Best Irons for Sewing & Quilting- Video Review by Crafty Gemini

In this video review, I go over the irons I use and love for my sewing & quilting projects!
Find more details and photos here: craftygemini.com/2016/06/best...
My favorite irons:
• Steamfast mini iron: amzn.to/1UbHofa
• Sunbeam mini iron: amzn.to/1UtWhYE
• Cordless Panasonic iron: amzn.to/1Pt3C56
• T-fal steam iron: amzn.to/1U7NZCb
• Black & Decker Press N Go iron (Update: unfortunately this iron isn't made anymore, you may be able to find it on ebay.)
• Mini ironing board tutorial: • Mini Ironing Board DIY...
Please note: some of these links are Amazon affiliate links, which means when you purchase I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Shop sewing tools and notions in the Crafty Gemini Shop: craftygemini.com/product-cate...
Learn more sewing skills with a Crafty Gemini Video Workshop: craftygemini.com/product-cate...
Thanks for watching!
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[@TruthSeekerNC]

Thank you for this! I bought the Sunbeam mini iron and I LOVE it!

[@deedum75]

Love this review on irons! So informative! Thank you!

[@gabriellapettit7655]

Great info, Vanessa! Because of watching your tuts, I do own the small Sunbeam Travel for retreats and the larger Panasonic Cordless for piecing and quilting my day projects. Thx, gal!

[@LeenieVibes]

I have enjoyed your videos over the years. You "tell it like it is".

[@yvettemarie5236]

I absolutely love your tutorials but I love the bloopers too, they're so darn cute!

[@pamstrong8709]

Terrific reviews! I’ve been looking at cordless irons and now am convinced to get one. I have a pricey Rowenta and an Oliso pro. The burst of steam on the Rowenta died after only a few months of use. The Oliso is just okay. The only “plus” it has is the auto-lift feature; I also find it quite heavy. I had a Black & Decker Press n Go for many years (LOVED it...$12 at Walmart). It is still going strong, so I just donated it to my church crafting group after receiving the Oliso as a gift. Keep the videos coming Vanessa...Love watching and learning from you!!

[@marthacymbaluk3513]

Thank you!!! I am so glad you made this video. I am looking for a new iron and your video sure helped me.

[@pattiewatkins1809]

thank you so much. just yesterday I had thought to get another iron,this is going to be my guide!

[@yvonneluke456]

I bought the Panasonic 360 before I bought the Steam Fast iron and then I went to Walmart's online site and found the Sunbeam and it too is my favorite. Since i'm a newbie to quilting I use it all of the time for my piecing. Thank you for this video it was very informative as always.

[@deedeesteele1801]

Vanessa, this is something that has been bugging me for years. Thank you dear heart for the tips! Hugs, Dee

[@tmhartung1922]

I love my Oreck iron which has a base and can be used with the cord attached to the iron for constant heart or without the cord for cordless. The steam functions like your Tfal. Thanks for the video!

[@suzannefisher1937]

This was the most helpful video ever. I've been pulling my hair out trying to decide what iron is best. From your video, I realized I need more than one iron for my needs. Thanks so much!!

[@33334s]

Even though this is an old video, I ordered two of the irons you show (using your link of course)- the sunbeam and t-fal. Thank you!

[@susand.sillence8888]

Thank you for your review! I have the popular mini palm-held model (mine is by Dritz), and it does get hot on the upper body of the iron close to where your hand rests, just as you pointed out. I wish I had seen your review before I shopped for that a year ago. After seeing your review, I ordered the model you showed next, the little Sunbeam iron that does not get hot on the body portion of it. I found it on eBay and will be happy to get it! Thanks again!!!

[@semco72057]

I have some irons and one which I use regularly and will be using when I begin using my machine to sew with. I will be looking for a smaller iron for work I am doing in my sewing and don't want to spend too much money for one and will remember what you said about the irons you use. Thanks for the information you gave us and may God Bless you and your family as always.

[@photoclick1]

Vanessa, I just purchased the travel Sunbeam iron and I Iove it. It is perfect for my small sewing space. Purchased it at Target for $12.98.

[@jwall6006]

I love my mini sunbeam iron. Mine was 11.99 at target. I love the handle, it doesn't get hot. I have small hands and it's very comfortable to use. It sits on my TV tray ironing board next to my sewing machine. Very convenient.

