Vicki1212

I recently made a chevron quilt from HST's and tried to iron seams to opposite sides when joining to prevent bulk. Unfortunately, some of the seams were a little bulky no matter which way I ironed them. My question for those who have made an HST chevron quilt is, do you iron the seams open or to one side? I'm thinking that ironing them open for this type of quilt would result in the least amount of bulk at the intersections?

ManiacQuilter2

I have started to press open my seams on HST quilts but not happy because the seams becomes weaker. I only press the seam when sewing the rows together open. This should make an interesting discussion.

katier825

I have done them both ways and still prefer to press them to the side.

NJ Quilter

I press almost everything open. I've not seen any weakening of seems on well used quilts that I've done this with. It does reduce bulk considerably and I find it makes seams easier to match as well.

Melanie Rudy

Pressing to one side makes a more durable quilt. When pressing seams open, over time these are the weakest points on a quilt. The bulk of seams gets hidden in your quilt batting.

Judith1005

I prefer to iron to one side also. Although, I have ironed open on occasion. I find it much easier to match the points if I iron to one side. It really doesn't show any bulk once the quilt is quilted and washed. On occasion it is difficult to quilt through the seam.

Onebyone

I usually press the seams open. I have utility quilts that are washed often from outside use and the seams haven't split so I know my seams are not weaker from being pressed open. I will say the utility quilts are made from quality fabric and thread same as what I would use if I was making a heirloom quilt. I always spiral meeting seams and that is a must if the seams are not pressed open.