suggestions for ironing....

[mnmcoffee]

does anybody have any suggestions for ironing long lengths of fabric on a regular ironing board? by the time i get to the end of the length of fabric, the part i already ironed is wrinkly again. ive tried folding it neatly on the floor after it comes off the board but i think the legs of the board are getting in the way. and then, the fabric is too wide so i still have to go back and do the other side.  is anyone else frustrated by this problem?! thanks in advance for the help!

[lady.lin]

Try putting a table on the other side of the ironing board, so it folds neatly on the table, not the floor.

Alternatively, don't use an ironing board - lay out some heavier fabric on a long/wide table, and use that instead.

I've tried both these methods, and I've found I prefer ironing on something larger than your average ironing board.

[Aislynn]

I use sizing (the Magic brand, but any would do) when I'm ironing, and it not only helps with the actual ironing, I find that afterward, I don't have that wrinkling problem.  I usually just let my fabric drape on the floor, but for really long lengths, a table would be better (I do, maybe, max 5-6 yard lengths).  If you could get one of the rolls that home dec fabrics come on, and roll it onto that as you iron it, that would be the best thing (pvc pipe would work, too!).  If you're doing 10-20 yard lengths of heavy fabrics, that's what I'd do, because the weight of the fabric will press in any folds.

[westbrook]

there are many answers and of course you have to use what works for you.. but I saw this and went to a thrift store looking for a sturdy ironing board that could handle the weight... I haven't found one yet and I am NOT giving up my standard board.. I will keep looking..

here is what I want

http://teachinggoodthings.com/blog/a-serious-ironing-board/

right now I am using my dining table with an ironing pad that fits on my table I have an old cutting board that I set between to assure no steam hits my table.. the cutting board is already ruined after 2 decades of use, bought a new one. I place the cutting board down and made an ironing pad as large as my table.
http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/01/tabletop-ironing-pad-tutorial.html

If I could find a Mangle I would be in seventh heaven!
scroll down for photos http://hubpages.com/hub/Ironrite_Mangle_Ironer
modern version... http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp02683.html

[mnmcoffee]

thanks for all the great ideas!! i never knew they made things such as a mangle. kinda crazy!!