[@ewan2734]

This Panasonic I see everywer and cover is just great idea ........Thanks to show that

[@cinnie2543]

Awesome video! Can't wait to check and see if you are still making them.

[@annieyoung4]

Hi crafty Gemini... I too am a crafty Gemini 🙂. Thank you for the review. My favorite iron for just about everything is my reliable. The “smart” steaming is fabulous. You’ll have to look it up to get a full explanation. But I’m looking for a smaller version that stays on for when I’m quilting. I think I’m sold on the Sunbeam. Thanks again.

[@laprofemiss1]

This is such a thorough review! Thank you 🤗

[@choux8372]

This was soooooo helpful!! As a beginner, it's so hard to know where to start

[@fabiola5762]

Girl, I bought the cordless Panasonic! I love it!!😀😀

[@MegensBay]

fabiola5762 does it spit water? I was thinking of purchasing for quilting.

[@sonyasew2]

Thanks for information Im glad I ran upon this video cause I was looking at buying the small blue iron. Now I’m going to buy it. 🧚🏿‍♂️

[@jvonneje2361]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS VANESSA THANK YOU

[@lowec315]

Thx very much. I'm a quilter and irons drive me nuts. Ive had cheap and expensive over time. The auto shut-off is the most annoying...whether quilting or regular ironing. Love your videos.

[@jeddahnahla3502]

Thank you Vanessa, you're the best!! I'm ordering the T-fal today I do a lot of garment sewing and my $90 iron is going back, lol

[@floresam1]

I have the cordless panasonic iron, ive had it for about a year and i use it with water but for me its a heavy iron when doing patchwork piecing, i dont know why but its heavy for me so i went back to using my cheapy iron i bought from walmart for 10$. I will definitely be looking into the sunbeam travel iron. thank you soo much for this video.

[@lindaberry9748]

I have the sunbeam travel iron and love it., I had the panasonic cordless iron but gave them to my daughters (had 2). my arm got tired putting back on the charger. My favorite iron is the CHI. It stays on 30 min. without turning off. I have a shark iron also and it to turns off in 10 min. I also have a ironing system Reliable that I just got because it has a large water reservoir. I need this on for ironing quilts so I don't have to fill it often.

[@deborahcolby2670]

Great review, thank you!

[@jimhovencamp4487]

I don't know if you keep up with your past video feeds, but just in case you do I have to say, you've been a great inspiration to me. The latest video I watched was this Favorite Iron video. I have struggled miserably through owning expensive, leaky, and dismally disappointing Irons such as Rowenta, Oliso, etc, and not until I watched your video did I find the Iron I was looking for. I bought the sunbeam for the wife because she travels to Quilts of Valor with her sewing an it is perfect for that. I also bought the T-Fal and it is by far the best Iron we've owned. As you said, it is a beast re: steam, and it heats up quick when I'm ironing intermittently. Ya gotta love the price. I just love your review videos. The first one I ever watched was on the Juki TL2010 Q. Bought one for me and one for my daughter and we love them. Just bought the Juki HZL-DX7 after watching your review of the DX5, cuz I want to expand my sewing beyond quilting. Keep up the great vids.

[@pj89-96]

Congratulations on your purchases, great comment. I love hearing when a man sews and especially one that supports his daughter and wife. Reading your comment made me smile. Thank you for that. Happy sewing and I hope your family knows how lucky they are!!

[@donnaberry9848]

I like the idea of a mini iron because it should save electricity and I will feel less guilty about leaving it on all the time!

[@quiltingforthesoul]

The Oliso Iron is the one I use and love it they run around $99 to $300 but for Quilting I love it

[@kats3109]

Ty, Vanessa. I now know why u don't have one of the oliso irons. lol They do shut off after a time. I've only used mine once.I got mine from Joannes & my hubby thought Id lost my mind paying what I did; however, I got it on sell. Still, he thought I'd lost my mind. LOL!

[@dianerichardson8292]

Good morning It is fab to here about your New irons just got myself a little travelling iron To its ago I subscribe to your videos and they are very good love that little Einion board and I've made a few baskets I live in the UK ,your projects are fantastic 🤗🤗

[@rachelpollock8863]

Walmart has the Steamfast for $12.50. I just ordered one and it was here the next day!

[@prettyuniquell2011]

❤ your tutorials. Thx Lady 😊 👍

[@sylviapineda6717]

thanks alot for the information - love all your irons- palm springs ca.

