To steam or not to steam................
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 42
I am a new quilter of only about 3 months. I have read numerous articles, books, Youtube tutorials and most generally they have all said not to use steam when pressing seams/squares as it can stretch fabric. I started a quilting class this week and instructor says to steam. Just wondering what most of you more experienced quilters prefer.
#2
I've been quilting for about 12 years, and I still can't decide. I do both, but I generally start without steam. If I can't get the fabric to cooperate, I use steam. I'm interested in everyone's responses, too.
Linda
Linda
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 2,189
General rule of thumb---dry heat with bias, steam otherwise. I always use steam because it makes the fabric lay flatter, but if there is a lot of bias I don't--steam stretches bias.
BUT there are no quilt police hanging over your shoulder, so what ever you are comfortable with is rule
BUT there are no quilt police hanging over your shoulder, so what ever you are comfortable with is rule
#6
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
30 years quilting, teaching, designing. My opinion is that it isn't the steam which distorts, it's the 'presser'. I always use steam, high heat, and a pressing-not ironing motion.
Jan in VA
Jan in VA
#7
Originally Posted by JAK
I am a new quilter of only about 3 months. I have read numerous articles, books, Youtube tutorials and most generally they have all said not to use steam when pressing seams/squares as it can stretch fabric. I started a quilting class this week and instructor says to steam. Just wondering what most of you more experienced quilters prefer.
#10
I agree that it is the moving of the iron that distorts, not the iron or steam/no steam.
I have started just finger pressing the initial seams on my blocks for my minis, and my piecing is better this way!
I have started just finger pressing the initial seams on my blocks for my minis, and my piecing is better this way!
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