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  • Steam or no steam?

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    Old 03-10-2017, 04:08 AM
      #31  
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    Wanabee Quiltin's Avatar
     
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    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.
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    Old 03-13-2017, 02:54 PM
      #32  
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    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 totally agree with bearisgray. Washing, higher heat with steam, and watching out for bias edges if I have them. Also, I use spray starch after my block is done. Really flattens everything out!
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    Old 03-13-2017, 02:57 PM
      #33  
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    Originally Posted by popover
    No steam. It tends to stretch a bias edge. I mist a little water if I have a wrinkle.
    Same here I keep a mister bottle near by.
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    Old 03-13-2017, 06:14 PM
      #34  
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    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.
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    Old 03-14-2017, 01:42 AM
      #35  
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    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
    In the tailor shop we use to have a block of wood that we "pounded" our creases in after applying steam. It flattened lapels, flaps, and front jacket edges beautifully without creating shiny fabric.
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    Old 03-14-2017, 04:00 AM
      #36  
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    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.
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    Old 03-14-2017, 08:44 AM
      #37  
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    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.
    Did you wash your fabrics before cutting them?
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    Old 03-14-2017, 10:11 AM
      #38  
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    I like steam. Doesn't shrink the fabric if you prewash. I press though, I don't iron. There is a big difference in pressing vs ironing.
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    Old 03-14-2017, 05:56 PM
      #39  
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    No steam here, use a spray of water if needed.
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    Old 03-15-2017, 03:21 AM
      #40  
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    Originally Posted by bearisgray
    Did you wash your fabrics before cutting them?
    No, I am a prewasher at heart; but this was fabric from a kit. So the risk of shrinkage and not having enough fabric kept me from prewashing. Another reason to avoid kits.
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