Best Iron for Sewing in 2020: Perfect for Quilting and Other Sewing Projects

Whether you are a beginner or a professional quilter, iron is a must-have tool in your sewing kit. You cannot pick the one for your everyday use at home; simply because it is not designed for sewing projects, and it will not work well.

The difference in the finished fabric lies in how you iron and press the materials before and after sewing. In sewing, you will do a lot of pressing to create shapes and structures on your fabric. Thus, you will need the best iron for sewing.

If you are a professional in sewing, then you will agree that there is no two way about a quality iron. Beginners and experts alike should be ready to invest more money to get superior iron that offers protection and durability while performing the intended purpose.

The good news is there are countless options of iron for sewing that choosing the best will be the only challenge. Your work is thus made easy, as we have researched and presented only the six top-rated irons that are perfect for quilting and other sewing projects. READ through and use the buyer’s guide provided to make an informed decision.

Summary of the Best Iron for Sewing

Essential Tips for Ironing

You might be wondering why your fabric does not look well-polished like that of a ‘friend.’ Buying the best iron might not make a difference if you do not know how to utilize it well. This is the reason why we will give you some tips before looking at the specific products that make the difference in your sewing. Here are the tips:

1. Buy the ideal iron

Without the perfect iron, your effort might not yield good results. Be ready to invest in the top-rated iron without minding much about the cost. In the end, it will give you value for money as it makes your fabrics premier. If you are in sewing for business, then your crafts will sell in volumes. Besides, the iron will last for long and is safe to use.

2. Use the iron properly

Ironing and pressing are some of the things you will have to do using the iron. You should know how to make both and the difference between the two in order to get good results. If you are a newbie and don’t like ironing, then rethink about sewing as the two go hand in hand.

Ironing is meant for removing wrinkles and making the fabrics smooth and should be done by moving the iron back and forth on the material. On the other hand, pressing is done to put two or more fabrics together. To press the fabric together, you need to lift while setting the iron down on the material consistently.

3. Iron the fabrics before you cut

As a matter of fact, if you want to begin sewing, then you should be passionate about ironing. How and when you do it make a whole lot different. Whether working on large projects or leftovers, you should always iron the fabric before cutting. This ensures your cuts are accurate, and the final product looks elegant and professional. If you skip this process, you will regret it when it is too late to undo everything.

4. Use some water

Water enables you to achieve the results within a short time. However, the amount of water and heat you use depends on the material being ironed. Adjust the temperature accordingly to avoiding damaging the fabric.

Detailed Review of the Top-Rated Iron for Sewing

You might be wondering which one to choose among the six highlighted in the summary table. Worry no more! Here we present a detailed review of each product to help you match the features and functions of a specific model to your needs. Once you settle on one, click on the link provided and order for it anywhere anytime.

1. Rowenta DW5080 Micro Steam Iron

Undoubtedly, you will fall in love with highly performing and agile DW5080 German-made steel iron. The iron is easy to use with smooth steam distribution from over 400 steam active holes. It features durable stainless steel soleplate that glides smoothly through the fabric leaving no creases. This is further enhanced by 100 Gram/minute steam shots that can be activated when needed.

Hard to reach areas will not be left untouched due to angled precision tip that goes smoothly through buttons, collars and edges of the garment. Every garment is iron with care as the thermostat knob allows you to control the steam accordingly. Its tank holds 10 Oz of water and optimized to use tap water with easy refill system.

Safety is also guaranteed as the machine automatically switches off after 8 minutes of no base activity and 30 minutes on its side or face down. Apart from reducing risk of burning, it is also a way of saving energy. Ironing of delicate garments can be done safely using low temperature with no water dripping due to anti-drip integrated system. If ironing is tiring, it is time to switch to DW5080 lightweight iron with great performance.

Key Features

• Durable stainless steel soleplate
• Soleplate that glides perfectly with more than 400 active steam holes
• Angled precision tip for hard to reach areas
• Thermostat knob for controlling steam output
• Large water tank capacity that is easy to refill with anti-calcium system
• 3-way auto-off safety system
• Anti-drip system to protect delicate garments

Specifications

• Brand: Rowenta
• Model: 1110030632
• Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Watts of power: 1700

For current pricing check https://www.amazon.com/Rowenta-1700-Watt-Stainless-Soleplate-Auto-Off/dp/B004ILTH1K

2.     PurSteam Professional Grade Steam Iron

PurSteam removes creases in one pass and comes at an affordable price. This is made possible by stainless steel soleplate with chromium finish that glides on fabric smoothly. The soleplate is scratch resistant and will last you for a long time. The thermostat knob is ergonomically designed to make it easy to control. The steam holes are aligned in axial position resulting in better heat distribution suitable for quilters, sewers and crafters of any kind.

Due to rapid even heat technology, PurSteam cut your ironing time by half. You will also slide into hard to reach areas using sharper precision tip. The safety features such as 3-way auto-shut off system, anti-drip technology and anti-calcium ensure nothing is left to chance. As the iron only weighs 2.2 pound you will forget about strain on your shoulder as you achieve perfect results within short time.

