Bree123

I start by heavily starching the wrong side of the fabric, letting it soak in for 3-5 minutes & then ironing on the right side. Then, I add some more starch to the right side of the fabric, let it soak in & then iron the wrong side of the fabric.

quiltedsunshine

So, in my Beginning Piecing Workshop, I teach my students to press from the top. It just prevents the pucker that happens at the seam. Of course, if you're pressing the seam open, you have to do it from the back, but check the front to make sure the pucker isn't there.

Jan in VA

Situational presser here, too.

pocoellie

I starch on the right side and press on the wrong side.

osewme

I press on both sides in no particular sequence.

Vicki1212

I'm a right side presser! I just find it easier to open out the fold at the seam line when pressing from the right side.

(Ok, maybe I do use the iron to push out the seam a little instead of just pressing! Never had a problem with stretching because I do it gently......but you never read this here!)

Bree123

So glad you asked this question, Anita. I answered thinking about ironing brand new fabric. But based on some of the answers, I'm wondering if you meant blocks/seamed pieces.

I set the seam from the wrong side & then press open from the right side, sliding my iron from the low side of the seam over to the high side of the seam. Then, I double check the back to make sure I didn't accidentally press in any creases. However, sometimes even when I initially pressed everything the right direction, along the way, it ends up flipping & I usually don't catch it until it's too late. I know some members here use Water Soluble glue to tack down the seams in the proper direction. I might try that this next time so they don't end up flip-flopping on me. Or maybe someone will post some ideas about how to better prevent this from happening. I use little to no starch or steam when pressing. I switched to a Clover II mini iron because I have nerve damage to my fingers & kept accidentally burning them with my full sized iron when pressing pieces since I cannot feel hot or cold. No blisters since switching to the mini iron so hopefully I can keep working with that. If I need a bit of steam, I have a spray bottle of water with which I can spritz my fabric.

In the event you were asking about applique (which is the one thing I can actually do pretty well), I always press on the right side of the fabric. For turned edge, I will tack down a bit with my iron & painted on starch on the folded "seam" of the applique piece (still the right side of the fabric, but the part that's flipped over & caught between the applique & the background fabric). For fused applique I used a pressing cloth & press always from the right side of both fabrics. For needle turn, you don't press at all -- which is why I love it so much!

A huge THANK YOU everyone who's responded/will respond and to Anita for asking this question. I always learn so much from everyone on this Board!

ILoveToQuilt

To clarify: I am talking about "new" fabric before it is cut or pieced or what have you...As I said previously, I tend to press on the wrong side. It seems that the folds press out better that way (or they do for me).

I press both sides when I have pieced a block, first the seam side to set the seam, then the front side.

Thanks to all those who've answered!

Twinharbor

If you're just pressing fabric before you use it, I don't think it matters. Once you're pressing pieced pieces, you should always set your seam first using steam, then with only one he nose of the iron gently press the top fabric over, then using the whole iron press (not iron). You'll be amazed how flat your seam are. Steam works wonders as long as you press and don't iron which can stretch your fabric.

luana

When I am giving a pieced block a final press, I use a pressing cloth over the right side.