Originally Posted by Rebecca_S
I'm working on making a bunch of 9 patches using strip piecing to sew 3 strips together before cutting and sewing into 9 patches.
I know that you aren't supposed to iron a block but to press it to not distort the block.
What about when you strip-piece though, do you iron the seams along the length of the strip or only press? I've been ironing along the length but wondered if maybe pressing would make more accurate blocks.
Pressing is always more accurate.
It does not distort the fabric.
but
You are ironing the wrong direction.
Press across the strips to set the seams only.
If you want to make the work easier for yourself,
starch and iron the fabric before you cut it.
If the fabric is a bit stiff and papery it sews ever so much
better.
I find that if I myself don't iron any blocks, or seams the finished work goes together very neatly and nicely!
but
I have a friend that irons like crazy during construction and
her finished blocks also go together well.
Go figure?