I don't see how the quilt top could lie as flat as possible, and as fully extended in all directions as possible, if it is not pressed with all the seams arranged for best flat fit.

I press the tops and the backs to eliminate wrinkles as I quilt my own stuff and don't like unpicking.

Me to, i iron as i go. T his is the way i was taught and i feel it looks better when you want to quilt it, thats just me i guess.

I too iron each block as it is sewn and iron when the blocks are sewn into a quilt. I read where someone used cornstarch and water to make their starch...it is great! I used to go thru many cans of starch...the cornstarch and water is so much cheaper...therefore I can buy more fabric...

hello what is cornstarch, is that cornflour (i think thats what we call it in australia) and what quantities do you use. Thanks Bella

I press at all stages and especially when it is put together. It is usually my last check before putting together and quilting. I can't imagine not pressing at all.

I press/iron at every step. The finished productis more pleasing to me. The last time, pressing the complete top, I use spray starch.
Nina

I like to press mine also. Front and back, see my mistakes and threads and anything else that might jump out at me.

Good night

http://www.ashleys.net/recipes/Starch.htm
I am not affiliated with the above site but it has the portions of cornstarch and water to mix and cook to make homemade clothing starch.

This sounds like what my Mother made in the 1950s. Good luck. From what I remember ironing as a kid, Dad's shirts were really heavily starched (as most men's were those days) and he looked mighty sharp. Mom even starched his all green and all tan work shirts. Of course, everything was ironed, including the pillow cases, hankies and kitchen towels.