Guess what? I recently had a fun discovery at Wal-Mart’s home section! I stumbled upon a Non-Stick Silicone Bakeware Twin Pack of baking mats priced at just $10. And guess what? They’re not twins-twins, since one is 9 inches by 13 inches and the bigger sibling measures 11 inches by a tad more than 16-1/2 inches. Handy one-inch markings are along the sides, which I absolutely adore for blocking.
Here’s the fun part: They come in this vibrant red (blue’s an option too!), and my quilter brain thought, “Hey, why not bring them to my quilt studio?” ✂️ The goal? Checking if these mats could shield my precious iron from the sticky fusible web.
The mats have two sides: one glossy and rippled (that stays on the table) and a matte side for our quilting fun. I tested them atop my ironing board, first using a non-stick cover on my iron. The result? The fabric seemed to iron out faster since the mat seemed to bounce back the heat. Awesome, right?
However, there was a tiny hiccup. My quilting iron, when used with a fabric smaller than its base, felt a bit sticky on the mat’s surface. But after a bit of tweaking and ironing directly with the stainless steel base, it was back to smooth sailing. Even my Teflon-soled iron had the same sticking issue. But, silver lining? It made me press instead of iron, reducing fabric distortion.
Another test I did was with fusible web. I laid it atop a fabric piece on the mat and pressed. Guess what? After cooling, it just peeled off, leaving the mat as pristine as ever! No residue whatsoever.
Quick tip: I never use water in my irons (it increases their lifespan). But if you do, these mats are a gem! They manage water better than regular covers, extending their life. And if you’re worried about that pesky iron cord, an iron cord minder is your buddy.
Heads up, though! Do not – I repeat – DO NOT place these or any silicone mats on your self-healing cutting mat. The heat might just make it warp. But hey, here’s a cool fact: these baking mats can withstand up to 500 degrees! Way more than our home irons. I’m already planning to use the bigger one at the oven’s base for those pesky spills.
The only teensy downside? Unlike the Applique Pressing Sheets made for sewing rooms, these baking mats aren’t see-through. So, lining up applique bits might need some extra patience. But if you’re aiming to safeguard your iron and board from fusible, this Twin Pack is a steal! Twice the protection, half the cost.
Here’s the scoop:
| Product | Non-Stick Silicone Bakeware Twin Pack |
| Price | $10 |
| Size 1 | 9 inches x 13 inches |
| Size 2 | 11 inches x 16-1/2 inches |
| Colors | Red & Blue |
| Max Temperature | 500 degrees |
| Usage | Quilting, Baking, & More! |
