caspharm

I do both. Generally, I press to a side, since it helps lock blocks together. On the other hand, when sewing my binding strips together, I press the seam open.

jeanharville

I agree. I press open a lot because you can use a "real"1/4" seam allowance versus a "scant". If an open seam can hold our bodies in tight clothes, I think it is strong enough to hold a quilt. I do use a shorter stitch length of about 2 instead of 2.5.

PenniF

For me it depends on the pattern...i mostly press open on complex patterns because i seem to be able to make them fit and lay better......but when butting seams makes the project easier - i press to the side that makes that work.

SoBuzy

Quiltstringz, I am wanting to get this from HD. How wide is the 1/2 round? It looks really neat and I thank you for posting the info!

DJ

I find it difficult to press a 1/4" seam open. I prefer to press to the side unless the pattern requires otherwise (like if seams can't be pressed to lock).

Lori S

I am a press open gal! I love the flatter block. I recently gave the press to one side a try.. as I had lots of 4 patches to make and thought it would be faster... it was faster but I did not like the finished results. So much for walking on that side.

captlynhall

I press to one side, unless the pattern dictates otherwise. For one, I don't like the idea that any batting could work its way thru the seam, and then those little 1/4" seams are so small it is a pain to press them open.

DebraK

yes, when I join some of the sections. Not always, but more often than any other kind of piecing.

quiltstringz

I press open open only when I have a lot of pieces coming together at a point. I did just finish reading Judi Madsen's new book Quilting Wide Open Spaces and she emphasizes that if you are stitching in the ditch to not have your seams pressed open - she almost always SID. I know this is another one of those personal issues (do you prewash, use steam, etc.) but I really do think that if you are going to SID that you really don't want your seams open. Of course you could always stitch one or two threads to either side of the ditch and be ok.

BTW if you haven't seen her book Quilting Wide Open Spaces it is amazing and there are actually 4 cute patterns in the book. I am not associated with her but am a HUGE FAN and WANTTA BE

luvTooQuilt

Depends on the patten, determines open seams or pressed to side..