Some people like to press their seams open vs. to one side to reduce bulk. Using a dowel makes this easier to accomplish. It helps prevent those tiny creases that may form along the seam. I did this a long time ago when doing drapes and other home dec.
Pressing seams open is a personal preference.
I have seen more and more home dec and garment construction techniques and tools recently being used for quilting. If someone's only done patchwork, it may be new to them. It's all sewing so whatever works for you!
Last edited by PaperPrincess; 03-13-2016 at 12:22 PM.