I’m starting to dip a little bit more into applique….which only means that I will be needing a new toy in the sewing room.
Mini irons for applique — that’s the toy. The mini iron.
Why mini? this is usually the first question, right? The big one does do just fine, but really having more control over the area and being able to see what you are ironing and working is soooo helpful.
Where would you use a mini iron? Anytime you are appliqueing small pieces, points, corners…. Some applique is very intricate and tiny. There is sometimes no way to keep your pieces in place and iron at the same time. This tiny tip iron will allow you to do that.
How much will it cost? They range from $15- $30. Not a major, major investment, but something that comes in handy with a lot of projects.
Steam? No. No steam here. Keep a bottle of spray starch or water for making your own steam. Typically though you are appliqueing so you wouldn’t be using steam with the fusible.
Can it travel? Yes! It’s not heavy, but like all irons you’ll want to make a travel case for it so it won’t burn everything up. (I always wait to the last minute to unplug and pack, so sometimes my irons are super hot- travel bag is needed!)
Top Mini Irons for Applique
Clover Mini Iron
- Expand your creativity and innovation with 5 interchangeable tips
- 5 interchangeable tips can be used for doll making, hard to reach corners, paper crafting
- Mini Iron includes small adapter tip, screwdriver and iron stand
- Includes adapter screw driver and interchangeable adapter tips
- Measures approximately 9-4/5 by 16-3/5 by 1-4/5 inches
You can pick up the clover mini iron here.
Clover Mini Iron II-The Adapter Set
- Expand your creativity and innovation with 5 interchangeable tips
- 5 interchangeable tips can be used for doll making, hard to reach corners, paper crafting
- Mini Iron includes small adapter tip, screwdriver and iron stand
- Includes adapter screw driver and interchangeable adapter tips
- Measures approximately 9-4/5 by 16-3/5 by 1-4/5 inches
You can pick up the full set here.
Mini Crafting Iron
- Ideal for crafting projects
- Instructions included
- 120-Volt, 15-watt 4-Inch high
This iron is larger then the tiny clover irons– but I have used this a lot and really like it. Great for travel and it gets plenty of hot. Just bigger than your hand really, but it’s a great size for traveling with and for ironing smaller applique pieces…not tiny though.
You can pick up the mini craft iron here.
Extra tips for using mini irons:
There were a few things that were mentioned by a lot of users— so this is a much share.
You will burn your fingers! This isn’t an iron for the kiddos. And sometimes I wonder why I use it! lol
You will need to find a different holder for your iron so you won’t grab it by the hot rod (instead of the handle) — there were A TON of mentions about using a mug as the holder. You just place the rod inside when you are using it to store it. The handle sticks out so there is no mistaking it and grabbing the wrong part. Also, the mug can handle the heat of the iron. It won’t catch on fire and is sturdy enough not to tip over.
Looking for a larger iron for quilting? Check out the best irons for quilters here.
Homemade Spray Starch cheaper than store bought!
Mini Iron Travel Bag Tutorial just in case you travel with your mini!
Make your own portable iron station
Iron or Press? Which one is right for your project?
What kind of mini iron do you use?

Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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