I have much better results when I set the seams of the block.

I always do it!

I think it makes a real difference in getting the quilt ready for quilting. It also reenforces the lay of the top. I try to always remember to heat set them.

Absolutely makes a difference! Try setting half of a seam line and look. You can see that the stitches are settled down in to the seam... I never used to do it til recently, now it is part of my pressing...

I find that setting the seam before pressing it to one side helps. If one piece has been "eazed? in a bit to make both pieces the same size, the steam will allow that eaze to pull up. Now is that understandable?? And it also allows the seam to lie flatter when pressed to one side.

yes !!!!! makes a huge difference...not just in quilting, any sewing, you press first as the seam was sewn then where you want it to stay.

Learning about SETTING
 

[QUOTE=quiltinghere;4685026]Yes I set the seam and then press it open...of course noticing I didn't say the word 'iron'.

SET - put iron on fabric pieces as they were sewn (think about ironing a shirt - you'd smooth it out before really ironing it)

PRESS OPEN - open the seam and gently press the iron into the seam - don't iron it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for defining "set"; I wasn't familiar with the term. Good thread!

I agree that setting the seams makes a great difference in the accuracy of the size of the block and the neatness of the seams. Also love using spray "Best Press' It really makes a nice crisp seam.

I don't always but I can tell the difference if I don't . I actually tested to see if it mattered. The seam rolled easier when I pressed from the front and even opened easier and laid flatter on seams that I pressed open.