bigsister63

I press each seam to side before joining to another peice. Also I press seams "closed/ as sewn" before pressing open. This seems like an added step but it does make seams lie flatter.I have tried not pressing but it seems way harder to press after joining then pressing before joining. Also pressing before joining makes seams/points easier to match

MaryLane

As other said, it is Deep Vein Thrombosis. My family is prone to them and I have had one pulmonary emboli. Scary stuff. So, it is up and down for me. Keeps the blood moving and helps with my hip and lower back pain.

Elaine433

I do all my chain piecing then take the whole chain to the ironing board and press. I find that it makes a big difference when you press each section before adding on another.

Maureen

You really need to press every seam. Makes a big difference. I keep a small travel iron and an old wood cutting board covered with batting and fabric right next to my machine so I can sew and press very easily without moving.

jaciqltznok

this is the way to go!

charity-crafter

This is what I do, I finger press until I get to crossed seams and then press everything. I tend to be a chain piecer so I have all my blocks at the same stage so I press everything at the same time.

vondae

I press each seam also. Keeps things crisp and easier to sew. I had my husband cut me a 16 x 16 inch piece of plywood. I made a little ironing mat that I keep next to my sewing machine. I have a small GE iron I bought at the $ store that I use (NO auto shut off). Works great for me for the smaller pieces. When I get to the larger strips I iron those on the reg. iron board. Works for me.

bearisgray

Exceptions:

Finger pressing works fairly well until the final pressing on simple blocks such as a 9-patch.

I wait until the block is completed before pressing a complex block that I'm hand-piecing. The probable reason for hand-piecing was to decide how to press the block when it was completed.

crtwelvecats

I assembly line each step and then iron before the next step. I have a pad and iron on the right of me so I don't have to jump up and down. A iron board can be lowered to sitting height too if you have the room or a a covered tv tray will work in smaller plaes. I have a L shape desk at the moment so I just use that.But pressing really helps me as I go. I have seen people finger press but it just doesn't work well for me.

mucky

I'm sure the quilt police will be after me but depending on the pattern I sometimes don't press until time for borders!