Piecing and Appliqué with the Laurastar Smart U
Hi everyone! I’m BERNINA Expert Amanda Murphy and I would like to introduce you to the newest addition to my sewing space, the Laurastar Smart U Ironing System. Last I wrote about using it for fabric preparation and household tasks (you can read that post here). In this post, I’m going to focus on how what I like best about using it for piecing and appliqué.
For pressing intricate piecing, I am able to control the fabric without the steam burning my fingers like with past irons. That is because the steam is micro-fine and dry—which means that all the water is a gaseous state and it is directed straight out the bottom of the iron and NOT onto my fingertips. It doesn’t leave the fabric damp, distorting my blocks. I have found I really like the Manual Pulsing Steam setting when piecing because I can apply it right where and when I need it. It produces pulsing steam on demand efficiently, using less water.
Activating the Manual Pulsing Steam setting
The vacuum-mode grabs and holds my blocks—even very small ones! The steam goes through the board and gets drawn in by the fan below.
Another thing I really like about the iron itself is how lightweight it is! This is possible because the boiler is under the board instead of in the iron. This design makes a lot of sense. As sewers we do a lot of repetitive motions with our hands and the Laurastar’s 3D sole plate and powerful steam means there is no need to push down on the iron, so you can piece for hours without fatigue! It is designed so that the minimal pressure you use to hold the handle gets distributed over the entire soleplate.
Pressure distribution of a traditional iron versus the Laurastar.
And because of the way the cord is suspended, it is really easy to switch from a set-up for a right-hander to a left-hander and vice versa!
In the past I haven’t been a fan of steam for products like paper-backed fusible web or woven cutaways like OESD’s Fusible Woven, both of which I use for appliqué, but I stand corrected. I’ve found that hovering the iron over the fusible primes the glue and then when I press I get a really nice bond.
Although it an investment, I know I’ll use this ironing system for hundreds of hours of happy piecing.
If you missed it, I made a video showing all of my favorite Laurastar Smart U features you can see here:
If you have questions you can post them below.
I’ll be back to talk about how to use the Laurastar Smart U during and after the quilting process.
In the meantime, stay safe and healthy. And happy quilting!
Amanda
Laurastar Series
Fabric Preparation and Household Us with the Laurastar Smart U
Piecing and Appliqué with the Laurastar Smart U
Used Products
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5 comments on “Piecing and Appliqué with the Laurastar Smart U”
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It really is an ironing system where the iron and board are working in tandem. In fact, the boiler for the iron is mounted under the board to keep the iron lightweight. And the board has a fan and vacuum system that get used in tandem with the iron, so you can’t really use one without the other….
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You can purchase the canister type of Laurastar steam generator and use it with your existing ironing board. Although you need an ironing board that has holes in the metal surface so the steam will escape downwards. Amanda is correct that the one she is using is an all in one system. I have the Lift Xtra and LOVE IT!! I did buy their branded ironing board and the cord holder as well. You won’t regret it!
https://www.laurastar.com/steam-generators/laurastar-lift-xtra-en -
I have the Laurastar Iron without the ironing board surface. I love the iron & use it with my “self made” ironing station that is much larger than a typical board surface. I can iron a entire width of fabric without having to fold it. The iron has a nice cord holding system that I clamp onto the surface. The cord holder is nice because I’m left handed and I don’t have to move it each time my right handed hubby uses it; makes it easy without changing the set-up. Check out the different models of Laurastar. The steam is strong yet leaves fabric dry. Comes in various colors too.
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That is good to know. My husband made me an ironing surface similar to the one Donna Jordan uses. I absolutely love it and wouldn’t go back to a standard ironing board. He like it for pressing hi pants because he can do an entire pant leg without the rest of the trouser falling and pulling. Thanks for your answer. d
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Do you have to use the Laurastar ironing board to use the iron? Or can I use my ironing station I’ve made?