Originally Posted by
joe'smom
You should not press seams open if you've hand pieced, or if you want to stitch in the ditch. If machine piecing, it isn't necessary to press to the side, but you may still want to, depending on the quilt design. I do both, depending on the quilt.
Open seams: could cause batting to beard thru; if quilted right on that joining thread could split that thread and weaken seam; and rubber mallet on those seams could break down the fibers and cause weaken weave....
All the above are COULDs....we make our own choice as to what works for us......
I, personally iron to side, nest as joining, "Spin" those multiple joins and recently found the clapper helps to make those bulky seams flatter, but that's my choice too.