Originally Posted by Twilliebee
Kryssa, there really isn't a reason not to iron your seams open anymore, and although I've read the reason they were customarily ironed to one side, I don't recall what it was. A number of quilters iron their seams open because they prefer the absolutely flat look it provides. Some also believe free motion quilting is easier with flat seams. I believe there is some concern that seams are more likely to get skewed when ironed open, and that intersections of blocks require more special handling. I've done both, but I'm not experienced enough to have much of an opinion either way. When I have a little extra time, I'll try to find the sites where I originally got this information and post the links. Have fun!
Right! No reason not to press open. In the days of hand pieced blocks, seams were pressed to the side to give them more strength, but with the lock stitch of machines today, it is not necessary. I like the way seams pressed in opposite directions "lock' when I sew them, but if you're careful, seams pressed open will be just fine.