Sunday’s Someday Project: Ironing Board Covers

I have two ironing boards in my sewing room: a full size (52″) and a tabletop (30″). Both were cheap. They’ve lasted me ten years without complaint, but their pads are thin enough that I can feel the metal grid underneath when I press something. After so many years, the fabric is discolored, too.

Tabletop Ironing Board

I jumped with glee when I found Butterick See & Sew 5636, a pattern that includes an ironing board cover. I have two suitable fabrics, both sturdy twill—a pale aqua and a pinkish-lavender. I plan to make one of each. I also found a lavender print (baroque scrollwork) that I’m considering buying, for a spare.

Making the cover should be fairly simple. Once the edges are covered with bias tape, I can run a drawstring (or elastic) through, to cinch the cover up to fit the ironing board, or I can attach these elastic clips to hold the cover in place.

Elastic Clips

First, though, I need a proper ironing board pad to go under the new cover. Preferably something thick enough that the metal underneath won’t get hot and warp every time I press something. You can buy ironing board pads at Amazon, so I’ll probably just order two and cut the second one down to fit the tabletop ironing board.

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Have you ever made an ironing board cover? What tips do you have?