How do you figure out which way to press seams?
04-12-2018, 07:39 AM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ballwin, MO
Posts: 4,271
Haha! You know how people are always saying they have a UFO and it shows how far they're come? Ok, I'm a member of the club now, too. The back of Name That Block is a mess of seam allowances going every which way. So here's the question: is there an easy way to figure out which way to press the seams? Or do I have to plan it step by step like the d-day invasion? I'm an overthinker, so I'm hoping someone will save me from myself. I'm starting to see why everyone likes patterns so much, lol.
04-12-2018, 07:47 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Ridgefield WA
Posts: 7,765
I press most of my seams open but it is certainly OK to twist a seam in the middle for the next intersection. You are simply wanting to make your intersections as flat as possible, but there is no need to get yourself in a "twist" about it!
04-12-2018, 09:08 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: North Central PA
Posts: 329
Haha! You know how people are always saying they have a UFO and it shows how far they're come? Ok, I'm a member of the club now, too. The back of Name That Block is a mess of seam allowances going every which way. So here's the question: is there an easy way to figure out which way to press the seams? Or do I have to plan it step by step like the d-day invasion? I'm an overthinker, so I'm hoping someone will save me from myself. I'm starting to see why everyone likes patterns so much, lol.
04-12-2018, 09:49 AM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Wis
Posts: 5,928
If possible, I try to press so the next block or row will nest onto it. Otherwise I press to get the flattest feel possible. I try to be mindful of the pressing directions as I go along, but it only seems to work out for me about half the time.
04-13-2018, 03:57 AM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Manassas, VA
Posts: 2,017
04-13-2018, 04:12 AM
#19
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Maine
Posts: 142
I think it is important to press the seams as you make the blocks in the direction that results in the flattest seam allowance. This may mean pressing open. The problem when you sew the blocks together the seam allowances have a tendency to twist the other way on you. My solutions.....Sew each section with the most seam allowances on top so that you can hold them in place as you cross over them using a stylus. Secondly, those that cannot be on top can be held with a good stylus as well just as it is going under the pressure foot. Hope this helps someone.
04-13-2018, 05:40 AM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
Yes, using a stiletto to hold down the seam as you approach the needle is the best way to keep seams in the direction you want them to be sewn in...up on top, down on back.....a good nestle!
I love making that teeny block where 4 seams intersect (Eleanor burns trick)
I love making that teeny block where 4 seams intersect (Eleanor burns trick)
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