8 Things to Look for in a Great Iron for Sewing 

Throughout the years, I’ve had many irons, some good and some not. But how do you choose a great iron for sewing projects?

If you’re new to sewing, you may wonder if you should buy an expensive iron. You might ask yourself if one you’ve already been using is good enough.

I’ll tell you about the features and things I look for before buying a new iron. This may help you find the right one for your needs.

My History with Irons

When I first started sewing, I had an inexpensive iron that lasted years. It’s the retro-looking Black and Decker Classic Iron.

My mom had it when I was growing up, and it worked. In fact, every time I had to buy a new iron, I looked for this one.

Then I upgraded to a more pricey iron because someone told me about her Rowenta iron. So, I thought I’d try it.

I started using and comparing other iron brands. I’ve had both inexpensive ones and pricier ones. 

And I’m pleased to say that I received a Chi iron as a gift, and I really like it. 

Choosing a Good Iron for Sewing

As I used irons throughout the years, I took notes on the features I preferred. We all have different preferences.

These are the things I look at, and you might want to keep them in mind as you shop around. 

1. Price

First, think about how much money you’ll want to spend on an iron. If price isn’t an issue, you can choose the expensive irons with all the bells and whistles.

But if you’d like to save money, you could buy an iron that’s on sale. There are many inexpensive ones that you can use for sewing. 

Someone once told me I should use an expensive, high-end brand. She said it was way better.

When I bought that iron, it had more features than the inexpensive ones I had used. I must admit, it was like stepping into a luxury car for the first time.

2. Features

Most irons on the market have the basic features. Depending on the design, these features should be easy to see and use.

I like an iron with an easy fill opening and an area that shows the water level. It is helpful to have a spray button that is easy to access. 

I make sure the temperature control is not in the way. On some irons, it’s easy to accidentally switch it. 

There should also be a clear fabric guide next to the temperature control, too. This tells the setting number for the fabric—i.e., cotton.

As you use some irons, you will see how some companies design them better than others.

3. Soleplate

The soleplate is the part of the iron that heats up. Most have a long, triangular shape.

Some have a longer, narrower tip. I find these great for pressing button-up shirts and getting into folds and curves.

Irons with smaller plates work well, too. I’ve had no problem pressing with an iron with a smaller soleplate, but the bigger ones cover more ground.

4. Weight

I’ve used both heavier irons and lighter ones. I don’t have a preference, but I can tell the difference.

The heavier irons do not bother me, but some people like lightweight irons. If the heavier weights bother you, search for a lighter iron.

For reference, the Black and Decker iron I use weighs four pounds. It feels much heavier than the Chi and Rowenta ones I have.

I feel like I’m getting a good workout in while pressing! The heavyweight is good, especially for denim, as you don’t have to press down as much as you do with a lighter iron.

5. Temperature

The heat-up time and temperature may vary with irons. I’ve had irons that heat up in a snap.

They were ready to go within 30 to 60 seconds. Other irons I’ve used took longer.

Some irons get hotter than others, and I’ve had expensive irons that got extremely hot. I noticed that some cheaper ones might not heat as well. 

You need an iron to get hot enough to press seams, not melt them. And you shouldn’t have to iron over the fabric repeatedly to get the wrinkles out either.

My Chi iron gets hot fast, and the heat is evenly distributed. It’s been my go-to for heavy fabrics these days.

6. Automatic Shut-Off

I have found that the automatic shut-offs on irons are both a blessing and a bother. 

First, they are good to have because I’m one who leaves the iron on and walks away. I might forget about it for hours. 

So, having it shut off when I’m not using it is a great thing. It has probably prevented fires.

But it’s bothersome when I’m working on a project and I need steady heat for long periods. I’ve had irons shut off in the middle of using them.

I like irons that stay on when they detect movement. One of my irons shuts off after an hour, no matter what.

7. Long Cord

Okay, having a long cord on my iron makes a difference. I have it positioned near my sewing machine.

I use both ends of my ironing board and move around. So, I prefer using a long, retractable cord.

I stopped using extension cords in my house. So, I look for irons with longer cords.

8. Water Leaks

I have owned many irons that have leaked water. Maybe this is bad luck on my part.

Well, you don’t want irons that do this, but many will have this issue over time. Read the reviews to see what others say.

I follow the owner’s manual and care instructions because I want my irons and all electronics to last. Years ago, my irons used to last a long time before they started leaking.

Recently, I had an expensive iron that sprouted hot water all over my ironing board within nine months of buying it. It was like a river.

Then I contacted the company, and they took three months to send a replacement. After using the replacement iron for two months, it leaked too!

What a headache! I read the reviews and saw that other people had the same issues. 

Additional Notes

Read the reviews before choosing your iron. Not after, like me… Look at both good and bad reviews. 

Some people write reviews to get you to buy products. They may make a commission, so make sure they cover both pros and cons.

Ask people in the sewing community which iron they recommend. If you go to a fabric store, ask which irons people tend to buy.

Most irons come with a warranty, and most stores accept returns within a certain time frame. If the iron doesn’t work beyond that, the manufacturer may repair or replace it.

Final Thoughts

I have been sewing and ironing for many years, and it seems that I’ve tried them all. In the end, you’ll want a reliable and good iron.

The one you use for pressing laundry might work fine. Once you’ve sewn for a while, you can always upgrade later. 

More About Sewing

My blog has many other related posts. You may want to check them out.

• What are the sewing supplies you might need when starting out?

• I’ll show you how to wash handmade clothes so they continue to look nice. 

• Would you like to know where to learn to sew, plus places you might not think to check?

I’d love to hear about your sewing journey!

Originally published: November 21, 2024