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-   -   Do NOT iron until the quilt top is DONE! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/do-not-iron-until-quilt-top-done-t72615.html)

Nolee 10-28-2010 05:19 AM

I have never heard of starching fabric before you use it. I'm pretty new to quilting but will definitely try it. I assume that steaming when it is all done takes out the stiffness; is that what you meant?

brendadawg 10-28-2010 05:54 AM

On a similar note.....I was taught to press often also. I make a lot of pillowcases for ConKerr Cancer and that meant a lot of get up and press, sew another seam, get up and press, wash, iron, etc. Well, this week I decided to try it without getting up so often. I finger-pressed after each step and only ironed after they were finished and washed. Guess what -- they turned out just the same -- and my legs were a lot happier (LOL). I just hope my Home Economics teacher isn't turning over in her grave (LOL).

SewExtremeSeams 10-28-2010 06:05 AM


Originally Posted by Prism99
What kind of block did you try this on? I'm wondering if it would work on a pieced log cabin.

Do you mean paper pieced log cabin? I do all of my log cabins this way and I have done pp blocks just not the pp log cabin yet. My log cabins turn out better, in my opinion. It is amazing to put blocks together without ironing.

In September I took a class from Kaye England. She had over a dozen of her quilts on the walls in the large room and you would not know it wasn't pressed until finished. My Bernina owner/quilter doesn't iron any of her quilts until she is done. And, she does beautiful quilting.

I tried it... I like it. But, it does go against your normal inclination to press every seam sewn! :shock: :shock:

SewExtremeSeams 10-28-2010 06:08 AM


Originally Posted by Up4BigChal
I actually just finished a top frm Eleanor Burns "Twistd Star" and I did a few blocks and did not get up to iron once until after I finish all the blocks in that set. Of course with Eleanor's patterns she makes it so simple but your right They came out perfect!!

Your quilt is beautiful! :-D

TexasGurl 10-28-2010 06:14 AM

I've quilted for 20+ yrs and also taught classes. I do some of both, I finger press some blocks and others I press as I sew, depending on construction. I do a lot of strip & chain piecing so I can press a lot at one time
The MAIN thing new quilters need to know is to PRESS - not IRON !! You're NOT ironing a shirt ... Ironing (back & forth) distorts ANY block no matter how well sewn. Remember - PRESS don't IRON :)

retired2pa 10-28-2010 06:17 AM


Originally Posted by DebraK
Going to the ironing board is my only form of exercise ;-)

LOL, Debra...me, too!!!

jdavis 10-28-2010 06:18 AM


Originally Posted by DebraK
Going to the ironing board is my only form of exercise ;-)

Good point!

jdavis 10-28-2010 06:19 AM


Originally Posted by nativetexan
i tend to like to iron as i go too. it seems difficult to me to iron a whole quilt top, even just doing the seams of rows is not fun. but i see her point.

I second this!

Sheree from Chicago 10-28-2010 06:35 AM

I'm like you where I want to starch and press as I go. I have realized though thru trial and error that you are chancing distorting the fabric. We just have to remind ourselves not to be so OCD and press later! LOL

dglvr 10-28-2010 08:04 AM


Originally Posted by jdavis

Originally Posted by nativetexan
i tend to like to iron as i go too. it seems difficult to me to iron a whole quilt top, even just doing the seams of rows is not fun. but i see her point.

I second this!

I third it. That would be a hard "good" habit it break.


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