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Pressing seams open...what a PAIN

Pressing seams open...what a PAIN

Old 09-11-2013, 04:17 PM
  #51  
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Originally Posted by matraina View Post
Recently, I had seen advertised covers for your fingers for just that reason. Wasn't interested at the time so didn't pay much attention. I'll try to find it again and will let you know if I do.
Nancy's Notions carries finger covers to protect your fingers from a hot iron.
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Old 09-11-2013, 06:46 PM
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These strip sticks are excellent. I have had mine for 3 years. I use them every day. I iron all my seems open because it is easier for my Tiara to quilt. They are worth every penny. Emily
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Old 09-11-2013, 07:11 PM
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I use a manicurist's orange wood stick.
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Old 09-11-2013, 07:42 PM
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There is a very small iron just for this, sells at Jo anns, It has a small triangle heat tip and I only use it if I have to iron the seams open
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Old 09-11-2013, 09:22 PM
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I bought a wooden seam roller at a quilt show that helps. It's a good way to get the seams open and flat and then you can apply heat to it after, if needed.

It's similar to this:

http://spiromandalas.wordpress.com/using-a-seam-roller/
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Old 09-11-2013, 09:47 PM
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A short length of wooden molding works well--mine is about 24" long and was around $2 at Home Depot, as it sells by the foot and they'll cut the length you want. Picture a half round dowel (which was not available) on top of a quarter inch thick flat piece that extends about 1/4" wider than the half round, but of course it's all one piece. I figured I could cover it if necessary, but tried just the bare wood and it worked perfectly. No steam needed at this point: Just lay the seam along the stick, open the end with a finger or whatever, and run the iron down it. The seam falls open as you go. After that's done I usually press the whole block with steam. I no longer cringe at the need for opened seams! (My added bonus is my stick is just long enough to use as an extension of my finger when I want to reach over and turn my fan on or off and don't want to get up.)
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Old 09-12-2013, 03:02 AM
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You can use a wooden dowel in the same way as a strip stick or make one of your own by stuffing a tube of cloth. I use a dowel all the time .
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Old 09-13-2013, 12:25 AM
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i was going to use lumber molding too,instead i found some heavy fabric that was left over from making a cover for my ironing board . then i cut a strip about 2 inches wide by how long i needed them after i cut my sizes then i sewed each pouch or bag on both sides leaving only one end open then filled each pouch or bag very tightly with crushed walnuts shell. the same walnuts shell used for pincushions .then just hand stitch end closed ,it works very good
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Old 09-13-2013, 04:02 AM
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Originally Posted by amcatanzaro View Post
Chopsticks and letter openers work too.
Why am I fixated on that jumping elephant?!
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Old 09-13-2013, 04:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Prism99 View Post
A strip stick can be helpful: http://thestripstick.com/buy_products . Love mine!
What's the strip stick stuffed with?
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