I NEVER use the steam feature on my iron, i keep a spray bottle of water on the ironing board and use that to spritz the fabric before piecing; and if i need to open a seam for pressing i use a wooden pencil. sometimes the point to open and the eraser to hold the seam open while i press. i've been sewing for 45 years so i've had LOTS of burns...always looking for ways to avoid them...sometimes fingerpressing is enough to open the seam and get you started.