If your sewing space feels a little cramped, this project might be the fix you didn’t know you needed. I know it was for me! I wanted a more compact ironing solution, something I could move around easily, use in any room in my house, and tuck away when I was done. So I grabbed an old TV tray, a bit of foil, some batting, and a pretty piece of fabric, and turned it into a portable ironing board.
I’ll be honest, it might be a touch of overkill. But it works beautifully, and the size is just right. Bonus: it’s also the perfect spot for my cutting mat when I’m cutting out projects.
And if you LOVE sewing like I do, this and this are my favorite recent projects in case you’re searching for some inspo!
I first saw this idea from another creator and thought it was genius. Here’s how I made my own version.
What You’ll Need
- An old TV tray
- Tinfoil
- A thick layer of batting
- A piece of cute fabric
- A hot glue gun
- Scissors for trimming
Step-by-Step
1. Wrap the Top in Foil
Start by wrapping tinfoil over the top of the TV tray. This is your first layer. The foil reflects heat back up toward your fabric, which helps your iron do its job. It also will allow you to occasionally use steam without warping the tv tray.
2. Add the Batting
Next, hot glue a thick layer of batting right on top of the foil. Wrap the batting around the edges and glue it underneath the tray, onto the wood. This gives you that soft, cushioned surface that makes ironing so satisfying.
3. Cover With Fabric
Now for the fun part. Lay your cute fabric over the batting and hot glue it in place. Just like before, bring the edges underneath the tray and glue them there. This hides all the glue and keeps the top looking clean and tidy.
4. Trim the Edges
Finally, trim up any extra fabric around the edges so everything looks neat. Snip away whatever you don’t need until you’re happy with the finish.
A Quick Note on Attaching the Fabric
@goodvibesquiltshop over on IG used small nails and a hammer to secure everything, and that works great too. I chose hot glue for one simple reason: it can be undone without damaging the tray. If I ever decide this setup isn’t for me long term, I can peel it all off and have my TV tray back.
Give It a Try
That’s all there is to it. A few simple supplies and a little time, and you’ve got a portable ironing board that pulls double duty as a cutting surface. It’s a clever, space-saving little project for any sewing room.
Would you give it a try? I’d love to hear how yours turns out.