[@nicolejackson9091]

Another great thing about the Panasonic cordless iron is that the water reservoir is removable. So, you can take just the reservoir to the faucet without having to bring the whole iron. Btw, it does shut off if left on the base for too long. But, all you have to do is press the button and it heats up quickly again.

[@mariematthews6732]

I really enjoy listening to your videos. I loved this video. Could you also do one on how to make those little pressing pads.

[@BeaunaturelleFeb11]

Excellent review. Thank you!! This was VERY helpful. I want to start sewing again and need a good iron. A friend gave me a Russell Hobbs iron years ago, but the stupid thing has been sticking to nearly everything when I'm ironing 😠, so rgeres NO WAY I'm gonna be using it for my sewing projects!

[@nancysudlow2736]

Thank you for the info!

[@AG-us7dr]

Love your hair!

[@yvonneluke456]

Happy belated Birthday!!!!!

[@Cannons98]

I use a Rival lightweight iron that cost me $6 from Walmart. It has steam if you want it, or you can just turn it off. It is really light too which is great when you have loads of seams to press. Oh and it comes in different colors too. I bought the orange one.

[@janetteaguirre-terry2986]

I have and love so far the Eliso yellow. gets HOT and great stream. I also like the mini Rowenta that come with a carrying case it works really good. I just got the clover small little tiny wand iron and I don't know it's more for applique small tiny things which I haven't done any applique yet I'm still learning so I'm a beginner quilter and it's taking me longer as I need to take classes, get involved with other Quilters. any recommendations? love watching you girlie. keep up the great work. I'm totally a fan!

[@margueriteatwell1298]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT INFORMATION. i BOUGHT- T-GEL . STEAM PRESSURE IS GREAT. PLEASE GIVES MORE INFO.

[@handmadebyMickie]

Vanessa-are we going to need to bring irons with us for the Oct Crafty Gemini quilting cruise? I really want to pack as minimally as possible, and even a small travel iron takes up room that could be used for shoes! LOL

[@islandgirl1566]

Aloha Vanessa! Love your videos, they are so informative and well done! I make wallets, clutches and handbags and am interested in an iron that will allow me to get the iron inside of a pocket or a smaller space. I would imagine the iron would need to be narrow in the front. Any suggestions?

[@MsSherrydarling]

I have a different version of the t-fal model and it does have awesome steam features but the auto off feature drives me crazy! When I sew, I am sometimes a few minutes between pressing and every time I go to press, the iron has shut off and I have to wait for it to heat up : ( I will be looking for a new one. I love the little mini sunbeam and will add that to my list but I still need a full size iron. Love your videos!!

[@Alegria.penarth]

Hi, the sunbeam iron is not available in the UK but I've still ordered one as it is just perfect for me. Thanks for a great video.

[@kats3109]

Joy Hill I dont know if u have a walmart store but I have seen the little irons in them.

[@1229Jen]

This was very helpful Vanessa. I see a big advantage in new mini iron because it looks like there is less potential to burn the surface its set upon when you're putting it down in the upright position to rest. Now looking at the Panasonic cordless - how cool! Now there is a new model out with a non-stick ceramic soleplate and I'm wondering which is better. Do you have any thoughts on that? Do you think the stainless steel version would be better? Thanks!

[@ewan2734]

te fal and Rovera are the Best for steaming and cord is great last ages automatic is great prevent huge usage of energy and overheating ....I have 6 irons for past 10 hears nów i hunt in UK for Mirth Richards comfier grip i also have traveler steam mini iron from the same brand

[@valerieclark5064]

Oh I so want a cordless iron. The way my room is setup, the power cord is in the way and I get tangled up with the cord.

[@mearis8133]

Thanks for the review. Is the Sunbeam still your favorite travel iron? I have that one and really like it. I've been looking at the Cover Wedge Iron.

[@catherinerodriguez259]

Vanessa, love your tutorials! I bought both of the mini irons, both great. You don't include the Oliso Smart (pop-up) iron in this video so I'm wondering if you have a current recommendation/opinion on it? The model I'm considering gives you 30 minutes before it auto shuts off. It's pricey... what do you think? Te agradesco, Catherine

[@BeaunaturelleFeb11]

Thank you so much for this video. It was incredibly helpful. Just wanted to ask you though if you could please tell me which model of the Tefal iron you have so I can do some research on it, coz i can't open the link for some reason? Thanks in

[@shelliecarlson7015]

I bought a Black and Decker 460 from a thrift store several years ago for 3 bucks. Works well. The only thing I don't like is, it only has numbers for heat settings. What number is wool? I also bought that little palm iron from Walmart the other day for $13.44. I thought it was a great deal.

