Wanabee Quiltin

I was taught to press seams to one side but I am really getting tired of seams that don't match up. I'm exploring ways to press the seams so I don't burn myself, which I have done many times. Call me a klutz, whatever.

JENNR8R

This is how I do it too.

Boston1954

When I started quilting (1992) I knew nothing and pressed in just any direction. Some while later I did read somewhere to press to the dark, so that is what I try to do unless instructions for a particular pattern say to do something else.

quilterpurpledog

Many good points mentioned here for pressing to one side. I most always do that. I do think feline fanatic's last paragraph is very useful for those situations where lots of seams come together. Works great for me.

klswift

Rarely if ever is it necessary to press a seam open. It is more stable if pressed to one side. I try to do everything I can to make my quilts last thru tugging, pulling, use (and misuse) and just, in general, life.

purplefiend

If you press your seams open, I've found that stitching in the ditch type of quilting weakens the stitching in the blocks.

lfletcher

I second this opinion!

bearisgray

I prefer pressing to the side. My intersections match up better when I can nest the seams.

northerncreations

I have been pressing seams open but then my long arm quilter advised that when the seams are pressed open, they are weaker and the seams can stretch during quilting. I am not pressing to the sides most of the time. It is a habit that is difficult to change but it can be done.

P-BurgKay

I shorten my stitch length and press all seams open any more. My piecing is more accurate this way. It;s just my way though.