Seams-do you iron them open or to the darkest side?
05-02-2011, 07:42 AM
#24
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
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Some patterns like OBW need to be pressed open, others may too if there is a lot of bulk.
Some blocks I press to the side, then when I join the two halves I just press them open to reduce bulk.
Making sample blocks before starting a quilt, will help you determine how they need to be pressed :D:D:D
Some blocks I press to the side, then when I join the two halves I just press them open to reduce bulk.
Making sample blocks before starting a quilt, will help you determine how they need to be pressed :D:D:D
05-02-2011, 08:01 AM
#25
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
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It depends on the pattern. For log cabins I press toward each new log. For OBW I press seams open. Sometimes the block comes with a pressing pattern. The whole point is to make the top lie flat, and to make it easier to line up seams where they should intersect.
05-02-2011, 08:22 AM
#26
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
I usually press them to the dark, but it is up to you to do what works best. I do think that it makes a stronger seam if you press to the dark rather than open. Also the seams nest together and that makes it a flatter seam. Bottom line is no one knows what is going on inside your quilt when it is done.
Sue
Sue
05-02-2011, 10:51 AM
#29
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Union, Missouri
Posts: 1,542
I use to press EVERYTHING open, then I got tired of steaming my finger tips so I started ironging to whatever side works to make "locking seams" and I only iron open when I HAVE to, to reduce bulk.
Plus I think its faster to iron to one side and if its done right you don't get that evil hump in your seams!
Plus I think its faster to iron to one side and if its done right you don't get that evil hump in your seams!
05-02-2011, 11:50 AM
#30
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Lebanon, Oregon
Posts: 1,409
For piecing, press to one side. There's always an exception. When putting a lot of seams together (as in a star), don't sew to the point. Only sew to the adjoining seam line, then press your seams all the same direction. For piecing backing, it's nice to make a 1/2" seam and press the seams open. It makes a sturdier back.
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