I press to the side mostly and to whatever color makes the most sense. If a pattern tells me specific pressing, I try to do it per the instructions. Sometimes, I have been known to turn a seam in the middle so that each end of the seam nests correctly. Once it is quilted, you cannot tell. Yes, I do quilt them on a long arm machine. I've become one of those people.....It's my quilt, I'll do it like I want. Get thee behind me Quilt Police!