Originally Posted by
ghostrider
Setting seams is not the same as pressing them and can only be done with a hot iron. It's when you press the iron down flat on the seam just as it was sewn, before you press it open or to one side. It gets rid of any little puckers and sinks the seam threads down into the fabric, making for much more accuracy and a clean, sharp seam line.
I always set my seams and it makes a huge difference. The only disadvantage to setting is if you have to remove stitching; it's harder with sunken threads. I always set my seams using a steam setting and no starch (I never use starch). The precision it adds is SO worth the bit of extra effort.
I agree. It does seem to flatten/smooth out the seam line a lot.
When I actually do get around to making things, there are several "extra" steps that I usually take that are so worth it to me. (washing the fabric before cutting it, pressing as I go, I also generally do not use starch - I think the fabric should be able to "stand on its own"- pressing the top and backing "one more time" before sandwiching the item - one last time to check for glitches)