Having a large flat ironing surface is very useful for this technique. You can also cover it with a non stick surface such as a teflon sheet, parchment paper or the release paper from paper backed fusible such as Bondaweb, WonderUnder or Vliesofix.

This is also a great surface for printing or stamping or stencilling fabric

I have a few of them and this is my part of my current printing one. I love how it gathers all sorts of partial prints and when it is full of pattern it becomes a really interesting and unique piece of fabric