Ldydrifter

Do you press your seams to one side or do you press them opened? I have been pressing them to one side, but am now wondering if that's right?

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

I think pressing to one side is the most commonly used method. Of course, there are exceptions. You may need to press open to reduce bulk at times. I'm also sure someone will answer that they always press seams open. It all boils down to you have to ask question, listen to advice and try things to figure out what works for you.

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

kathy

it's easier to press away from points if possible
flat (open) seams help to have flat blocks
stitch in the ditch is easier if pressed to the side
so there's your answer! LOL, what ever works best at the time ;-)

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.

Jim's Gem

To the dark side! I press to the dark!

featherweight

I usually press to the dark fabric. On my Stack and Whack blocks I was taught by a friend to press open. It made a world of difference in the way the block laid when it was finished. I think it depends on the block you are making.

Lobster

It's worth knowing that while pressing to the dark side is a good idea when possible, it isn't always practical. It depends on the pattern. So try not to use really thin fabrics if they're lights, unless you can guarantee in advance that you will never need to press a seam with a darker fabric under them.

hobbykat1955

on side unless it's my binding...then open and press

darlin121

I think it depends on the block you are making.