Claudia’s Favorite Tools – The Steady Betty Mat and a Wooden Dowel

Claudia shared two tools that she uses for pressing seams and shows how the right tools can improve precision. And one of the tools she uses is pretty unexpected!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, the Boulder MQG will receive compensation for purchases made after clicking the link.

What are the tools?

The Steady Betty Pressing Surface* and a wooden dowel. The dowel is 3/4 ‘ in diameter and 30″ long.  The larger the diameter the better, especially if you can get it.  Length is not that critical.

What do you use this tool for?

Both items are used for pressing seams of blocks and strips. The mat has a nice toothy surface that grips fabric, and minimizes distortion when pressing, even if you carelessly run the iron on the fabric. The dowel I use to press open seams for fabric strips. One can even use steam with both of these tools. and both prevent seam allowance impressions on the right side of your quilt.

When did you discover it?

About a year ago, I learned about the Steady Betty mat from a promotional video on the Quilt Show. The wooden dowel rod trick, I read about in Threads Magazine as a tool for pressing seams open in garments.

How does it make quilting easier for you?

Since these tools minimize distortion, my precision in matching points and seams has improved tremendously. Since I prefer to press all the seams open in a quilt block, the seams are easier to match. In the photo of the 1.25″ fabric strips samples, the swatch on the left was pressed with my tools, and the swatch on the right just pressed on an ironing board. I think you can see the difference in precision.

Where can these tools be purchased?

I bought the Steady Betty mat from Amazon*, but Joann’s, Hobby Lobby and even Target claim they carry this item. The wooden dowel I bought at Home Depot, but you can get this item at a hardware store or even on Amazon*.

Thanks Claudia for sharing about these tools!  If you have a tip or tool, we’d love for you to share it with us! You can do that here.