IN THIS GUIDE
If you’ve been sewing for a while you know that pressing at each step is key to a beautiful finished project. When I first started sewing, I never pressed anything! It wasn’t a wonder that my projects never seemed to turn out as perfectly as I wanted.
While any pressing is better than no pressing, there are a ton of differences in irons. But just how do you choose the best iron for quilting when there are so many choices out there?
Some irons are simple heavy beasts while others are computerized, confusing complex gadgets. If you’re looking for advice on how to choose the best iron for sewing, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look….
10 Best Irons for quilting
Here are 10 of the top picks for the best iron for quilting out there. Our top choices at each price point are also listed below if you want to get straight to pressing.
Read on for all the details about our top picks, about which features to look for in a quilting iron, and even some handy tips for pressing the perfect project.
This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy is sort of boring, but you can find it here.
#1 Black and Decker Digital Advantage
- High Steam Rate – Blast away wrinkles efficiently with customizable digital settings that deliver the perfect amount of steam according to fabric type. Item dimensions is 11 x 5.6 x 4.6 inch
- Digital Temperature Control – The clear-view LCD screen makes it easy to customize fabric and steam settings. Plus, the screen will flash “READY†once the iron is preheated to the selected temperature
- Variable Temperature and Steam Controls – Independent steam and temperature controls give you the ability to customize each setting separately for the best results across all fabric types. Volts : 120V. Wattage : 1500W
- Automatic Shutoff – For added peace of mind, the iron shuts off when left unattended for 30 seconds on its side or soleplate, and after 8 minutes on the heel rest
All the Details
- Power: 1500 Watts
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Temperature Settings: 7
- Cord: Center-mount, non-swivel
- Safety: 3-way auto shut-off
What We Like
- Digital temp readout tells you when iron is hot
- Fantastic Steam
- Comes with its own little water pitcher
What We Don’t Like
- The steam setting wheel can be accidentally changed by righthanded users.
Our Verdict
This iron has fantastic steam and heats up quickly. It’s heavy enough without being too heavy. It’s our top pick for the best iron for quilting in the budget category.
#2 Singer Expert Finish Iron
- SINGER CLOTHES STEAMER The SINGER Expert Finish Steam Iron is a fully featured 1700-Watt iron that delivers expert garment care The steam is distributed evenly ensuring fast efficient ironing and outstanding performance
- LCD TEMPERATURE CONTROL An accurate LCD temperature control alerts when your desired setting has been reached with the perfect amount of steam for different fabrics
- 360 SWIVEL CORD A 360 degree pivoting power cords allows a free range of motion An open tip simplifies ironing pleats or around buttons An anti-drip design prevents those annoying leaks when using the iron at low temperatures
- SMART AUTO OFF A safety feature of 3-way auto shut off allows you to walk away and not worry if you turned off the iron After 8 minutes the iron will shut-off if left vertical 30 seconds if left horizontal with no movement and 30 seconds if it falls to the side
- The SINGER Expert Finish is with 2-years limited
All the Details
- Power: 1700 Watts
- Soleplate: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Temperature Settings: 9
- Cord: 360° Swivel
- Safety: 3-way smart auto-shutoff
What We Like
- You can use regular tap water
- Swivel cord makes it easy for left or right-handed users
- LED readout
What We Don’t Like
- Heat setting is easy to accidentally bump with your thumb
- You have to hold the water lid open when filling because of the hinge location
Our Verdict
This model heats quickly and irons cotton easily, which is perfect for quilters. Burst of steam works great for stubborn creases. This is one of our top picks for the best iron for quilting in the budget price point.
#3 Beautural Steam Iron
- [9 Preset Modes] Features a clear-view LCD screen, Stop with the guesswork and don’t burn your clothes; Select your fabric type and always iron with the right heat; Ideal temps for nylon, silk, wool, cotton, jeans, linen and more
- [Double Ceramic Soleplate] Harder than stainless steel, super scratch resistant, and more durable and easier to clean; Protect your delicate clothes with a unique double-layer design that ensures even heating of the entire soleplate
- Be Safer with Auto Shutoff: We all get distracted at some point, so don’t put those around you at risk; Motion sensors automatically shut off the iron to avoid danger when it sits motionless for too long; Shuts off after 30 seconds when laying flat and 8 minutes when vertical
- [Be Safer with Auto Shutoff] We all get distracted at some point, so don’t put those around you at risk; Motion sensors automatically shut off the iron to avoid danger when it sits motionless for too long; Shuts off after 30 seconds when laying flat and 8 minutes when vertical
- [All Pre-Tested and Fully Featured] Every Iron is tested by our QC team before leaving the factory so you’re assured quality right out of the box
All the Details
- Power: 1800 Watts
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Temperature Settings: 9
- Cord: Center-mounted non-swivel
- Safety: 3-way auto shut-off
What We Like
- Self-cleaning function if you have hard water
- Heats up quickly
- Easy to use controls
- Large water reservoir
What We Don’t Like
- The water filling hole is small
- Beeping can be annoying
Our Verdict
This is a solid iron with a good-sized water reservoir. It heats quickly. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a good quilting iron, especially if you can get it on sale.