Key Features

• Durable and scratch-resistant stainless steel soleplate
• Thick chromium finish for unparalleled glide
• Axial steam holes that distributes heat perfectly
• Easy thermostat control knob
• Sharper precision tips for hard-to-reach areas
• 3-way auto-shut off system
• Anti-drip and anti-calcium system

Specifications

• Brand: PurSteam
• Model: PSSI-01
• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Watts of power: 1700

For current pricing check https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Resistant-Stainless-Self-Cleaning-Thermostat/dp/B07JVFZJT7

3.     BLACK+DECKER D2030 Professional Steam Iron

Regardless of the type of the fabric you are using, BLACK+DECKER D2030 makes them wrinkle free in seconds.  The heavy-duty and durable stainless steel soleplate glides and presses smoothly on the garments. Due to high-steam rate its setting can be adjusted digitally depending on the fabric being ironed. Settings are done through LCD screen which will always indicate when the iron is preheated and ready for use.

Your safety is assured as the iron will always turn off when not in use. It will take 30 seconds when lying on soleplate or its side, and 8 minutes when resting on the heel. Anti-drip feature ensure no water gets on fabric unnecessarily. With auto-clean system and comfortable grip handles, the D2030 iron is easy to use and maintain.

Key Features

• Heavy-duty and durable stainless steel soleplate
• Comfortable grip handle
• Digital temperature controls with LCD screen
• Variable steam and temperature control
• 3-way auto-shut off system
• Anti-drip feature
• High steam rate for quick ironing
• Auto-clean system

Specifications

• Brand: BLACK+DECKER
• Model: D2030
• Weight: 0.64 ounces
• Watts of power: 1500

For current pricing check https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-Advantage-Professional-D2030/dp/B0006ZUHR0

4.     Sunbeam GCSBSP-201-FFP Steam master Steam Iron

What sets sunbeam GCSBSP-201-FFP apart is the retractable cord that make is hassle-free to store the iron neatly. Do not get me wrong! The iron performs perfectly just like the other reviewed here. The large and non-stick stainless steel iron well and last for a long time. No need to keep refilling water after short time since the water tank capacity is large with anti-drip system.

The iron has high pressing power with variable steam control to get rid of the wrinkles safely on any type of fabric. Shot of steam button also allow you to release steam power easily with dual spay function working on stubborn wrinkles.  You do not have to iron everything on flat surface as vertical shots of steam make it possible to do it on hanging fabric. With GCSBSP-201-FFP you are assured of professional perfectly pressed garments that will turn heads.

Key Features

·         Large and non-stick stainless steel plate

·         Large water tank

·         Anti-drip system to prevent any leakage

·         3-way shut-off system for safety

·         Self-cleaning system to keep away mineral deposits

·         Dry/steam selector for different types if fabrics

·         Retractable cord for hassle-free and neat storage

Specifications

• Brand: Sunbeam
• Model: GCSBSP-201-FFP
• Weight: 2.95 pounds
• Watts of power: 1400
• For current pricing check https://www.amazon.com/Sunbeam-GCSBSP-201-FFP-Anti-Drip-Non-Stick-Retractable/dp/B01AX6RCD8
• 5.     BEAUTURAL 724NA-0001 Steam Iron
• Nothing beats a double ceramic soleplate that glides smoothly to rid of wrinkles form your fabric. This is what you get from the BEAUTURAL iron with soleplate that is harder, scratch free and durable than those made of stainless steel. The LCD screen, 9 pre-modes, and double layer soleplate ensures you select the ideal temperature safely to avoid burning your garments. You achieve effortless pressing and ironing through the 1800 watts that is most powerful and heat up fast with 40% more steam being produced.
• Maintenance is also stress-free as the iron has self-cleaning system with anti-calcium feature. With no calcium build-up you are guaranteed of optimum performance at all times. The 3-way auto shut-off mechanism makes sure you are safe when the iron is left unattended. The anti-drip further ensures your garments are not soiled when ironing in low temperature as any leaks and spillage is prevented.
• Key Features
• ·         Exceptional dual plate design
• ·         Digital LCD display with 9 pre-set modes
• ·         Ceramic soleplate for remarkable gliding performance
• ·         3-way auto-shut off safety system
• ·         Self-cleaning system to keep away loose mineral deposits
• ·         Anti-drip and anti-calcium system

Specifications

• Brand: BEAUTURAL
• Model: 724NA-0001
• Weight: 2.98 pounds
• Watts of power: 1800
• For current pricing check https://www.amazon.com/Beautural-1800-Watt-Soleplate-Auto-Off-Temperature/dp/B071HFP57N
• 6.     Rowenta DW9280 Digital Display Steam Iron
• Rowenta is always dedicated to quality through durable and agile irons. DW9280 is not an exception of this, as it is made of long-lasting laser stainless steel that removes wrinkles in seconds. The 400+ steam holes with pump injection technology that pushes additional 30% of steam to fabric ensure high power and performance. This is further enhanced by 210 grams/minute extreme burst and angled precision tip for hard-to-reach areas.

