For a long time I've wanted a mini ironing board to keep close to my sewing desk, to be able to quickly and easily press seams when working with smaller projects. Then suddenly the other day, when I was shopping at IKEA, I had an idea.
I had previously bought the RÅSKOG utility cart to use in my sewing room. Now I also saw the NORRÅVA lid and decided this could be my mini ironing board! Now, to be fair, the lid isn’t completely ideal for this, mainly because it’s made of bamboo/wood. When pressing with high heat, and especially when using a lot of steam, heat and moisture can make their way through the cover and affect the wood. Over time, there’s a risk that it could warp, swell or become discoloured.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the wooden surface is solid. A traditional ironing board usually has a perforated metal surface that allows steam and moisture to pass through. With the NORRÅVA lid, more of that moisture can get trapped in the padding and against the wood.
BUT, I decided to go ahead anyway. By using cotton fabric on top with a padded, insulating layer underneath, the wooden lid gets some protection from the heat and moisture. I also plan to avoid using too much steam or leaving the iron in one spot for too long, and to let the board dry properly after use. Since I’ll mainly use it for smaller sewing and quilting projects, I think it’s a practical solution.
Here's how I made it!
And also: this process can work for any ironing board cover. So it doesn't have to be this NORRÅVA lid, you can use some other ironing board and make a cover this way.
Gather your materials
For this project, you’ll need:
- An IKEA NORRÅVA lid (or other ironing board)
- 100% Cotton fabric, pre-washed, for the cover (I used IKEA fabric)
- A layer of batting (I used 80/20 batting, but 100% cotton would be even better).
-
A layer of heat-resistant batting (I used Vlieseline Thermolam since that's what I had at home, but Insul-Bright would be even more ideal).
- Elastic or cord
- Bias tape
1. Cut batting and fabric
Cut 1 layer of batting och 1 layer of heat-resistant batting (or other insulating material) with the same measurements as your ironing board.
My Thermolam will later be placed on top of the ironing board (the lid) to protect it, then comes the layer of batting.
You will need to cut the fabric a bit larger. I added 6 cm around all sides of the board when cutting the fabric.
2. Sew bias tape on the right side of the fabric
Place your bias tape right sides together with the fabric. Fold the edge of the bias tape 1 cm (3/8") to the inside of the bias tape.
Pin and sew all the way around with straight stitches. Make sure to fold the end of the bias tape as well, like you did with the start of the bias tape.
Leave about 1 cm (3/8") space between the start and end of the bias tape.
Press the bias tape away from the fabric.
Then flip the board cover so you've got wrong sides up. Fold the bias tape over to the wrong side of the board cover and press again. Make sure that the cord/elastic casing that you're now creating is wide enough to fit your elastic/cord as well as the tool you will use to insert the elastic/cord.
You can fold the entire bias tape to the wrong side, or just half of it.
Press again and keep in place with clips or pins.
Sew with straight stitches. Sew close to the folded edge of the bias tape.
3. Insert cord or elastic
Insert cord or elastic inside the casing using an elastic threader or safety pin. Put it in through one opening in the casing, all the way around, and out through the other. Pull the elastic or cord tight and tie.
4. Place all layers together and complete the cover
Place your cotton fabric piece right sides down. Then the layer of batting, and then the heat-resistent batting. Try to center the battings. I chose not to sew all layers together since I want to be able to remove the fabric cover and wash it.
Then put the lid inside, centered. Pull the elastic/cord as tight as you can, and tie a knot.
All done!
Now you can just place your lid onto the utility cart and enjoy your mini ironing board!
