I usually press to the side, but I made a carpenters star and pressed those open. I loved not having to try to figure out which side to press to. Just got busy stitching it together. The star's center laid a lit flatter too. I usually do the snip and swirl on the star's center to reduce bulk, but open seams was much easier. Try both ways and see which you like best. I don't think there's a right way, just a personal preference way. I confess I still probably prefer pressing to one side, though. Happy stitching!