Irons make it possible to soften the materials and easily maneuver with the fabrics while quilting or sewing. During these activities is necessary to switch between tools quickly, which is possible with an appropriate iron. There is nothing better than finding an iron that gives you freedom in movement and high effectiveness while working.
So today, in this article, we’re going to check out what the “Best Iron for Quilting & Sewing” is.
A Quick Look at My Favorite Iron for Quilting and Sewing
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 9.7 | Check Price | |
 | 9.5 | Check Price | |
 | 9.1 | Check Price | |
 | 8.8 | Check Price | |
 | 8.6 | Check Price | |
 | 8.2 | Check Price | |
 | 8 | Check Price |
Key Takeaways
- There are plenty of irons offering the features needed for quilting and sewing projects
- Decide based on the priorities of your work
- There does not exist an iron that has it all
- A different tool you can use is the Steamfast S-680 if you allow the higher cost.
- Steaming power, controls, and design are essential features to be looked out for when investing in an iron
The Best Irons for Quilting & Sewing
7. Rowenta DW6080
This potent iron generates 1800-Watt of power and 5 bars of steam pressure. Users can even use it for the vertical steaming of hanging garments. Smoothing and shaping needed in sewing and quilting is an easier task using this iron. A high-powered steam blast is also available with a push of a button.
Reviews about this one explain that it offers an appropriate amount of steam exhaling, unlike older versions where steam would ooze out and not permeate enough to reach decent results. The design is also loved. The steam cord has a proper length, and the iron sits upright securely. This feature makes for a satisfactory ironing session.
It has an eco-setting which saves energy while giving a decent amount of power and steam. The water tank is easy to be filled and can be filled with enough water to iron for about 1.5 hours.
Two of the reasons users are frustrated with this product are its reliability and the auto shut-off system. They expressed that it started having problems after two years of use and needed a replacement.
Summary
What I Like About It
- Effective steaming
- Easy to use
- Maneuverability
What I Dislike About It
- Auto shut-off
- Reliability
Why Should You Buy It?
Powerful steaming pressure combined with the large water tank may make you interested in this product.
6. ANSIO Travel Iron
Mini steam iron is used primarily as a craft project and traveling iron. One of the most compact irons you can get. It is lightweight and straightforward to use. Three temperature settings allow it to be a multi-fabric and multi-purpose use iron.
Perfect for ironing small pieces of material. This iron makes crafters happy working with it—small iron with an ergonomic design that fits in hand well. The generous 1.9 meters cord can be wrapped around its neck and does not take up much space.
It lacks a safety auto switch-off, so you must be extra careful not to forget it plugged in. You should not expect it to create a significant amount of steam as a full-size iron.
Summary
What I Like About It
- Small and ergonomic
- Effectiveness
- Cheap
What I Dislike About It
- No safety features
Why Should You Buy It?
Since it is a cheap iron, you can buy it to use it for smaller projects, and you can be surprised by its abilities.
5. CHI Steam Iron
Special technological features are included in this iron’s description. It has a titanium-infused ceramic soleplate. This makes it more robust and scratch resistant. Since we are talking about the soleplate, we should mention that it has over 300 steam holes. This adds to its powerful steaming.
It is lightweight and easy to be carried around. However, this is not a loved feature by most users, as they require a heavier iron, which would make it even more effective. At the same time provides powerful steaming, which users express is more than enough. However, this drains the water tank quickly, and its small size might be an adding factor also.
The cord is long enough and has a Velcro clip attached, making it easy to store. This a great feature since we always end up wrapping it up and keeping it messed up like that.
Precise and unique temperature control depending on the fabric you are using it on. Adjustable steaming, spray, and blast options are available.
The reliability is reported to be great—quilters reviewed that it works nicely even after three years of use.
Summary
What I Like About It
- Powerful steaming
- Temperature and Steaming control
- Reliability
What I Dislike About It
- Lightweight
Why Should You Buy It?
Robust steaming, easy-to-use, and precise temperature and steam control are the most critical features of this iron.
4. Panasonic NI-L70SR Cordless
Cordless irons offer convenience before everything. The cables getting in the way create frustration during work. Easy and straightforward to change temperature and steam power. There is no need to worry about clogged steaming vents as it has a self-cleaning system.
Users report it as one of the most reliable and quality-built products. Some reviews with several times dropping and continuous use do not seem to make them less effective. They love that it is possible to take out the water tank and fill it in the sink.
Some quilters report that its tip does not meet the expectations created from the photos of the product. In reality, they say it is almost round, which is not a good feature for quilting.
However, you have the option to get the curved version of it, which has a double-pointed soleplate that makes it highly maneuverable. It does not have a much higher cost also.
Compared with Panasonic Freestyle cordless model, it is mentioned that this model provides the ability to place it vertically on the ironing board. At the same time, it can confront it with effectiveness.
Summary
What I Like About It
- Convenience
- Maneuverability
- Practical design
What I Dislike About It
- It does not stay hot for long
- An almost rounded tip
Why Should You Buy It?
It is convenient, easily maneuverable, and practical. Consider this product if you don’t mind the 30 seconds needed for it to get heated.
