The Iron: Don't Overlook This Basic Quilting Tool
Welcome back!
So glad you have a few minutes to share with me today! How’s your summer going? If any season slips by too fast, it’s summer … especially for us northern folks! But even if your time is flying by like mine, I hope you’re finding a few moments to relax and enjoy some quilting!
Hey, by chance did you catch last week’s Quilting Central Podcast? This episode covers one of the basic, yet often overlooked, tools of quilting … the iron! (Check it out on YouTube, Episode 6: All About Irons. July 9, 2025)
Julie, Cathy and I dive into ‘everything iron,’ but in this post I want to focus on the points that directly impact the results of your longarm quilting. Then I’ll share a few highlights explaining why I love our Laurastar irons so much! (If that piques your interest, check out what’s on sale!)
Your Iron and Quilting
Have you ever thought about how often you use your iron when you’re quilting? I reach for mine multiple times throughout the quilting process. Follow me through my ironing checklist to see just how valuable your iron is as a quilting tool.
You use your iron to:
Press your fabric before cutting. You want maximum accuracy and minimum distortion when cutting. Therefore, pressing (i.e., placing your iron on the fabric, holding it there, then raising it and moving it to the next spot versus sliding it back and forth) is key.
(NOTE: In Episode 6, we also share our thoughts on the benefits of treating your fabric versus prewashing … and options for doing it!)
Press your seams as you piece. Flat seams result in a better longarm experience! A flat quilt top allows for the best results in stitch tension and accuracy. Reduce seam bulk wherever possible.
Press your quilt top before loading it on the longarm frame. Give yourself one last chance to make sure all your seams are pressed as flat as possible. And check your borders. Remove any waviness in them. Use steam, with or without starch, to shrink any extra fullness if possible.
Steam your batting to remove any deep folds or wrinkles. Just like you want a flat quilt top, you also want your quilt sandwich to be as flat as possible. (If steaming is not an option for you, place your batting in the dryer with a damp cloth for 10-20 minutes to remove creases.)
Press your quilt backing fabric before squaring it. You need to square your backing fabric before pinning your Quick Zip™ zippers onto your quilt back. Pressed fabric will allow you to do this accurately. Likewise, a properly prepared back helps you to maintain the overall squareness of your quilt while quilting it on the longarm.
(NOTE: If you need a review on squaring your quilt back, see Angie’s Answers: Part 1 How to Square up a Backing Fabric.)
Steam your quilt backing fabric while loading it on your frame. Odds are that if you pressed your quilt back before squaring it, you’re good to go. But if something happened that resulted in deep creases, or you’re quilting for someone who didn’t have time to prep her backing fabric, use your iron to steam the backing fabric as you load it on your frame. Again, you want your quilt sandwich to be as flat as possible to achieve the best stitch tension and accuracy.
Press your binding fabric so it’s ready to attach when you’re done quilting. Whether you’re attaching your binding by using your domestic machine after quilting is complete or attaching it while your quilt is still on the longarm frame, you want it assembled and pressed crisply in half so it’s ready to go.
(NOTE: Didn’t know you could attach your binding while your quilt is still on your longarm frame? See Angie’s Answers: How to attach Binding using a longarm quilting machine!)
How does your ironing checklist compare to mine? I know I didn’t include applique in this basic list, but are there other times you find yourself reaching for your trusty iron? If so, please share them with me!
So now that I’ve shared how much I use my iron, you’ll probably understand why I believe in investing in a high-quality iron that I can depend on to do a great job. That’s why I love my Laurastar!
Laurastar Steam Irons – Top-Quality Tools Delivering Top-Quality Results
I’m going to start by repeating what we shared in the podcast. Laurastar products are high-end tools. So, they come at a price. If you’re new to quilting, this may be a tool you’ll initially want to put on your wish list. But with its quality, dependability and warranty, it’s worth the wait!
Laurastar offers three categories of products: steamers, steam generators and all-in-one ironing systems.
Laurastar’s steamers include the IGGI and the IZZI. The Quilting Connection offers the IGGI on our website. In The Quilting Central Podcast Episode 6, we show and describe the IZZI. (Just let me know if that’s an option you’re interested in!)
The Lift provides the versatility of both a wand and an iron. Mounted on its optional, rolling cart, you can take any of the three Lift models to your ironing surface or to your longarm frame.
The All-In-One ironing systems are a combination of an active ironing table, a steam generator and a professional iron. Like the Lift, they are available in three models.
But here’s what you need to know about Laurastar … and why I love their products so much … the steam created by the IZZI, Lift and All-In-One systems is a dry microfine steam. And this DMS technology is exclusive to Laurastar.
Part of what makes this dry steam possible is that the water is heated twice, first in the unit’s boiler system and then in the iron or wand. Using a combination of high heat and high-speed propulsion, the resulting steam possesses unique, effective properties.
So what does this mean to you as a quilter?
No shrinkage or distorting of your fabric!
No staining or spotting on your fabric due to a spitting iron!
A quick, secure seal when you’re attaching appliqued designs with fusibles!
Crisp, flat seams or folds in your binding that will hold however long as you need them to!
No burnt fingertips as you hold fabric in place to be pressed!
Effortless removal of deep creases or wrinkles in your batting or fabric! (And if you have the IZZY or Lift on a rolling cart, this can be done right at your longarm frame!)
The ability to press multiple layers of fabric at one time.
What can I say? I love the ease of use, versatility and professional results of Laurastar! Want to see some Laurastar products in action?
Start by watching what Julie, Cathy and I share in Episode 6: All About Irons. At the end of the podcast (45:30), we attached a clip providing an even more detailed explanation of Laurastar’s technology and a complete demonstration of the All-In-One System by Emily from Laurastar.
For a demonstration of the Lift Extra performing its magic by removing deep wrinkles from packaged batting, see Angie’s Answers: Laurastar Lift Extra Steam Generator Iron. Get rid of wrinkles at your Longarm Quilting Machine!
Wany to try using a Laurastar? Stop by either our Appleton or Elkhorn location!
And if you rent longarm time at The Quilting Connection, our Laurastars are available for your use during your visit!
Please remember, if you ever have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
And please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie