Originally Posted by
LoisM
Couldn't you just use a piece of PVC with terry cloth draped over it?
I use a section of wooden molding WITHOUT a cover--had planned to cover it but tried it bare-- and it works very well for pressing seams open. I was hating trying to press a 1/4" seam open until I tried this.
By the way, the reason the strips bow is not because they were sewn all from the same direction; it has to do with thread tension, which if off can slightly gather the fabric as it's sewn. Sewing in opposite directions just counteracts one bow with a bow in the other direction!
Lee in Richmond's comment that "the top thread is easier to pull when ripping" indicates the tension on the top thread is too tight or the bottom is too loose. Part-polyester fabrics also have a strong tendency for the seams to ripple, or bow; just one reason I refuse to deal with them!
Sometimes, if you have not back-tacked at the end of seams, just runningthe seam through a thumbnail and forefinger held together will straighten them sufficiently. Note the gather that results as you go along.
p.s. I just saw the finished, reworked top, and it looks great! In my opinion the colors and business of the prints are wonderful, as is.