#4 Rowenta DW5080
- Stainless-steel soleplate with precision tip- Easy gliding across different garments, smoothing hard-to-reach areas, and 1700-Watts of Power
- 400 Plus Steam holes with 35 g/min of steam – provide excellent steam distribution
- Easy control thermostat knob – Easily select the ideal steam output based on fabric
- Use tap water to iron – Easily fill the iron with easy fill hole, anti-drip lid, and translucent water tank window
- Safety comes first with rowenta – Automatic 3-way shut off system to prevent accidents
All the Details
- Power: 1700 Watts
- Soleplate: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 3.4 lb
- 400 Steam holes
- Cord: Center-mount non-swivel
- Safety: 3-way auto shut-off
What We Like
- 10-oz water reservoir
- AMAZING steam from 400 steam holes
- Tap water is recommended
What We Don’t Like
- The location of the dial isn’t the easiest to read
Our Verdict
This is a solid choice if you’re looking for a good quilting iron. The 400 steam holes really let you blast your fabric into submission. The large water reservoir means you won’t have to be refilling your iron as often.
#5 Shark Steam Iron
- 8.5″ premium stainless steel soleplate with holes for even distribution of steam
- 1500 watts provide powerful steam
- Water tank with a 260 millilitre capacity and easy fill door
- Button fit tip with smooth glide maneuverability
- Multi position auto steam shut off
All the Details
- Power: 1500 Watts
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Weight: 3.2 lb
- Cord: Center-mount non-swivel cord
- Safety: Multi-position auto shut-off
What We Like
- Simple and easy to use
- Large water reservoir (260 ml/approx 9 oz)
What We Don’t Like
- Distilled water is recommended
- Doesn’t have a ton of settings, but it works great on quilting cottons at high heat
Our Verdict
This is a very solid iron at a very affordable price. We love the larger water reservoir and the simple controls. It does a great job so it earned a spot on our best iron for quilting list.
#6 Sunbeam Steam Iron
- MORE POWER: Steammaster iron comes equipped with 1400 Watts of power for quicker heating
- POWERFUL SHOT OF STEAM FEATURE: works horizontally or vertically for hanging garments, upholstery or drapery
- SPRAY MIST FEATURE: the spray mist feature helps smooth out even the toughest wrinkles
- NON-STICK SOLEPLATE: large stainless steel nonstick soleplate glides smoothly across fabrics
- AUTO-SHUT OFF: equipped with a 3-way motion smart auto-off feature for added safety and peace of mind
All the Details
- Power: 1400 Watts
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Weight: 3 lb
- Cord: Retractable cord mounted on the right side – best for right-handed users
- Safety: 3-way auto shut-off
What We Like
- Retractable cord makes storage nice and tidy
- Shot of steam button
What We Don’t Like
- The water reservoir needs to be refilled often as it’s not huge
Our Verdict
This lightweight iron does a good job. The shot of steam works well for stubborn wrinkles and we really like the retractable cord. It’s a good choice at the cheapest price point.
#7 Rowenta DW9270
- 1800-watt steam iron with SteamForce technology for fast, effective removal of wrinkles from all types of fabrics
- Integrated electronic steam pump delivers powerful burst of steam (up to 210g). Water tank capacity: 10.8 oz. The iron has a easy to fill, extra large water tank and a 7-feet electrical cord with 360-degree pivot, it has a handle that is ergonomically designed for maximum comfort
- Pushes up to 30% more steam into material (compared to steam irons with no pump). Continuous steam output: 35 g/min
- Smooth-gliding stainless-steel soleplate with nonstick coating; 400 steam holes for even steam distribution
- LED ready indicator; smart steam motion sensor; 3-way auto safety shut-off; anti-calcium and self-clean systems; made in Germany. It has high performance steam, one touch controls for ideal steam and temperature selection
All the Details
- Power: 1800 Watts
- Soleplate: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 3.8 lb
- 400 steam holes
- 11.8 ounce water tank
- Cord: Center mount non-swivel cord
- Safety: 3-way auto shut-off
What We Like
- Extra large water tank is one of the largest available
- AMAZING steam from 400 holes
- Uses tap water
What We Don’t Like
- The blue color makes it hard to see the water level
Our Verdict
This is a very good iron with amazing steam power and a huge water reservoir. It’s our top pick in the midpriced category for the best iron for quilting.