The large water capacity ensures you do not interrupt your ironing because of the need to refill. But, in case you do so refilling is quite easy with optimised water system allowing the use of tap water. Ready temperature system regulated through LCD screen make it easy to customise depending on the fabric being worked on. Besides, smart sensor technology stop steam when the iron is motionless to avoid soiling your garments.

Key Features

• Durable laser stainless steel soleplate
• 400 plus active steam holes
• Pump injection technology that pushes additional 30% of steam
• Extreme steam burst of 210 grams/minute
• Angled precision tip for hard-to-reach areas
• Large water capacity that is easy to refill
• Easy-to-use LCD display
• Smart motion sensor that stops steam when the iron is motionless

Specifications

• Brand: Rowenta
• Model: DW9280
• Weight: 3.85 pounds
• Watts of power: 1800

For current pricing check https://www.amazon.com/Rowenta-DW9280-Stainless-Soleplate-1800-Watt/dp/B00CLD39C0

Factors To Consider When Purchasing Iron For Sewing – Buyer’s Guide

Due to many brands and types of iron available in the market it can be hard to choose one without a buyer’s guide. Here we discuss the features that you should consider for a wise decision making:

• Power

The power of the iron indicated in watt determines how fast it will reach high temperatures. Thus, those with higher watts heats up fast and remove the wrinkles quicker. It can be painstaking to wait for up to 20 minutes to start using the iron especially when ironing regularly; you should therefore choose those with at least 1000 watts.

• Temperature controls

Often, sewers switch between different fabrics. Being able to adjust the temperature settings easily make it possible to iron garments safely. This can be done manually or digitally. Those with digital controls are the best as they can automatically switch temperatures accordingly.

• Soleplate material and design

Soleplates are the part that gets in touch with your fabric when ironing and pressing. Getting one made of the best material is therefore essential. Usually, the soleplate features stainless steel, ceramic or titanium. Each one of them has benefits and drawbacks which should be considered. However, they are great and work well to remove wrinkles without damaging the garments. Those with sharper precision tip are also the best as they can get to hard-to-reach areas such as in-between buttons and edges.

• Water tank capacity

Having to refill often can be quite annoying when ironing for extended period of time. Thus, an iron with large water tank capacity should be considered. The tanks should be easy to refill with anti-drip system. Those that are self-cleaning with anti-calcium property are also ideal.

• Auto shut-off system

For your own safety getting an iron with auto shut-off feature is recommended. Though some people do not like, you can never tell that one time when you get interrupted and leave your iron unattended. The worst can happen and thus it is better to prevent than to regret.

• Steam pressure

If you are ironing light garments then you might not need a lot of steam pressure. On the contrary, removing wrinkles from heavy-duty fabrics such as denim and canvas. Thus, an iron with high steam power removes tough wrinkles in seconds.

• Weight

When it comes to weight there has to be a balance between pressing power and portability. For sewing purpose, a heavier model will do great work as weight adds to pressing power. However, with improved technology you can find lighter options that does great pressing job due to steam power.

• Warranty

Warranty is a great way to support customers in case of any product malfunction. It is not unusual for the iron to break within one year thus the warranty gives you assurance. Buying from top and reputable brands is always a sure bet.

FAQs

Q: What kind of soleplate is the best for irons?

Usually the soleplate is made of stainless steel, titanium and ceramic. Though the stainless steel is durable it can get tarnished over time. In this case you can go for ceramic or titanium though may come at higher price. Always look for non-stick plates to prevent it sticking on your garment and possibly damaging it.

Q: Can I use tap water when ironing?

Having to use distilled water is not necessary especially for irons with anti-calcium feature. However, if yours doesn’t have these features then sticks to distilled water to prevent calcium build-up. All the iron for sewing reviewed here have the anti-calcium feature therefore when you pick from here there is no need to worry.

Q: How do I get rid of brown spot that appears on my bright garments after ironing?

Always clean the soleplate before use to remove any greasy residue so that it glides smoothly without leaving any spots. You should also use distilled water if your iron does not have anti-calcium system. Sometimes the faded marks on your fabric could be as a result of dirty water being steamed out.

Q: Are irons with LCD display the best?

Not necessarily, but LCD screen are enhanced feature that make your work easier. Controlling steam pressure and temperatures is done easier with notifications displayed when the iron is ready. If you are okay with conventional knobs then there is no need to worry.

Final Word

The latest irons utilizes up to date technology for best features that leave your fabric elegant and professionally sharp. Sewing cannot be done without one, as you will have to iron before cutting the fabric when sewing and the final garment. Skipping any process can make you look like a terrible tailor or quilter.

The best thing is that you can find the best iron for sewing from the one reviewed. All the features have been taken into consideration together with customer’s feedback to present only top-rated products. Use the buyer’s guide to choose properly and, above all, look at your sewing needs.

Happy sewing as you make your garments perfect with the best iron form our list!

Reference Links

https://www.pinterest.co.kr/pin/537265430520084911/?amp_client_id=CLIENT_ID(_)&mweb_unauth_id=%7B%7Bdefault.session%7D%7D&simplified=true

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironing