Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • half square triangles >
  • half square triangles

  • half square triangles

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 07-17-2020, 06:33 AM
      #1  
    Senior Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Jul 2011
    Location: Wyoming
    Posts: 589
    Default half square triangles

    Can you please tell me if you press your half squares to side or open. Have not use many before and just getting back to quilting
    thanks
    yellowwroses is offline  
    Old 07-17-2020, 06:36 AM
      #2  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Aug 2018
    Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
    Posts: 6,165
    Default

    I press open for a variety of reasons, for me it is more accurate and less lumpy. Keep your stitch length short if you are pressing open. Pressing open also means I typically pin a lot more than other people, about every 2" all the time.

    Sometimes pressed open or not, when you have a bunch of points going around in a circle (like in the middle of a star) the proper tool for the job is a hammer to squish that seam down!
    Iceblossom is offline  
    Old 07-17-2020, 06:58 AM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    juliasb's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jun 2010
    Location: Waterford Michigan
    Posts: 7,241
    Default

    I was taught to press sto the side lighter onto the d ark part of the HST. So unless the pattern says otherwise I always do it to the side. The most important part is to press well.
    juliasb is offline  
    Old 07-17-2020, 08:35 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jan 2015
    Posts: 2,867
    Default

    Side for me. I have to have a very good reason to press open - takes more time and heats my fingertips.
    Irishrose2 is offline  
    Old 07-17-2020, 08:38 AM
      #5  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: May 2008
    Location: MN
    Posts: 24,645
    Default

    I usually press to the side. I have a more challenging time lining up seams that are pressed open than those that are pressed to the side.
    bearisgray is offline  
    Old 07-17-2020, 08:39 AM
      #6  
    Super Member
     
    Macybaby's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2013
    Location: South Dakota
    Posts: 8,151
    Default

    I look at how they work with blocks next to them. I like to "nest" when possible and will press to facilitate that.
    Macybaby is offline  
    Old 07-17-2020, 08:41 AM
      #7  
    Super Member
     
    leaha's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Aug 2009
    Location: Ky. USA
    Posts: 2,829
    Default

    I press to the dark side, so when hand quilting I have less layers to sew threw and was the way I learned
    leaha is offline  
    Old 07-17-2020, 09:30 AM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2010
    Location: Ridgefield WA
    Posts: 7,765
    Default

    I press open (like I do for most of my seams.) Flying Geese, no, to the side!
    Kitsie is offline  
    Old 07-17-2020, 10:35 AM
      #9  
    Junior Member
     
    Join Date: Feb 2016
    Posts: 202
    Default

    It’s a constant battle for me which to do. I started with side only but they got so bulky that I switched to open. In the end I found those are just as bulky. I do feel that pressing them open might give a little bit of a neater look. I tend to stitch in the ditch when quilting, or at least try to, so for that reason I’m more likely to press to the side.
    MeadowMist is offline  
    Old 07-17-2020, 10:50 AM
      #10  
    Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2008
    Posts: 15
    Default

    Just keep in mind how you are going to finish your quilt or if you send it to a longarmmer. If you do an overall design then it doesn't matter if your seams are open or pressed to the dark side but, if the quilt calls for custom work then the quilter needs the ditch to keep your quilt as square as possible and to be able to go from one element to the next. I personally prefer pressing to the dark when possible so I cover my bases when I quilt my top.
    Danny is offline  

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter