Does setting your seams with an iron after sewing really make a difference?

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11-17-2011, 09:00 PM

#111

blueeyez

Junior Member

Join Date: Feb 2009

Location: Illinois

Posts: 208

I do it all the time. Doesn't seem like an extra step and well worth the effort.

11-17-2011, 09:04 PM

#112

Dottie Bug

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Posts: 506

Does setting your seams with an iron after sewing really make a differance?

I always set the seams ,Dottie Bug

11-17-2011, 11:21 PM

#113

GrannieAnnie

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: S. W. Indiana

Posts: 7,484

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostrider

It's been described several times above and you can also see it here.
http://www.alderwoodquilts.com/downl...ttingSeams.pdf

That link is about pressing a seam. The term "setting a seam" has been used quite a few times as a process PRIOR TO IRONING.

So, once again, what are these posters talking about? Finger pressing?

11-17-2011, 11:24 PM

#114

GrannieAnnie

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: S. W. Indiana

Posts: 7,484

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarbM32

You ladies realize how important setting your seams in a quilt block makes so much difference.
Well just imagine making an entire garment without pressing seams. That is what I did not learn in HomeEc not to press until finished. Thank God I had a mother who knew how to sew and how to tailor. I took 4 years of HomeEc making straight A's. I brought home a finished wool suit with the sleeves so uncomfortable. She took one look and knew they were in wrong. My Home Ec teacher was a real dingbat. Not too many of those young ladies enjoyed sewing. I did and I know today it was due to my mom and her knowledge standing behind me.

I learned from my mom, too, and skipped the Home ec classes. Studied more fun stuff.

11-17-2011, 11:28 PM

#115

GrannieAnnie

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: S. W. Indiana

Posts: 7,484

Quote:

Originally Posted by NanaBear

I hate to show my beginner ignorance, but exactly what is "setting" the seam "before pressing to one side or the other".....

Some posters are indicating "setting" is an operation prior to pressing. I've still not figured out what they mean, unless it's finger pressing.

BTW, if you find out------------please let me know

11-18-2011, 05:06 AM

#116

Olivia's Grammy

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: Fayetteville, GA

Posts: 2,879

Coming from the garment side of sewing I learned to set the seams. It's a step I do with out thinking. However, getting my students to always do this step is a little harder. I have a LAM and sometimes quilt for others. I can always tell the ones that are properly pressed.

11-18-2011, 05:50 AM

#117

ghostrider

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2009

Posts: 4,688

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrannieAnnie

That link is about pressing a seam. The term "setting a seam" has been used quite a few times as a process PRIOR TO IRONING.

So, once again, what are these posters talking about? Finger pressing?

You set seams with a hot iron just as they were sewn (iow, while the fabrics are still right sides together) before pressing them open or to one side. It cannot be done by finger pressing. The first photo in the link given previously is setting the seam. See if this video explains it better for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0UT613ugmg
(disclaimer: my PC will not run videos, so I have not watched this)

11-18-2011, 06:12 PM

#118

patdesign

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: So. Fla now, Va orig

Posts: 1,565

Until recently I never did, just thumb pressed, but finally I tried it on some particularly balky triangle seams, and it made a huge difference. Iam now a believer!

11-19-2011, 07:36 AM

#119

janb

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Northeast Colorado

Posts: 422

Really does make a difference..if you open your seams, they lay flatter and are easier to match.

11-19-2011, 07:39 AM

#120

Joan

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2007

Location: Pine Grove, California

Posts: 2,816

I always set my seams but only because I continually see it done on the Missour Star Quilt Company tutorials. Jenny always sets her and it has become a habit with me. I'm glad to learn what the reasoning is behind this extra step. Thanks again to everyone on the board who continually educate and inspire me.