrics
Professional Grade 1700W Steam Iron
This professional grade steam iron has been engineered with an ultra-press stainless steel soleplate.
Professional Grade 1700W Steam Iron
The chromium finish on the Professional Grade 1700W Steam Iron, provides durability, scratch resistance and unparalleled glide, specially designed steam distribution is perfect for quilters, sewers and crafters.
Features
It’s got easy thermostat control and axial holes – based on fabric type you can easily select the ideal steam output and keep the temperature exactly how you like it.
The placement, alignment and size of the expanded steam holes, means you get the maximum amount of steam required while maintaining and even heat distribution through the soleplate.
Temperature Settings
It provides you with pre-set temperatures for cotton, wool, silk, linen, polyester, nylon and more. It also comes with an auto shutoff system which avoids accidents and burnt clothes.
The iron has also been made with an anti-drip system which means you don’t have to worry about an iron leak from the soleplate when the iron is at low temperatures.
Do you need an iron to quilt?
Yes – you absolutely need an iron before you start the quilting and sewing process. Ironing helps to get all of those ugly wrinkles and creases out.
If you don’t use an iron for pressing or steaming fabrics before you cut out your quilt pieces, they will be mismatched in size and could cause problems when you start piecing and sewing fabric on your quilting machine.
Which iron is better for quilting, steam or dry?
Steam irons make the best quilting irons as they are definitely more effective at removing wrinkles from clothing compared to a dry traditional iron.
Steam penetrates fabrics and helps flatten creases in record time, whereas dry ironing requires more strokes of the iron, plus the help from a spray bottle to get the same results which is why they are the best irons for quilting.
What is the best iron for quilting?
The best iron for quilting projects would have good steam power that provides consistent and evenly distributed steam, which gives you an excellent finish to your fabric.
The best irons for quilting have a ceramic or stainless steel soleplate which allows you to glide across your ironing board as well as an auto shut off.
What makes the best iron for quilting?
While the best iron for quilting largely depends on the quilter, there are several features that should be considered before purchasing an iron such as power functions, weight, heat settings and soleplate.
Steam outputs
The power function tells us the rate at which the quilting iron delivers a steady flow of steam from traditional steam irons.
The steam output describes the way the iron emits steam. Ideally you want an iron that releases a consistent and strong flow of steam. There are several types of steam output functions such as vertical steam, variable steam and burst of steam.
Vertical steam
Vertical steam power output option is great for hanging clothes such as suits and gowns that are made from delicate materials such as linen and mesh.
Variable steam
Variable steam output automatically adjusts its steam output depending upon the type of fabric. You would add more steam for thicker fabrics like denim and less steam for lighter fabrics such as cotton.
Burst steam
A burst steam function delivers a shot of steam directly onto the fabric while the continuous steam function continuously delivers puffs of steam.
The best quilting irons will allow you to adjust its steam output efficiently.
Weight
The weight of a quilting iron tells us whether it is suitable for pressing. Most irons weigh between 2 and 4lbs.
While we usually opt for lighter options, when it comes to choosing an iron for quilting, a heavy iron is sometimes better.
If irons for quilting are heavy it means you won’t have to go back and press again. Alas, keep in mind that a heavier iron can be more difficult to use. Light quilting irons are portable and easy to maneuver over creases and glide more smoothly.
Water tank capacity
The larger amount of water that an iron can contain in it’s base unit or reservoir the less time you will have to spend refilling it, and the hot steam pressure output will also be more constant. An iron with a greater water tank is generally preferred over a tank with less.
RECOMMENDATION
When choosing an iron for quilting I suggest you go for an option with a transparent water tank as it means you can monitor the water levels easily.
Soleplate
The soleplate is the metal plate that is underneath the iron. It reduces friction between the iron and clothes to protect the fabric and avoid sticking. Ithould be non-stick and durable, and to be able to distribute steam evenly and glide over fabrics easily.
The soleplate requires regular cleaning to prevent a calc build up which can then be transferred onto clothes if not cleaned (some irons come with an anti calcium system). Soleplates can be prone to scratching, especially over buttons and zippers.
Other things to note:
Safety
You want the iron to be safe, and most of the irons in this list have an auto shut off so you won’t have to worry about burning anything. Some irons even have an anti-drip feature which will prevent water from leaking all over your material.
Settings
Fabric and steam settings are important when it comes to choosing the right heat setting. Some irons have digital temperature control where you can easily set your desired temperature, whereas others have specific temperatures pre-set for different fabrics so you don’t have to guess what temperature the steam settings should be at.
Controls
Controls are important too, and irons vary in their control styles from digital slider, dial and switches so you should consider which ones you are most comfortable working with.
We must keep these aspects in mind during our research in selecting the best quilting iron for quilting.
FAQs:
Do you need an iron to quilt?
A quilting iron is an essential part of fabric preparation that allows you to get out any creases. By pressing your fabric, your patchwork and applique will be the actual size that your pattern calls for. Think about it – a wrinkled fabric cut 3 x 3” would be bigger than a pressed 3 x 3” which is cut to the same dimensions.
Can a steam iron be used without water?
Yes, you just have to remove the water from the iron by tipping it back out through the hole, or using it all up. On some iron models you are able to turn off the steam setting.
Should you iron fabric before cutting quilting?
It’s important that you wash and iron all fabric before you cut any of it up, especially when cutting out pieces for a quilt top.
By removing all crease and wrinkles, it leaves you with a flat piece of fabric you can get the exact measurements from. If you don’t iron fabric before you cut, you could have an entirely different shape or size material.
Do you iron fat quarters before cutting?
Even if they look neatly pressed, I would always iron over fat quarters before cutting. The fat quarters may have been pulled off grain during production and need to be straightened before you cut it.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning all about the best irons for quilting. Each iron in this list has its own pros and cons, and when selecting an iron it depends if you value price over efficiency.
Investing in a good iron will make working with fabrics much easier – I promise. It will save you time, and the headache of everything that goes with having a bad iron.
Feel Free To Share!
Which iron did you choose from the list? Let me know in the comments below! I wish you the best of luck when choosing your iron – I hope you find one that suits all of your sewing and quilting projects!
