Originally Posted by
sushi
If memory serves, the speaker said the following:
1. It's ok to press seams open.
2. It's ok to use poly/cotton thread.
As a result, I usually press my seams open, and it works very well. And I always use poly/cotton thread. No problems so far.
Sushi, my personal experience does not agree with the first statement. It may not make a difference if your quilts are carefully hand washed, but most of mine get thrown in the washer whether I want them to or not. Unless you do very close quilting, you will develop broken seams with regular use. Obviously, not an issue with a small wallhanging.
2. I totally agree with the second statement. However I use a looser stitch and always use rotten when paper piecing. I do not use poly-cotten on kitchen items since it can melt. That's probably overkill on my part.