DIY Portable Ironing Station
Turn an Old TV Tray into the Perfect Sewing Companion
If you've ever wished you had a small ironing station right beside your sewing machine, this project is for you!
One of my favorite sewing room hacks is turning an old wooden TV tray into a portable ironing station. It's inexpensive, easy to make, and one of those projects you'll wonder how you ever lived without. I use mine almost every single day, and it has become one of the hardest-working tools in my sewing room.
Start with a Wooden TV Tray
The best part about this project is that you don't need to buy anything fancy.
Look for an old wooden TV tray at your local thrift store, yard sale, or even tucked away in your garage. Don't worry if the top has scratches, stains, or an outdated finish—we're going to cover it completely.
The only thing that really matters is that the top is wood, since you'll be stapling the fabric and batting securely to the underside.
If you're feeling creative, this is also a great opportunity to give the legs a fresh coat of paint before you recover the top. A little paint can make it coordinate perfectly with your sewing room!
Supplies You'll Need
Wooden TV tray (look for one at a thrift store, yard sale, or secondhand shop)
Half a yard of quilting cotton
1 yard of Insul-Bright Heat Resistant Batting
https://amzn.to/4f1EO8iHeavy-Duty Stapler
https://amzn.to/4aCfzYS3/8" Staples
https://amzn.to/3T3UhxfMy favorite Mini Iron
https://amzn.to/4y2l2T3
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Why I Love This Project
I absolutely love projects that give something old a brand-new purpose, and this is one of my favorites.
My portable ironing station lives right beside my sewing machine, making it incredibly convenient to press seams without getting up every few minutes. When I'm finished sewing, it folds flat and stores neatly out of the way.
It's also one of my favorite things to pack for sewing retreats and classes. Because it folds flat, it's easy to transport, incredibly durable, and gives you your own dedicated pressing station wherever you sew.
Whether you're sewing in your own craft room, taking a class at your local quilt shop, or heading to a weekend retreat, you'll be glad you have this portable pressing station with you.
Watch the Full Tutorial
Want to see exactly how I recovered my TV tray?
Watch the video below where I walk you through the entire process step by step.
Video coming soon! I'll update this post with the link as soon as it's live.
Have you made your own portable ironing station? I'd love to see it! Share a photo with me on social media or tag @CraftWithBethany so I can see your upcycled creation.
One small SEO suggestion: change the heading "Supplies You'll Need" to "Portable Ironing Station Supply List". It naturally includes the keywords people are likely to search for on Google.