About pressing seams
#12
Originally Posted by quiltsRfun
Most of the time I press to one side but occasionally pressing open works better to reduce the bulk. Do whatever works for you. We're generally a pretty easy going group here and won't call the quilt police if you don't follow the "rules." Actually, we have just one rule - There are not rules. LOL
Personally, I also like it because if later on, during use... a seam is strained... the white fluffy stuff won't show or leak through the strained seam. 'Cause the seam is covered by one layer of fabric either pressed to the left or to the right.
Um... ask me how I know.... :oops:
#14
Yes, I've read somewhere, that if you are machine piecing, pressing open is fine. But as Lobster, said, and what I read, that when hand piecing you should not press seams open because of weaker seams and migrating batting. And there are always exceptions and better ways to do things depending on what you are making and what results you want.
Originally Posted by Lobster
Don't press your seams open if you are hand-piecing, as there is a reasonably high chance that batting fibres will migrate through the gaps between stitches. Otherwise, go for what suits you.
#15
I let the block dictate the press. I just finished a baby quilt with pinwheels, and they laid best when the seams were pressed open.
While sitting at my machine, prior to going to the iron, I "finger press" with a wooden iron. This easily shows me how the fabric will behave. To me, it's useless to press fabric in any direction that it doesn't want to go in.
Linda
While sitting at my machine, prior to going to the iron, I "finger press" with a wooden iron. This easily shows me how the fabric will behave. To me, it's useless to press fabric in any direction that it doesn't want to go in.
Linda
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
Well , for four decades I have pressed the majority of my seams open. None of my quilts have had issues. Its a preference thing. I like a Really, really flat block.
As far a batting coming through the seams, that might be true if you used a batting that was not well bonded , or did not have a scrim.
As far a batting coming through the seams, that might be true if you used a batting that was not well bonded , or did not have a scrim.
#17
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
One of the reasons for pressing to the side is so the batting won't find a way out of the seam. Also, if there isn't a lot of quilting over the seam, it could open up.
Most of the time I press to the side and I try to plan my seams so they nest row by row. Sometimes, I press open - when the seams get just too thick and unwielding.
Most of the time I press to the side and I try to plan my seams so they nest row by row. Sometimes, I press open - when the seams get just too thick and unwielding.
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05-16-2015 05:45 AM