‘Spin’ Seam or Not?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: North-East England
Posts: 681
‘Spin’ Seam or Not?
I’m starting on a quilt. Each square block is made up of 4 x 5 inch squares.
I want the centre point to be nice and flat. Should I press each seam open or press to alternate sides and ‘spin’ the centre point where all the seams meet?
Does it make any difference?
I want the centre point to be nice and flat. Should I press each seam open or press to alternate sides and ‘spin’ the centre point where all the seams meet?
Does it make any difference?
#2
If it's 4 x 5" pieces, then you would do best to iron the seams one way with the next row ironing the other way. That way they can butt up against each other. I usually have to iron in a circular pattern when I'm sewing triangles together.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S.E. Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,461
I disagree - when you sew two 4 patches together, if the middle seams are all 'spun' in the same direction, then the seams will nest together. How seams are pressed is just a matter of preference, but pressing open will give a flatter finish.
#5
It is all just preference. I either press to one side or spin my centers (esp if there is a lot of bulk at the intersections). I press row 1 one way and row 2 the other. Nest my seams sew the rows tog. I then make a call as to how bulky the seams are. If I think they are too bulky I swirl them if not I press them in one direction. I rarely will press an entire seam open (I do occasionally press short internal seams in a block open to reduce bulk). - My opinion (and I know that others will disagree) lots of seams pressed open are a weakness in the quilt.
#10
the most critical choice is stitch size.
[something i too often forget] if i plan to press open, the stitches need to be a bit shorter than usual.
[another step i too often forget is] the importance of reinforcing the start and end of each seam.
they can pull open during later assembly if i don't.
thread color also matters more if seams will be pressed open.
you might need to experiment to see which color(s) of thread are least visible.
__________________
- necessity is the mother of invention. lazy is the crazy aunt.
- for issues regarding the reminder emails, please contact [email protected]
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dollycaswell
Pictures
95
08-26-2011 09:23 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
2
06-14-2010 10:02 PM