Rebecca_S

I'm working on making a bunch of 9 patches using strip piecing to sew 3 strips together before cutting and sewing into 9 patches.
I know that you aren't supposed to iron a block but to press it to not distort the block.
What about when you strip-piece though, do you iron the seams along the length of the strip or only press? I've been ironing along the length but wondered if maybe pressing would make more accurate blocks.

MellieKQuilter

lol... I had no clue there was a difference! Yikes! What is the difference?

Sadiemae

I press everything when I make a quilt. I was always told that Ironing can stretch the fabric.

dd

Ironing is sliding the iron along the fabric, which can cause stretching. Pressing is just what it says, press the iron down and pick it straight up again. You don't move it along the fabric. I find it very difficult not to iron, even though I know better.

Sadiemae

I think it would be impossible not to iron at all, I just do my best.

TonnieLoree

According to "dd's" description. I iron strips, but I press blocks.

gollytwo

me too

virtualbernie

I try to press my strips because I have noticed that when I iron they come out somewhat curved. Of course I have to make a conscious effort to do this because my natural inclination is to iron. :D

mltquilt

I try to press rather than iron my strips. Also, when you press them lay them across the ironing board. They are less likely to warp by doing them that way. Also just a hint if you are strip piecing alternate the ends you sew from. They seem to bow if you sew all of them from the same direction. Hope this helps.

mltquilt

goosepoint

I watched Jenny Doan @ Missouri Star Quilts and she will press, wiggle and slide when she is teaching. And she uses steam I believe. But everything I have seen comes out beautiful. I think the trick is squaring up if something does stretch and on strips it may not matter as much as blocks.