#8 Steamfast SF-717
All the Details
- Power: 420 Watts
- Soleplate: Non-stick
- Weight: 1 lb
- Temperature Settings: 3
- Cord: Fixed cord on right side of iron suitable for right-handed users
- Safety: No features
What We Like
- Small and portable iron great for quilting retreats or traveling
- Steams well for such a tiny iron
What We Don’t Like
- The handle gets very warm
- No automatic shutoff
Our Verdict
We don’t recommend this tiny ironing wonder as your only iron for quilting, but it’s pretty perfect for travel, classes or sewing retreats. Comes with a travel bag so it’s easy to throw into your sewing bag for travel.
#9 Oliso TG1100
- ITOUCH TECHNOLOGY – Scorchguards lower with the touch of your hand and lifts when you’ve stopped ironing, preventing burns, scorching and tipping
- ULTRA PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL SOLEPLATE – Extra thick chromium finished stainless steel plate for durability and scratch resistance, with expanded steam holes for consistent flow and dispersing of steam
- AUTO SHUT OFF – Automatically shuts heat off for safety after 10 minutes if standing, or after 30 seconds if knocked over
- 1800 WATTS OF POWER – Rapidly heats up so the iron is ready to use in seconds; allows for OnePass pressing, providing deep penetrating heat to make quick work of laundry piles
- TRIPLEPLAY XTREMESTEAM and 2 INCH DETAILER TIP – Gives you 3 steam settings: continuous, horizontal burst, and vertical burst along with 3 steam levels (low, medium, high); detailer tip gets between layers to create crips pleats, pockets & cuffs
All the Details
- Power: 1800 Watts
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Weight: 4 lb
- 12.7-ounce water reservoir
- Cord: 360 ° swivel cord
- Safety: 3-way auto shut-off
What We Like
- Designed for sewists and quilters
- Has an extended auto shut-off period
- Super long 12-foot cord
- Huge water reservoir
What We Don’t Like
- The soleplate doesn’t seem to glide as well as other irons
- The robotic up and down feature takes some time to get used to
Our Verdict
This smart iron is all the rage with quilters and sewists. If you’re a gadget lover, you will have fun using this iron. It has a ton of great features and is designed for sewists. If you have a big budget this may be the iron for you. It’s our top pick for best quilting iron in the highest price point category.
#10 Rowenta DG7530 Steam Station
- STAINLESS-STEEL SOLEPLATE W/ MICROSTEAM HOLES – Scratch-resistant stainless steel for smooth, easy gliding across different garments; 400 microsteam holes ensure thorough steam distribution; precision tip for hard-to-reach areas
- POWERFUL STEAM – Heats up in just 2 minutes; generates 120g of high-pressurized, wrinkle-removing steam for professional results; energy-saving Eco mode uses 20% less heating energy compared to medium steam output level
- XL WATER TANK – 40-Oz. capacity means more time spent steaming and less time spent refilling; 90 Min. of continuous steam on a single tank. Power cord length – 1.7 m
- CONVENIENT DESIGN – Electronic control panel with indicator that shows when tank needs a refill or when cleaning is required; compact size; locking system and built-in cord storage for easy portability
- SAFETY COMES FIRST WITH ROWENTA – Stay-cool fabric hose; 3-way auto-off feature shuts iron off after 8 Min. of inactivity on heel and 30 Sec. on soleplate or tipped over on its side
All the Details
- Power: 1800 Watt
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- 40-ounce water tank/steam station
- 400 steam holes
- Cord: Center-mount non-swivel
- Safety: 3-way auto shut-off
What We Like
- Large water tank means you can literally iron for hours
- Uses regular tap water
- 400 steam holes provide amazing steam
What We Don’t Like
- Since this iron is part of a “steam station” it takes up way more space than a traditional iron
- It takes a while to heat up because of the large tank
Our Verdict
This is probably overkill for most quilters, but if you want to rarely have to fill your iron with water this is a perfect choice.
Why Do You Need a Quilting Iron?
A quality iron is an essential tool in your quilter’s toolbox. I’d even venture to say that having the best iron for quilting you can find is not just an option, but a requirement if you’re an avid sewist.
Aside from accurate cutting, good pressing can make the difference in how easily and how beautifully your project comes together.
Because quilts are composed of SO many pieces, there are SO many places that need to be pressed well. Good pressing ensures that your seams are straight, points are aligned and everything comes together well.
Most of us have some type of iron in our home and most of the time they work adequately. But when you’re in the market for a new iron, think about just what you want as a sewist and choose one that will make your creating process even more enjoyable.
The more experience you have quilting and sewing, the more you’ll know which features are the most important.
For me, it all boils down (ha!) to lots of steam, adjustable heat settings, and a good smooth soleplate.
