To Steam or Not to Steam, that is the question!
#1
To Steam or Not to Steam, that is the question!
I'm on the lookout for a new iron. I like the one I have now, a cord/cordless Oreck but it doesn't get quite as hot as I'd like it to when I used with the cord.
I've never come to a conclusion regarding the steam debate- is steam recommended when ironing quilt fabrics? or isn't it?
Please share the news about using steam on quilting fabrics, is it harmful? I'll make my decision on a new iron based on the findings.
I've never come to a conclusion regarding the steam debate- is steam recommended when ironing quilt fabrics? or isn't it?
Please share the news about using steam on quilting fabrics, is it harmful? I'll make my decision on a new iron based on the findings.
#2
I'm not sure steam is harmful to the fabric per se, but it is very easy to stretch a block out of shape with steam. I am a big lover of steam for ironing clothes (I have an iron with a standalone water tank) but have switched to using an old dry iron for pressing when quilting to minimize distortion opportunities. I have to use a dry iron, because apparently pressing the button for steam is an involuntary action
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England Alton Towers
Posts: 6,673
I press patchwork with a cordless steam iron but don't fill with water. It is the best iron for patchwork I have used so far. I iron with steam . If I wish to change or pin a shape out I tend to dip in a starch mixture and then pin leave to nearly dry then dry press using the iron plus the old wooden press. Works great.
Ps I only buy cheap irons because I am always breaking them.
Ps I only buy cheap irons because I am always breaking them.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 5,052
I always use steam, except on applique. I bought a dry iron for applique, because I did'nt like to see the little circles from the steam holes. But I press, not iron, my pieced blocks ( lift the iron, then set it down ) no stretching of fabric that way.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
Steamer, here. It, for me, makes everything flatter. And while I sometimes have distortion, I think that has more to do with my inaccurate sewing than it does the pressing/ironing. I just square up/trim and move on.
#9
Where quilting is concerned, I'm a no steam girl. I use starch to iron my fabric before cutting, and I rarely need to use anything more than a hot iron after that while working on blocks. If I have a stubborn (thick) seam (like when PP), or if I accidentally iron part of a seam the wrong direction, I'll give the seam line only a little spritz of starch and iron.
I keep a second iron that I use when I need steam. Working with wool applique is a good example. Also of course my clothes.
I keep a second iron that I use when I need steam. Working with wool applique is a good example. Also of course my clothes.
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