Does setting your seams with an iron after sewing really make a difference?

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11-16-2011, 09:11 AM

#51

CorgiNole

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Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Chapel Hill

Posts: 1,086

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckcowl

setting your seams causes them to sink into the fabric and gives you more precise edges. the blocks will lay flatter- and be neater....also helps that 1/4" seam more (right on)
if you don't bother to set your seam before pressing to one side or the other the excess can be 1/8"---and that 8 times equals a whole inch!
so, if you are looking for precision- technical perfection- setting your seams is an important step

This is why I do it. And it is not a fun process for me, but I persevere. I do find that it keeps things flatter and helps maintain the accuracy of my scant 1/4 inch seams.

Cheers, K

11-16-2011, 09:22 AM

#52

CorgiNole

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Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Chapel Hill

Posts: 1,086

Sorry - computer hiccuped a double post.

Cheers, K

11-16-2011, 09:42 AM

#53

joyce888

Power Poster

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Georgia

Posts: 11,189

To me it makes a world of difference. I've tried it without and I don't think the seams are as easy to press open. Also it makes a big difference when your sewing over multiple layers.

11-16-2011, 10:06 AM

#54

Kristin in ME

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2011

Location: Maine, U.S.A.

Posts: 536

The things I learn on here! I had never even heard of setting a seam. Guess I'll be doing that from now on!

11-16-2011, 10:40 AM

#55

misseva

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: East Arkansas

Posts: 2,534

I always do now. Really no trouble when you get used to it. Just zap the seam once as sewn then open up & press.

11-16-2011, 11:02 AM

#56

Doreen

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Join Date: Jul 2007

Location: El Paso Tx

Posts: 1,428

It does make a difference. Do it on some piecing and look at the results.

11-16-2011, 09:58 PM

#57

Camping Angel

Junior Member

Join Date: Oct 2011

Location: Golden State

Posts: 125

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltinghere

Yes I set the seam and then press it open...of course noticing I didn't say the word 'iron'.

SET - put iron on fabric pieces as they were sewn (think about ironing a shirt - you'd smooth it out before really ironing it)

PRESS OPEN - open the seam and gently press the iron into the seam - don't iron it.

I think each seam looks pretty when pressed.

and I think it makes a difference in my blocks.

Thanks for the explanation. As a beginner, I find this to be an excellent teaching post.

11-17-2011, 03:47 AM

#58

Edie

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Posts: 2,616

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carron

Do you set your just sewn seams with an iron?
I am wondering what is the reason for that extra step.

I do it the way Fons and Porter does it. I iron it flat and then open it and sew the seam to the dark (We all know what I am talking about, right?) and press it again! Works great! Good luck! Edie

11-17-2011, 03:48 AM

#59

Buttons922

Junior Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Kingsland, tx

Posts: 233

I think this is one of those personal things, some do, some don't. I do, a professional quilter told me to make it look professional/classier and easier to look at the final product set the seam, iron and starch often. I hate to agree with her, (I would like to think I KNOW everthing) But she is right. Try it and see if it fits for your sewing talents and let us know. I am very interested in fellow quilters views on this subject.