Tartan

I just watched the free show on Michael James featured on The Quilt Show. He presses his seams open when inserting a square into a whole cloth background. His reasoning was, pressing to the side was the best when hand sewing pieces together but with the new stronger threads and machine sewing, it is no longer necessary. I still prefer pressing to the side mostly but some patterns and technique do better pressed open. My pressing open has been increasing, how about you?

MacThayer

As a former seamstress, it was hard to get used to pressing to the side. I like to press them open. When I plan to do so, I shorten the stitch, make sure I back stitch at both ends of a seam, and press carefully. I think an open seam makes for a flatter top.

DebraK

I press open a lot when I paper piece.

quiltingcandy

It seems to be one of those things that change from year to year. The pattern or fabric dictates whether I press open or to the side. I do believe you have a stronger seam if you press to one side, but that is just an opinion, so evidence to back it up.

DOTTYMO

I do a complete mixture. Usually depending on the pattern .

QuiltingVagabond

While an open seam is flatter, I find it difficult and more time consuming to press open a 1/4" seam, so I prefer to press to one side.

Daffy Daphne

I try to think about how the piece needs to be quilted. If it's to be SITD, I press to one side. Otherwise, I like the way pressing open gives me a flatter top.

NJ Quilter

I'm mostly an open presser as well. Probably because I come from a garment/home dec background. I started out pressing to the side when I first started quilting because it was the 'right' way to do it. Finally decided I like a flatter top to work with and just decided to ignore the quilt police and go my own way. Sometimes some seams still get pressed to the side but it's strictly dictated by how the pattern goes together.

DogHouseMom

?? how ???

Dalronix

Does pressing open create a problem with the batting working it's way through?