CAROLJ

Thanks Katier, I should have started out using this method. I just didn't tink of it off hand.

pittsburgpam

For some things it's probably better but for normal piecing, I wouldn't want to use it.

When I made a giant dahlia where 16 pieces meet in the center I used the method of leaving the last 1/4" unsewn and pressing all the seams in one direction. It just swirls around the center and there is no bulk at all.

charmpacksplus

I have mixed emotions on which way to press the seams. I find that it works better to press the diagonal seams open and the horizontals and verticals to one side.

shaverg

I do both, depending on the block. If I need to decrease bulk I might press them open. But otherwise you are right it is a pain and takes longer.

johncy

i did tayloring for many years so pressing open the seams is natural to me, and i hand quilt so the thickness of double side would even harder to push through. but your quilt is very pretty, i love the colors and i think you will be pleased when you finish.

Oklahoma Suzie

I do it both ways

littlehud

Your quilt is going to be beautiful. I don't like to press seams open. Just doesn't work for me.

Jingle

I'm going to try pressing seams open more, I did it on my quilt Baby Hopscotch and it looked better and intersections were easier to match.

Your quilt will turn out very pretty.

pittsburgpam

It actually did make my piecing more accurate. It also adds a lot of time. I don't think I would do it normally, maybe on special projects.

Yvonne

First off I must say I am loving your project! I love the fabric you have selected for this quilt. It's going to be so crisp and beautiful.

I have to absolutely agree with your assessment of open seams. I am just finishing up a quilt that had seams pressed open. Many near cases of burnt fingers ensued. I did get quite adept at pressing seams open but did not enjoy it. (I started finger pressing the seams first and then pressed with the iron. BIG help!) I also found there was a lot more pinning needed at the intersections. I was lucky that the pattern I was using didn't have very much matching going on.

Continue on and watch out for your fingers with that iron! I am anxious to see a whole big section of your quilt top now.