Pressing open
#11
Yes I will when the block dictates that I can ... or should. Any block I have more than 4 pieces of fabric meeting in the middle I like to press open. Fractures - definitely open, ditto for bargello (and if I'm working with a strip that will finish at 1/4" I'll trim the seam a smidge first then press it open). If the block is going to have applique over the top I like to press it open as you'll see less of the seam under the applique when pressing.
If it's a block that will "nest" nicely I like to press to the side and take advantage of the nesting.
If it's a block that will "nest" nicely I like to press to the side and take advantage of the nesting.
#15
I pressed my seams open on the last quilt I made and I really like the outcome, so I'm pressing my seams open on the current quilt I'm making. Yes, prying the fabric open with a hot iron is a little scary. I spray the fabric with water and I use a bamboo double pointed knitting needle to keep my fingers safe. Pressing the seam to one side was not as natural to me as pressing open since I learned to press seams open first.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
I'm using wool batting more and more these days.
The first time I used a wool batting I noticed there was some batting migration -- the batting "bearded" thru to the top as I hand quilted. I do wax my thread because I have some sensory issues with my hands and find a waxed thread easier for me to manipulate, but that wax sometimes can cause this fiber migration. So to help prevent that along the seam lines later as I use and wash the quilt, I also press to the side MOST of the time.
Jan in VA
The first time I used a wool batting I noticed there was some batting migration -- the batting "bearded" thru to the top as I hand quilted. I do wax my thread because I have some sensory issues with my hands and find a waxed thread easier for me to manipulate, but that wax sometimes can cause this fiber migration. So to help prevent that along the seam lines later as I use and wash the quilt, I also press to the side MOST of the time.
Jan in VA
#19
I press open most of the time, unless I am just really fighting the way the seam allowance wants to lay. I like the nice flat surface it gives to the top. I do use a very short stitch for piecing and almost always use a low-loft cotton batting. I've never noticed a problem with bearding yet.
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06-14-2015 06:14 PM