Seams: Press Open or to the Side?
09-22-2014, 06:38 AM
#31
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Location: El Paso Texas
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There are times when it is necessary to press open to get a block to lie flat, but rarely. Pressing to the side makes for a much sturdier block/quilt. If you consider this, with seams pressed open the only thing standing between it and life is a row of stitches. make sense?
09-22-2014, 06:43 AM
#32
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Location: Desert Hot Springs Ca
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often I do not plan my block layout until they are all finished, so if I pressed to the side, there is a problem with the seams nesting, if they are pressed open, they fit no matter where I lay the block.
09-22-2014, 07:06 AM
#34
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Location: Florida
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I hate open seams. But on a recent quilt I had 6 seams coming together when I joined the blocks, a fine lump in each intersection. I have heard of others using a rubber mallet to flatten the lumps. I think I'll leave them, it's consistent. But, if I ever make the pattern again, I'll open the seams.
09-22-2014, 07:49 AM
#36
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Depends what mood I'm in, or what kind of piecing I'm pressing, or what color socks I'm wearing, or any number of things. I don't play by the rules most of the time. On those occasions when I do play by the rules, I'm usually following someone else's pattern, and following their pressing instructions.
09-22-2014, 07:55 AM
#37
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Originally Posted by Boston1954
Since I am self taught, I have always put them to one side or the other. I feel it is a stronger seam that way, but my sister sometimes puts them open, as they lie (lay) flatter. Whatever works best for you.
I agree as it depends on how thick the material is as to whether I press to one side or I press it open. Try both and see what you like best !
09-22-2014, 11:39 AM
#38
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
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Since I began quilting, there has always been a little controversy about pressing seams to one side or open. In watching several quilting teachers over the years, the answer seemed to be consistent: press the seams open or to one side, depending on the best way to make the block. I may not be explaining myself, but if you have a lot of seams coming together, pressing seams open will definitely reduce bulk and make for a better looking block.
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