Iron or press strips?
#1
I'm working on making a bunch of 9 patches using strip piecing to sew 3 strips together before cutting and sewing into 9 patches.
I know that you aren't supposed to iron a block but to press it to not distort the block.
What about when you strip-piece though, do you iron the seams along the length of the strip or only press? I've been ironing along the length but wondered if maybe pressing would make more accurate blocks.
I know that you aren't supposed to iron a block but to press it to not distort the block.
What about when you strip-piece though, do you iron the seams along the length of the strip or only press? I've been ironing along the length but wondered if maybe pressing would make more accurate blocks.
#4
Ironing is sliding the iron along the fabric, which can cause stretching. Pressing is just what it says, press the iron down and pick it straight up again. You don't move it along the fabric. I find it very difficult not to iron, even though I know better.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Idaho
Posts: 11,375
Originally Posted by dd
Ironing is sliding the iron along the fabric, which can cause stretching. Pressing is just what it says, press the iron down and pick it straight up again. You don't move it along the fabric. I find it very difficult not to iron, even though I know better.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: North Texas
Posts: 1,283
I try to press rather than iron my strips. Also, when you press them lay them across the ironing board. They are less likely to warp by doing them that way. Also just a hint if you are strip piecing alternate the ends you sew from. They seem to bow if you sew all of them from the same direction. Hope this helps.
mltquilt
mltquilt
#10
I watched Jenny Doan @ Missouri Star Quilts and she will press, wiggle and slide when she is teaching. And she uses steam I believe. But everything I have seen comes out beautiful. I think the trick is squaring up if something does stretch and on strips it may not matter as much as blocks.
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08-19-2014 04:54 AM