3. Rowenta DW6080 Steam Iron
Rowenta iron provides a decent amount of steam pressure like the other recommended. It also offers a manual setting of the steaming amount starting from dry ironing to boosted steaming. 1700-Watts of power and micro steam holes add to the steaming pressure and effectiveness.
Unlike the steaming potential and the options it offers, there is a different story with the temperature settings. Most modern irons offer six heat level settings. This one provides just 3 of them.
Heavier than a usual iron, it makes it efficient by finishing work with fewer glides. The design includes an elongated nose, making it easy to get those intricate parts of the garments.
Like many irons, it is equipped with an 8-minute shut-off system, which adds to safety but is hated by most users. Includes anti-calc and auto-cleaning features.
Summary
What I Like About It
- Heavier
- Effective steaming system
- Maneuverability
What I Dislike About It
- Auto shut-off
Why Should You Buy It?
Adequate steaming power and more weight are the main features of this iron.
2. Oliso Pro TG1600 Smart Iron
This is a modern and easy-to-use iron. Its powerfulness and steaming settings are two of the great features of this iron.
It is heavier than other irons, which is one of the reasons many people like it. This creates more pressure and means you do not need extra time ironing to reach results. It has exact settings for the temperature and steam based on the fabrics you will apply it to.
A long and rotating cord adds to its maneuverability. It does not get in the way when working. Auto shut-off system after 30 minutes of not using it or after 30 seconds if it falls. It lacks a switch-off button, which some users do not like.
The most characteristic feature of this iron is the ITOUCH technology. This technology enables an iron to lift when it is not being used based on the touch of your hand. When you grab it, it lowers and is ready for use. This prevents scorching, burns, and tipping, which happens with irons that are needed to be placed vertically.
Summary
What I Like About It
- Effective steaming system
- ITOUCH technology
- Maneuverable
What I Dislike About It
- Expensive
- No power off switch
Why Should You Buy It?
If you want a powerful, heavy enough, and maneuverable iron, this might be the one for you if the absence of the power off switch does not bother you.
1. Steamfast SF-680
This is not your regular iron. It is not iron at all. We included it here because it is one of the more efficient products in quilting and sewing. However, we should mention from the beginning that it is a premium product based on its cost.
Placing materials in this steam press has its benefits. Since ironing is not even recommended when quilting, this product does not work that way. It works with the steam and the pressure it applies. It offers a large surface that allows it to be used simultaneously on larger pieces of material.
You must place the material in it, and the rest is done automatically. However, some users report that one time pressing for some materials is not enough. As it shuts off automatically, they activate the steam press once more for results.
It reaches professional results and all that available in the convenience of your home. Digital settings, steam burst buttons, and a safety shut-off system are some of its technological features. The water tank is easy to pull out and fill.
The expense comes from buying it in the first place and from maintaining costs also. As an example, changing the surface pad costs about $50.
Summary
What I Like About It
- Powerful
- Efficient
- Large surface
What I Dislike About It
- Expensive
Why Should You Buy It?
The results reached with this steam press may be a worthy investment if you can allow it.
Buying Guide/Things you should look for before buying
Like every job, quilting and sewing require appropriate tools to get desired results. One of these tools is an iron. Finding the suitable one for the type of projects you work on could be a game-changer. We will mention some features that should be considered when buying an iron.
Steam Power
This feature makes an iron effective in reaching great results and finishing your project materials. Looking out for power, consistency, and distribution of steaming would be best.
Weight
This one depends on your needs. A heavier iron offers efficacy, and you finish the job in fewer glides. However, people with arthritis in their wrist joints might have difficulty using it.
Design
Here we can mention the cord and soleplate design. A 360-grade rotating cord makes an iron easy to use and maneuverable. On the other hand, a soleplate with an appropriate tip makes it possible to iron the intricate parts of garments.
Heat and Steam Settings
There is no doubt that you will use your iron on different fabrics. Each fabric and situation require a certain amount of heat and steam. Choosing the suitable temperature and amount of moisture is a step up on your work.
Technological features
These features can increase the cost of iron. On the other hand, they can make your ironing experience exciting, effective, and safer. Remember that you might not like some safety features, which happens with many iron users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a special iron for sewing?
Special requirements can make an iron more suitable for this kind of use. Therefore, you can use any iron, but some irons offer better results.
Which brand of iron is best?
Well, more brands created great products. Some of the best include Rowenta, Philips, Oliso, and Panasonic.
Should you iron the fabric before quilting?
It is an essential step before quilting as it removes wrinkles and creases. It also makes the fabric softer and easier to work on.
Should you use steam when pressing quilt blocks?
There is no consensus on this question. One thing you should remember, though, is that you should press and not iron.
Final words
Many irons can be used for sewing and quilting. So, it is not easy to take one out that fills all the requirements that various projects require. However, there is a chance that you may find the iron you have been looking for in our list.
I am a proud mother of two amazing daughters, and i run our sewing & embroidery business full time. I am also a part-time writer for this blog, because i love sharing my findings and experiences!
