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Do I press before squaring a block?

Do I press before squaring a block?

Old 08-11-2013, 10:16 AM
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Default Do I press before squaring a block?

I can't seem to find an answer to this problem. I have used a templated to make 1/4 circle segments that make a block which is supposed to be 7 inches when placed together mine are about 7.5 inches and I know I need to square the blocks but do I press without steam or just go for it? It is for a Moon in the Window quilt.
Thanks for your help.
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Old 08-11-2013, 10:46 AM
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I am no expert, but I would press with starch. I did some drunkard path blocks for DGS a quilt and starch saved me!
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Old 08-11-2013, 11:54 AM
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I steam and starch and make sure its flat before I square. If you press after then it won't be accurate. Steam makes it lie flat to get it more accurate.
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Old 08-11-2013, 11:54 AM
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you don't have to use steam but starch may help a bit. but if you trim, be sure to watch where your lines on your ruler are and do the same for each and every block so they will all be the same. By that I mean lines on the block pieces, not just the edges of the block. especially if those 1/4 circles must match in your quilt. Good luck.
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Old 08-11-2013, 11:54 AM
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I am not familiar with the Moon in the Window pattern. If they are squares with 1/4 of a circle in the corner like Drunkard's Path blocks, then I would press. If you need to trim them, check to make sure the circle part is correct and trim off the square part so the 1/4 circle stays the size you need.
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Old 08-11-2013, 12:05 PM
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I press before squaring. (Trimming neatily)

Make sure you square to the UNFINISHED size - It would be a bummer if you unwittingly squared to a FINISHED size when you should have been squaring (neatening) to the UNFINISHED size.
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Old 08-11-2013, 12:33 PM
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I press before squaring also. Not all of the blocks need steam but some do. I adjust as needed.
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Old 08-11-2013, 01:33 PM
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Yes, press before squaring. I use steam, no starch. When squaring DP blocks, the distance from seam to circle corner from both sides should be the same on every square and the distance from seam to 'L' corner from both sides should be the same on every square. That way the seams match up when joined.

Last edited by ghostrider; 08-11-2013 at 01:41 PM.
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Old 08-11-2013, 01:38 PM
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Whenever a seam has bias to it, it's easy to stretch during pressing. Press is Up and down motion, not ironing which is across the fabric.

And yes I'd press
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Old 08-11-2013, 02:57 PM
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if your blocks finish at 7" you want to square up to 7 1/2"...don't cut too much off and not leave yourself a seam allowance. press well- nice & flat- then carefully trim each side.
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