DogHouseMom

Yes I will when the block dictates that I can ... or should. Any block I have more than 4 pieces of fabric meeting in the middle I like to press open. Fractures - definitely open, ditto for bargello (and if I'm working with a strip that will finish at 1/4" I'll trim the seam a smidge first then press it open). If the block is going to have applique over the top I like to press it open as you'll see less of the seam under the applique when pressing.

If it's a block that will "nest" nicely I like to press to the side and take advantage of the nesting.

BellaBoo

I usually press seams open. No chance of a fabric fold and less bulk.

MadQuilter

Same here.

bigsister63

Me too! Hate those burnt fingers.

IrishgalfromNJ

I pressed my seams open on the last quilt I made and I really like the outcome, so I'm pressing my seams open on the current quilt I'm making. Yes, prying the fabric open with a hot iron is a little scary. I spray the fabric with water and I use a bamboo double pointed knitting needle to keep my fingers safe. Pressing the seam to one side was not as natural to me as pressing open since I learned to press seams open first.

ManiacQuilter2

I agree with DottyMo!! It depends on the pattern !!

Nammie to 7

I mostly press to one side -- the pieces nest much better that way.

Jan in VA

I'm using wool batting more and more these days.
The first time I used a wool batting I noticed there was some batting migration -- the batting "bearded" thru to the top as I hand quilted. I do wax my thread because I have some sensory issues with my hands and find a waxed thread easier for me to manipulate, but that wax sometimes can cause this fiber migration. So to help prevent that along the seam lines later as I use and wash the quilt, I also press to the side MOST of the time.

Jan in VA

Scraplady

I press open most of the time, unless I am just really fighting the way the seam allowance wants to lay. I like the nice flat surface it gives to the top. I do use a very short stitch for piecing and almost always use a low-loft cotton batting. I've never noticed a problem with bearding yet.

Nilla

I like how open seams lay flatter so I usually open them, but if it's a pattern that nests, I'll press to the sides. Most often I have some to the sides (where they nest) and the rest open.