Dina

No, my iron is not a Rowenta. I had one of those and it quit working after about a year. I am currently using a Sunbeam, and a Black and Decker before that. I can't recall why I gave away the Black and Decker, though I know I wasn't pleased with it.

I am not a perfectionist by any means, and, yes....I press, not iron. (I just use the verb iron, I guess. Press doesn't come to mind, for some reason.) I do prefer the flatter looking seam though. I still haven't cleaned my iron. I guess that is what I need to do, if I want to press with steam. I have been ironing for 55 years (only pressing for three) and have never had my iron "give me a stain" before. Never to old to learn, I guess.

I may have to finish this quilt before I do anything, as it has white in it also. But then, the one I have cut out for next has white too. Hmmmm, may just need to think about this more. At least it is time to google how to clean my iron.

Dina

nativetexan

keep a spray bottle of water near by and spritz when needed.

DOTTYMO

I was taught to only use a dry iron to prrrrresssss the seams. Water from spraying or steaming distorts the fibres. So I do as I am told.

Scissor Queen

Iron manufacturers figured out they didn't have to make irons get as hot if they had steam. A dry iron, (not just a steam iron with no water) will get hotter than a steam iron.

mighty

I use dry iron and a spray bottle. Have done this for so many years it is just a way of life for me.

Dina

Well, I actually found the instructions on how to clean my iron. Looks like a lot of trouble!! Maybe I am just lazy.

Dina

Jan in VA

Let's be 'special' and claim it is!

Jan in VA

alisonquilts

I am so pleased to see this thread! I have been pressing/ironing with steam the entire time I have been quilting, even though I've read many places that you shouldn't because of distortion issues. And now I know I am not alone! Yay!

I've never had distortion issues, and I like the flat flat seams I get with steam.

Alison

EasyPeezy

I like flat seams too but hate steam irons. So, I use a dry iron then spray a little
piece of cloth (damp but not soaking wet) which I put on my seam then press.
This way I "steam" the seam only.

Crqltr

With our water I have to use bottled water if I steam, our well water leaves rust stains, even with the softner