Are Y seams as intimidating as they sound? How does one go about doing it so quilt will lay flat? Am looking to broaden my horizons of quilting by trying something new so any tips, hints, or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

no they are not difficult just takes a bit of attention and care
suggest finding a book or illustration.
Requires accurate seaming with attention to points where the three come together.
Some designs require the y seams

I've done them. You just have to take your time. I do, however, avoid them as much as possible.

I've found if I mark the 1/4 inch and start sewing from that end they aren't that hard. Don't let them intimidate you. A lot of quilters avoid them but all that is needed is a little extra care. I think the best way to learn anything is to give it several goes.
Kudos to you for wanting to try something new. Happy quilting

There are many patterns that used to have Y seams that have been redone to eliminate Y seams. They can be tricky to do and the newer methods make the patterns much easier to do.

For example, if you look up the Hexagon quilt tutorials written by Cutebuns, you will see how it is put together without any Y seams. This particular pattern is very easy to do using her method.

Once you have done a few there is nothing to them. Try making an attic windows quilt or Tumbling blocks quilt and they will no longer intimidate you or make you nervous.

I agree having a book that gives detail pics on what to do helps. Marking the point where you need to stop sewing is also extremely helpful in the beginning. After a while you will realize where you need to stop sewing and no longer need the mark but it really helps a lot.

They are a very good skill to have as many quilt patterns can't be done any other way, like setting in your corner squares and side triangles on a lone star quilt.

Give this a go...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLkHfcuNzCA
It's the way I am going to tackle my yseams in the project I ufo'd because of those annoying y seams.. This method looks loads easier!

I don't do them. I could, I just prefer not to. I have made Tumbling blocks and Lonestar with different rulers so that I don't have to do y seams.

She makes it look so easy. Thanks for the link!

I did not think this day would ever come (wait, I gotta lick my fingers, the chocolate mess you know).....

I know, how to do, Y seams....and they are easy!!!!!

This was the first real technique I learn to do, my tumbling blocks....ok ok ok....I did not finish the quilt top....
but I did do alot of tumbling blocks and I was so proud.....I posted a picture....

So yes....Y SEAMS ARE EASY.....

I am not capable of explaining how to do them....but trust me, they are so easy....learning the old fashion technique is easy. Best of Luck to you.