Hi, I have stopped pressing/ironing until I finish a block - I WAS stretching the fabric! Took a class with Kaye England (many small pieced triangles - Star of Hope pattern) and she told us just to finger press until the block was done - they came out great! Now I either finger press or use the "Fabric Folding Pen". (Basically wetting the seam and then finger-pressing it lightly without stretching it) It works great, flattens the seams almost as much as an iron but is easier to change the direction than if the seam was ironed. Just wet again and reverse the seam direction. Hope this helps.