[@clairehart816]

You are awesome

[@beezersmomsnyder2267]

Why do you not use steam for quilting? I was taught that steam helped set the seam. Love your videos...

[@LuvsSno]

I have the Sunbeam iron, love it... but if you have *artificial nails* of any length, it does not work at all ...you will high center on your nail tips!

[@shadowpleez]

Vanessa, I have a question, I see that some people use an iron board or pad for ironing, then some don't use nothing but their sewing table, wouldn't that scratch, burn or wreck the surface that they are ironing on, with out a pad or something, I was taught to use an iron board or pad when ironing. Thank you, love your sewing videos.

[@Lasaro7499]

Can u cook a quesadilla on the iron?

[@margaretmaher9555]

Hi Vanessa, I am very curious to know how you clean your irons. This gives me a big headache, and my cleaning agents simply do not work.......... Thank You. Maggie

[@TinekeWilliams]

Just bought one last week and cost me NZ $12.95. Got a nice bargain at Spotlight. Half price sale!

[@katherinehaberle6306]

am getting the sunbeam mini iron now bought the steam fast one a little while ago but mine leaks like the sunbeam water tank size

[@annajajic4613]

Your review of irons was interesting. Something you could include in your assessment of irons is if they are comparable for people who are left handed. I have the cordless iron and love it for quilting and obviously it is ideal for a left handed person. The other irons need to have a cord in the middle of the back, such as the T-Fel you demonstrated. There have been no mini irons for a left-handed. Recently I saw that also is now selling a mini iron with the cord coming out the back. Do you have an opinion on the Alison mini iron?

[@jeanettereynolds3151]

Anna my friend bought mini iron Vanessa said she had only problem if your left handed DONT as lead comes out of the side and gets in the way.just a tip for others as Vanessa didn't point that out regarding the lead.its better to buy one coming out of the back.sorry Vanessa had to point out that drawback as you proberly find it OK but a left handed person would get frustrated with the lead in the way ok thanks 🇬🇧

[@janeellen7961]

Hi there do you have pattern for a bag to carry you small iron?

[@vanessasilva2548]

HI Vanessa! Do you have any tutorials for mini/not so mini ironing boards that could travel easy? similiar to what you have in video under mini irons?

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Here’s my tutorial for a mini ironing board: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apWYhISej5ipo8U

[@MelanieWatson0220]

Hey Vanessa! Quick question: On the cordless iron that you use...Do you leave it plugged in all the time (Heating up-Ready to go) or do you have to unplug it each time you are finished with it? Or is there an on/off switch? Thank you!

[@TheCraftyGemini]

There is an on/off switch. So, if it's plugged up I do leave it off when not in use. Hope that helps!

[@MelanieWatson0220]

+TheCraftyGemini That is exactly what I was wondering! Thank you so much!!

[@bettygray3745]

Melanie Watson Isi

[@sandi1263]

I also have the cordless Panasonic iron like yours but mine is red.

[@TheSolymarfernandez]

With what you clean the irons?

[@944gemma]

I’d love to know where they are all made.

[@sylviagarcia2907]

podrías hacer uno en español para entender tu explicación?...saludos

[@victorhitt2266]

hi could you tell me what is the name of the 2nd iron

[@kathrynboseman5249]

I had the sunbeam. It was very comfortable in my hand but I found that the whole thing got hot. I finally tossed it in the trash

[@sandi1263]

I have the Aliso mini iron and it’s great. A little pricey but you get what you pay for.

[@hypnoticharmonic]

Hey, I just tried to check out the Sunbeam Mini Iron and the link says page not found. I actually can't find this iron anywhere online now, not even on their site. Do you happen to know if there's an updated model or anything?

[@krspookytooth]

I have the Panasonic cordless and absolutely love it. I use it primarily for quilting, but using it to press garments is not a problem for me. I need to move or shift pretty much everything I press, so putting the iron back on the base while I do that is not an inconvenience. Just another perspective. Plus, while I realize you do not use water in this iron, I feel like you should have shown the nifty removable reservoir for the water. It's so nice to not have to carry the entire iron to the water source, plus the main part stays on the base recharging. I got the Sunbeam mini iron about 2 years ago and could hardly use it. The water reservoir did not have a good seal, so all the water would leak out while it was sitting upright leaving a big puddle on my work surface. Also, mine got very hot, too hot to touch while using it. Maybe I got a dud, but it got retired after about 2 months of trying to use it. Thanks for your opinions -- I really enjoyed the video!

