I watch a lot of tutorials and I have seen this technique in passing a few times, but I have never had it explained to me.
What I am referring to is this: After sewing two long strips together, the seam is placed over a dowel rod to press it open. What exactly does that accomplish, and is this a common technique that I just have never heard of?
If you watch this preview of a craftsy class, you will see her doing this at about the 1 minute mark:
http://www.craftsy.com/class/quiltin...95339~cyfdrhoh