to press or not to press; that is the question!
01-10-2013, 01:44 PM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
I have been working on the Omigosh quilt, and I have starched as I went along. The strips stand up by themselves (almost). The pieces are so small that that is the only way to make the seams lay flat. I haven't run into any problems yet, and if I am going to, please don't tell me. Ignorance is bliss you know. This quilt is for me, and I am hoping to post it when I get it done if I can get one of my kids to help me. It is real scrappy.
Sue
Sue
01-10-2013, 03:12 PM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 5,500
Okay, I do not press or starch before I sew my pieces together. I also don't prewash. I do press as I go along. I even press the seam, to "set the press"...I think it is called. So, like everything in my life, I do some stuff right and some stuff wrong...but it works for me.
If you can piece a queen sized top in a week, I'd say you are doing really well!! Just do what you want to do, it sounds like it is working!!
Dina
If you can piece a queen sized top in a week, I'd say you are doing really well!! Just do what you want to do, it sounds like it is working!!
Dina
01-10-2013, 03:57 PM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Brisbane, Aust
Posts: 1,498
I always wash first. I made a quilt for my Grandson and washed the border fabric many times as the dye was still coming out, thought I was good to go, washed the quilt again after finishing and "disaster" the colour ran, washed again and fortunately it came out of the white background.
01-10-2013, 03:59 PM
#25
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
I press my fabric before I cut the pieces. Wrinkled fabric can distort the cut. But, I don't always press the block as I assemble the pieces. Instead of the iron, I use the little wooden hand-press while piecing and then press the block when it is complete.
01-10-2013, 04:15 PM
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 3,252
Originally Posted by auntpiggylpn
I too am a pre washer as I am allergic to the chemicals in the fabric making process. I will iron my yardage after I wash it. I used to be a a die hard Best Press kind of gal then I stumbled across the Bounce Pressing Spray. I love it! When I am ready to use a piece of fabric for a project, I will again iron and will do a light spray of either Best Press or Bounce Pressing Spray if it needs it. Might be a wasted step and a waste of product but I don't mind! When piecing, I press after every seam. I don't necessarily use anymore pressing product though. When my block is completed, I will give it a good pressing with a light spray of pressing product before I square it up.
(PS: I'm one of those weirdos that enjoys the ironing of my yardage after washing it. It is really cathartic for me, especially if I am in love with the fabric! Plus it gives me another opportunity to examine my fabric for any defects such as runs, snags, stains (even on brand new yardage!) or holes. I guess I spend a lot of time loving on my fabrics! I wonder if I should seek some kind of professional help. . . hmmm)
(PS: I'm one of those weirdos that enjoys the ironing of my yardage after washing it. It is really cathartic for me, especially if I am in love with the fabric! Plus it gives me another opportunity to examine my fabric for any defects such as runs, snags, stains (even on brand new yardage!) or holes. I guess I spend a lot of time loving on my fabrics! I wonder if I should seek some kind of professional help. . . hmmm)
01-10-2013, 04:19 PM
#27
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 10,704
These are not unnecessary steps if you want to do your best work and have it look its' best.
This is all preparation. Like painting a room, most of the time is in getting ready to paint and if you want it to look good you do the prep work.
It is all part of the whole experience. When you pull the fabric from the dryer and see it all ready to press or even better to see the fabric hanging on a cloths line in a sunny breezy day. Wonderful!
And then the thrill of working the fabric into your very own creation.
peace
This is all preparation. Like painting a room, most of the time is in getting ready to paint and if you want it to look good you do the prep work.
It is all part of the whole experience. When you pull the fabric from the dryer and see it all ready to press or even better to see the fabric hanging on a cloths line in a sunny breezy day. Wonderful!
And then the thrill of working the fabric into your very own creation.
peace
01-11-2013, 10:55 PM
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 172
Originally Posted by terri bb
do you guys press and starch your fabric before you start and then iron your seams when machine piecing or do you eliminate that step? i dont want to take a bunch of unneccessary steps; i realize there is no 'quilting police' in anything we do and there are no rules, but i also am fairly slow at piecing a top and i take a lot of steps to ensure accuracy, etc. maybe because im only a 2 year old sewer. any suggestions? it takes me an average of about a week? to piece an intermediate queen pattern if im really steady at it and life stays out of my way! thanks 
01-12-2013, 01:10 AM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mechanicsville, IA
Posts: 1,497
I just ordered and watched Sally Collins video on Precision Piecing. She presses as she goes. Even the experts don't agree. I have run across one block that did not work if you pressed as you went. But most of the time I do.
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