maryb119

I set my seems before I press them the direction I want them to go. I think it makes a difference.

judi wess

I set the seams 'cause it makes buries the thread into the fabric and make a lovely crisp seam when pressed for the final open or to the side pressing.

katz_n_kwiltz

i have learned that, yes it does make a difference, depending on what i am doing alsew,
i like to set my seams of HST, and yes, it may seam like an extra step, but it it sew worth it
to have it lay so flat, i use a Rowenta iron, with full steam ahead!! i have seen Eleanor Burns
do it many times and for her its no big deal, yes even my other idol Kaye Wood does it too.
so thats my opinion. good luck
katz

AprilG

What is setting a seam? I am new to quilting and have not heard that term. I do press my seams to one side or open (whichever the pattern calls for).

Anna O

It does matter as it does exactly as named, it sets the stitching threads into the fabric.

mariehughey

Just to add one thing that I have not read on other responses. Ironing (and clipping) is especially important on even a slightly curved seam. And like many have said, after you get use to ironing, it really isn't an extra step.

Jingle

I do not set my seams. I tried and thought the seams lay flater if I just press to the dark side. I have made lots and lots of quilts, like 90 or so.

yourstrulyquilts

Setting your seams also helps if you're going to open the seam, instead of press it to one side. It really helps!

k9dancer

I find that pressing between each step makes a huge difference. My students are always going on about how nice the back of my quilt top looks. It also improves the accuracy of your blocks, and that makes the finished product that much easier to quilt.
YMMV.

digdog2002

I think it makes big difference! There have already been good explanations for this but, I agree that the best reason is that
the size is more accurate.