Mary Proctor Single/Double Flip Ironing Board

10 years ago

I have been lurking over in sewing and just saw an old thread about ironing boards and the Mary Proctor Single or Double Flip ironing board. It seems it was sold in the 50's and early 60's and had an area that flipped up to make the board larger. Several people are still using them and said the quality was as good as the expensive european brands. I am interested in getting a good ironing board, and the idea of a flip up side to make the board wider is very interesting. I would love to see a picture of the Mary Proctor. If it's as good or better that what's available today I will try and search one out.

What do you use? And for those who sew is an extra wide board important?

Featured Answer

poppy214

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Unless you regularly iron sheets or table linens or quilting hobby, you really don't need an extra wide ironing board. There are superboards that fit over the top of a regular ironing that increase both the width and the length (in some cases) of a standard ironing board. What is most important is that the ironing table is stable and level; not easily tipped over. It doesn't matter how cheap or expensive the board is if the legs are not stable and level, it's useless. Another problem with current ironing boards is that they are made out of very cheap metal that rusts easily. If you use a steam iron or steamer, the board will rust very quickly.

I have an old Proctor ironing board that I still use that is as stable and rust free today as it was when purchased back in the 1970s. Unfortunately, they don't make them any more. Best ironing board I have found today is the Brabantia boards from Europe. Well worth the expense,

https://www.amazon.com/Brabantia-Ironing-Board-Solid-Steam/dp/B004X16KLK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472946433&sr=8-1&keywords=barbantia+ironing+board

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

CubeDweller
10 years ago
David Page Coffin, in his Shirtmaking book, recommends a large ironing area for fabric. Instead of an ironing board, he suggests a piece of plywood, covered with padding (wool) and topped with fabric. I don't have a place for such a luxury, alas. But it sounds cheaper and more available. Shirtmaking
hcbm thanked CubeDweller
Related Professionals
Selma Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Albany Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · North Adams Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Grand Forks Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · San Luis Obispo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Gaithersburg Bathroom Remodelers · Chattanooga Bathroom Remodelers · Barnstable Bathroom Remodelers · Augusta Bathroom Remodelers · Youngstown Bathroom Remodelers · Yuba City Bathroom Remodelers · Annapolis Cabinets & Cabinetry · Albert Lea Cabinets & Cabinetry · Jamestown Cabinets & Cabinetry · Palm Desert Cabinets & Cabinetry
mamapinky0
10 years ago
I have a 1950's Proctor Hi-Lo ironing board and would not trade it for anything, a little larger than standard, big thick heavy metal legs...its in great condition, heavy and stable..finding covers is a problem. Lol
hcbm thanked mamapinky0
livebetter
10 years ago
I have a Miele rotary iron for sheets etc but agree that the Brabantia boards are very good. I have a Polder one I got at Costco that's big. I'd upgrade to Brabantia next time.
mamapinky0
10 years ago
I once read someone over on AW that is a lover of vintage sheets that always says vintage sheets are not wash and wear and have to be ironed...uses a Proctor double flip and said its the cats meow.
practigal
10 years ago
A board can be too wide to iron clothing if your clothing is in the smaller sizes...
G Balut
2 years ago
Mine's a double flip from 1965. Very sturdy - I've stood on it to change lightbulbs when the ceilings were too high and I didn't have a ladder. I love it. Don't have a picture of it standing up, just when folded against the wall.
hcbm thanked G Balut