There’s nothing more satisfying than finishing up a quilt block, giving it a good press and admiring your work!
Different Types of quilting Irons
Standard Steam Iron
This is the kind of iron you probably have used all your life. Plug it in, fill it with water and press away. For most people, this iron will end up being their main workhorse when it comes to pressing.
Gravity Feed Steam Iron
A gravity-feed iron is a tool used by professional sewists and garment makers. They are super heavy and can generate a lot of steam and heat. They have huge water reservoirs so they don’t need to be refilled often. Probably a bit of overkill if you’re looking for the best iron for quilting.
Portable/Travel Steam Irons
These mini irons are small, lightweight and convenient if you’re traveling or going to quilting retreats. They may not be powerful enough for some tough pressing jobs though and probably won’t give you the sharpest, crispest seams.
Dry Iron & A Spray Bottle
Some quilters never put water in their irons. They just use a high setting on their dry iron and keep a spray bottle nearby. Suzy of SuzyQuilts.com is an amazing sewist and she raves about this method.
Benefits of Using a Quilting Iron
Finding the best quilting iron for your creative tasks can make a huge difference. Each step in a quilting project builds on the next, so mistakes get amplified.
Choosing the best iron for quilting and then using it religiously has many benefits:
- Accurate cuts because you’re working from lovely flattened fabric
- Better seams because all the bumps and creases have been pressed out
- More accurately joined pieces and seams
- More perfect blocks and projects.
If it sounds like I’m beating a dead horse, it is probably because I am!
Accurate pressing = a beautiful project and fewer headaches down the road
Important Features to Look For In The Best Iron for Quilting
Weight
Choose an iron that’s heavy enough that you don’t have to spend a lot of energy pushing down against your fabric, but light enough that it’s easy to maneuver.
Water Tank Capacity
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting partway through a project and having to go refill your iron, so the amount of water your iron holds is definitely a feature to consider. Most irons have a transparent window so you can see when you’re running low, which is a handy feature to have. Generally, the larger the water tank, the better.
Water Requirements
Some irons require distilled water, which can be a pain if you run out. Others can use plain tap water. Make sure to take this into consideration if you’re anything like me and never seem to have any distilled water on hand. If you can’t remember to buy distilled water, the best iron for quilting for you may be one that uses regular tap water.
Once you get your iron, make sure to read the manual and follow the instructions for that specific model.
Steam Output
Look for an iron with lots of steam holes. The more holes, the more steam…easy peasy.
Soleplate
The soleplate of an iron is the part that is in contact with the fabric. They are made of materials like stainless steel, ceramic and non-stick surfaces. Whatever they’re made of, they should heat up evenly and glide over fabric easily.
If you’re going to be only using your iron for sewing projects, beware of non-stick soleplates because they will get scratched and dinged if you iron over anything metal like pins or zippers.
Heat Settings
Most irons are designed to iron a variety of fabrics. Quilters usually want an iron that does the job on their fabric of choice – cotton, so getting hot and staying hot is key.
If you’re planning on branching out into garment sewing, make sure your iron has a range of settings to accommodate all different kinds of fabric.
Power
The higher the power, the more easily your iron will be able to press those seams and remove any creases in your fabric.
Size
Will you be using your iron at home, or do you go to retreats and things where you want a more portable model?
Safety
Look for an iron that has an auto-off feature. I don’t usually leave my iron face down and walk away, but I definitely set my iron down and then get sidetracked for an hour or two. Having an auto-shutoff function is just a good safety idea.
Cord
Take a look at where the cord connects. Some irons are made for right-handed or left-handed users. A retractable cord is also a nice feature for storage. Some irons are even cordless.
This seems like a silly thing to think about until you’re constantly frustrated by having to flip the cord around. (Ask me how I know…)
Make sure the cord is long enough so you can have your ironing board in a well-lit place and still reach the outlet.
Tips for Using a Quilting Iron
- Always iron your fabric before cutting and sewing, it makes getting accurate cuts and seams so much easier.
- Once you’ve sewn a seam, press the seam closed first.
- If you’re pressing seams open, open up the seam with your fingers and gently press open with your iron, making sure not to distort or stretch the fabric.
- Press at every stage and every seam of your quilt
Summary: Our Top Picks at Each Pricepoint
Here’s a recap of our favorite choices for the best quilting iron at each price level. A quality iron can seem like a big investment, but it’s a tool you can’t do without if you love quilting and sewing.
The Takeaway: which Is the Best Quilting Iron for Me?
If you love sewing and quilting as much as I do, you know how satisfying it is to work on and finish up a beautiful project. Choosing the best iron for quilting to add to your creative toolbox is just one part of the picture.
Choose the best iron you can afford, consider which features are the must-haves for your style of creating and you’ll have an iron you can use for years to come and project after project.
Happy creating!
