Originally Posted by JanieW
I've been quilting for quite a few years. Until recently I was unaware of the practice of setting the seam with your iron before you press the seam to one side.
I don't know why we are supposed to do it, but I am convinced that I am having more luck with accuracy since I started setting my seams.
Anyone know the rationale to setting the seam?
I am thinking that most of us are working with fabric that is not pre-washed .... and, even if it is, the principle is the same.
When you stitch through fabric, you are usually leaving a sizeable hole, even though you are using a smaller sized needle. The result of pulling thread through the hole to create the stitch also puts tension on the sides of that hole.
So, you take the iron, put hot steam to it, and in effect, it makes the fabric pull together tighter, and possibly makes the stitches pull closer through the layers.
Finger pressing will also accomplish good results. <wave>