I got the idea to make a magnetic ironing pad when I was researching small-space bathroom solutions. I found a few lovely ones online, including this one for only 8 bucks. But guess what? I already had the insulating fabric, the cushioned fabric, and some super strong magnets in my stash, and I’m super cheap, so I decided to make my own. 
I only spent $4 on some new fabric so that it would look cute. Plus, as with most DIYs, it’s rewarding to make something. And I’m, you know, hard headed.
A magnetic ironing pad is indeed a great solution for small-space dwellers. Ironing boards are generally pretty big and awkward to store, especially if you don’t have a dedicated laundry room or extra closet. So if you’re interested, you can either buy one for $8, or try your hand at it yourself!
Here’s what I used to make a magnetic ironing pad:
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- Insul-Bright fabric—buy it here or by the yard at your local fabric store
- Fleece fabric—I used a piece of suede/fleece fabric that I had in my fabric cabinet. If I didn’t have that, I would have purchased a quilted fabric (like this). This pieces goes on the bottom of your pad, so it really doesn’t matter what color it is—just that it has some cushion!
- Decorative fabric—this is optional but adds a nice touch. You could easily do the quilted fabric on the top and bottom. I just used a regular thin cotton fabric for the top of mine so it would look cute.
- 6 heavy duty magnets (these are where it’s at…SO strong)
- Sewing machine or needle and thred, glue, measuring tape, scissors
And here’s how to make it!
Step 1: Measure the top of your dryer, length and width. I wanted my ironing pad to wrap down over the sides of the dryer, so I added a few inches to either side. Make sure to also factor in a seam allowance.
Next I used my measurements to cut three pieces of fabric: one Insul-Bright, one fleece, and one decorative.
Step 2: Glue the magnets on to the Insul-Bright fabric. I put three magnets down each side. Let dry.
Step 3: Sew the three pieces together on three sides. Make sure to leave an opening on one edge. You will use the opening to flip your ironing pad right-side out so that the fleece and decorative fabrics are sandwiching the Insul-Bright (and the magnets!).
Before you sew your three pieces together, make sure they are laid on top of one another in this order:
If you don’t have the pieces laid out in the right order and with the right and wrong sides facing the appropriate directions, you’ll flip it inside out and have a mess. 
Step 4: Flip the mat right-side out through opening, then fold the opening in and sew shut. Here it is!
And here it is on my dryer. The magnets are strong enough to hold it in place even through the cushioned fabric. I’ll leave this out all the time so that I can also use it as an area to fold laundry, although Henry and Blanche will probably turn it into a cat bed as soon as they discover it.
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