Steam or no steam?
03-10-2017, 04:08 AM
#31
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: St. Louis suburbs
Posts: 6,084
No steam now. Used it for ten years but my blocks were not coming out the size intended. I think they shrunk or something so I stopped the steam and now occasionally use spray sizing instead. Much happier.
03-13-2017, 02:54 PM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SW Georgia
Posts: 479
Originally Posted by bearisgray
I washed my fabric before cutting it, so no worry about shrinkage.
I like steam better - I can use a higher heat and not scorch things.
I don't have a problem with stretching bias edges. I press "with the grain" so the bias is not stretched.
I like steam better - I can use a higher heat and not scorch things.
I don't have a problem with stretching bias edges. I press "with the grain" so the bias is not stretched.
03-13-2017, 06:14 PM
#34
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: St. Louis area
Posts: 212
I love steam but now I rarely use it because irons start to leak. I found a starch alternative that I loved by Bounce, but almost as soon as I discovered it(I think it was on this board) they discontinued it. I have now purchased a cordless iron, which I'm thoroughly enjoying, and I don't intend to use any water in it. The spray bottle is my friend if I need moisture for a stubborn wrinkle.
03-14-2017, 01:42 AM
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Blue Ridge Mountians
Posts: 7,076
Originally Posted by EasyPeezy
I only use a dry iron. However, I just learned a new trick the other day which I kind of
dismissed at first then decided to give it a try. After I finished sewing my block and
as soon as I finish pressing, I put a square ruler on it and leave it there until it cools
completely. You get a nice flat block. It really works. I noticed that it creates just
enough steam under the ruler. Don't worry... your ruler won't melt. Wish I could
remember where I saw this trick...somewhere in the blog world.
Edit: It's better to leave it for a few hours. Doesn't work if you are too
impatient. LOL
dismissed at first then decided to give it a try. After I finished sewing my block and
as soon as I finish pressing, I put a square ruler on it and leave it there until it cools
completely. You get a nice flat block. It really works. I noticed that it creates just
enough steam under the ruler. Don't worry... your ruler won't melt. Wish I could
remember where I saw this trick...somewhere in the blog world.
Edit: It's better to leave it for a few hours. Doesn't work if you are too
impatient. LOL
03-14-2017, 08:44 AM
#37
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,443
Originally Posted by sval
Steam will cause shrinkage. I had a block finished to the correct size, turned on the steam and the block shrunk 1/4 inch. So blocked it back to where it needed to be.
03-15-2017, 03:21 AM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 673
Originally Posted by bearisgray
Did you wash your fabrics before cutting them?
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