Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Getting seams to go in opposite directions >

Getting seams to go in opposite directions

Getting seams to go in opposite directions

Thread Tools
 
Old 06-04-2014, 01:13 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Navasota, Texas
Posts: 38
Unhappy Getting seams to go in opposite directions

I hope this question makes sense to someone. I've made my quilt squares and pressed all seams as directed. Now that it's time to put the squares together where the seams come together they are going in the same direction. Quilt directions say to have those seams going in opposite directions. Do I need to go back and repress? I want to get this done this afternoon so would someone advise me.
navasota320 is offline  
Old 06-04-2014, 01:33 PM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
Default

Yes, sometimes I have to do this, too. I feel it's worth it over all.

Jan in VA
Jan in VA is offline  
Old 06-04-2014, 01:36 PM
  #3  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,460
Default

Your blocks with go together better with nesting seams. "Nesting seams" are when the blocks sewn together with the seam allowances going in opposite directions. I try to do this but it isn't always possible.
Tartan is offline  
Old 06-04-2014, 01:36 PM
  #4  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
Default

If the seams go in opposite directions, it's easier to match the intersections and it will lay flatter. It won't effect the wearablility of the quilt, but thicker intersections may make it more difficult to quilt.
I personally would re press because for me it makes the rest of the process easier. Why don't you re press one row sew it, then try one without repressing & see how it compares.
PaperPrincess is offline  
Old 06-04-2014, 01:55 PM
  #5  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
Default

If you pressed as directed and the instructions state they should 'nest' go back through and make sure you have them turned correctly it is really easy to turn blocks the wrong way sometimes. If that is not the case you can either repress the ones you need to or you can finger press enough to nest your seams and wait to press the finished blocks
ckcowl is offline  
Old 06-04-2014, 02:12 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Terri D.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 462
Default

It will be so much easier to match your seam intersections if your seam allowances are pressed in opposite directions. It also reduces the bulk where they come together and allows you to avoid sewing over those pesky humps that are created when seam allowances face the same direction.
Terri D. is offline  
Old 06-04-2014, 03:26 PM
  #7  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,570
Default

This is why I press my seams open most times. Find the blocks lay flatter and no worries about which way things are pressed. Haven't found it affects quilting at all. Other than things being flatter and I find that easier to work with.
NJ Quilter is offline  
Old 06-04-2014, 04:40 PM
  #8  
Power Poster
 
nativetexan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: home again, after 27 yrs!
Posts: 19,388
Default

If i've pressed them the same way, when i sew the rows together, i tend to pin the seam over. Then go press again well.
nativetexan is offline  
Old 06-04-2014, 08:26 PM
  #9  
Super Member
 
AliKat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2,943
Default

This is also another example of the need to read the direction first. Quite often the pattern makers/writers do make mistakes. I've often rewritten the instructions for myself for that very reason.

Just finished a quilt and the nationally publlished well known quilt designer wrote to press seams open. I got some fabric I didn't need from my stash and made some practice blocks. Sure enough, the seams could be pressed to the side, all to the same color, and they the seams all nested perfectly. Since I don't like to use pins when sewing it made the process more fun for me.
AliKat is offline  
Old 06-11-2014, 05:08 AM
  #10  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Lakeland,Fl
Posts: 1,493
Default

yes, repress the seams in opposite directions. Barb
bjrusty is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bearisgray
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
25
06-07-2017 03:42 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
1
05-03-2011 08:49 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
9
01-05-2011 01:10 PM
Hunnybunny
Main
43
03-06-2010 11:17 AM
ArtquilterNEWWAYtoQUILT
Main
16
12-11-2007 04:00 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter