I'm glad this question was posted because I often wonder why the seams can't be pressed open (as we learned to do in homemaking class way back when). Per directions, I always press to the side of the darker fabric but it seems so bulky especially at the point where several pieces are sewn together. In my mind it seems that it would be much "neater" and less bulky if they were pressed open. They only time I did press open was when I make some flannel quilts as someone suggested that is best and I agree as things would have been super bulky if they were to one side. Maybe my next small table topper I'll try pressing open to see how it works for me.