[@nicolejackson9091]

Love the water reservoir!

[@alexandramcfarland5683]

Karen Seitz h

[@barbaram8679]

I have heard both and bad things about the Rowenta DA1560 Compact Iron. Can you please tell me what you think about it? Thank you, Barbara

[@annmariemason5745]

I just bought the Rowenta 1560, not impressed ,the handle is slippery, the water reservoir is awkward for emptying and the plug is too close to the handle, I'm returning it

[@ItsJustNiaTV]

DO YOU HAVE ANY TUTORIAL ON HOW TO SEW THE SPLIT ON A DASHIKI SHIRT ?

[@jeddahnahla3502]

Do you mean the placket because I was also looking and found the best one to be professor pincushions channel. Sorry if you have one Vanessa I didn't see yours

[@Lasaro7499]

Can u cook on the iron?

[@lindaeferraro]

Where did you buy the "mini-ironing board"? Love your tutorials!!

[@TheCraftyGemini]

I made it! Here's my tutorial on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apWYhISej5ipo8U

[@LuvsSno]

Vanessa, is the Panasonic cordless quite heavy?

[@nicolejackson9091]

I'd say it's moderate, not heavy or lightweight. I love mine.

[@LYoung-op5ub]

The cordless, Panasonic is great, but it takes too long to reheat. I am not patient so I put it away.

[@LYoung-op5ub]

When the Panasonic is in the base, you still have to push the button before it will start to reheat,

[@sethned]

"Got this back in 2010" Me: Oh that wasn't very long ago 6 years. It's been 6 years

[@SmittenKitten.]

This happens to me ALL THE TIME!! I'm like, "2002 wasn't too long ago..." Fifteen years...

[@allisong6]

Blink at omg that's 10 years ago... Nooo surly that's wrong.... Nope it's 10 year's!!!!

[@kenosintjanyana5734]

Where do I get the iron

[@jeanettereynolds3151]

Don't you find the lead being at the side gets in the way?? Uk

[@SmittenKitten.]

Why don't you use steam for quilting?

[@ruthreyes5979]

Puedes hacer videos en español te agradezco te sigo pero no sé inglés

[@yinnylotero1433]

me gustaría tus vídeos en español, no soy buena para el inglés

[@missuscam]

Why do people say that's the hole where you put the steam in?

[@deborahhodges7829]

Canadian Price for this is on Amazon.ca

[@lilolmecj]

Deborah Hodges I really love my Oliso, puts out tons of steam. The auto shut off doesn't bother me, it heats very quickly.

[@Snowcrest23]

Will the mini Sunbeam work with pressing interfacing, mostly for bags?

[@barbaramcspadden3229]

Sunbeam is now $25..... 11/1021

[@AntagonisticApathy]

I ordered the steamfast. It died 6 months after I got it with constant use. So be aware it will die.

[@thegreatzaza9293]

I jumped right on amazon to check out that Sunbeam and there are tons of negative reviews with horrifying images of it spewing brown liquid and ruining fabric, clothes and carpets! Yikes!

[@TheCraftyGemini]

That’s weird! I have 5 of them and have never had an issue in any of my classes or for personal use. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@bobcatt2294]

At 5:05 you wrap the power cord around the object - not good for the cord, you are twisting it. Thumbs up on: audio levels, camera, light and the instruction.

[@donnanelson9181]

You need to try a Rowenta Iron. It has 400 holes on the sole plate and will put your steam iron to shame. They are a little pricey, but it’s the only iron I have used for the last 40 years and well worth the price.

[@TheCraftyGemini]

I've had several Rowentas over the years and I'm not a fan. This iron was worked a lot better for all my sewing & quilting needs.

[@sharonbolin2994]

I've had three different Rowenta irons that I got from Bed Bath and Beyond. Everyone of them had failed within a month or two. Gratefully, BB&B has taken every one back. After doing considerable research, I ended up with a Black and Decker Digital Advantage iron, also from BB&B, and it has been a work horse. I've had it for four years.

[@MetalArms16212]

They leak rust