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-   -   Do you iron your quilt tops before.. (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/do-you-iron-your-quilt-tops-before-t75895.html)

yellowsnow55 11-15-2010 12:51 AM


Originally Posted by bearisgray
I do. I like to improve the odds of having the seams lay as "attractively" as possible.

It's also a chance to see if there are any last minute glitches that might need to be touched up or changed.

(Doesn't guarantee that I'll catch them all, but there is something about pressing that sometimes shows up wonkiness)

I usually press the top while it is still in sections - it is a bit easier to handle it that way.

I also press the backing if there are any seams in it.

I also wash all my fabrics before cutting them.

As above, I press everything
:thumbup:

bearisgray 11-15-2010 02:05 AM

I might have a touch of OCD -

That last pressing - I press the back AND the front.

The back to check for stitching of the seams, the way the seams lay, loose threads, etc. The front to make sure there are no "pleats" by the seam lines.

laffygiraffe 11-15-2010 06:50 AM

Yes, I have my iron set up on machine-level to the right of my machine. I sew, snip, press, sew snip press.I starch everything, as it helps to keep things straight and flat. All the handling makes the starch really valuable to me.
I also have a template of the pattern to measure against as I go, so the design doesn't get lopsided.
Now, I am piecing a quilt that someone else cut tthe squares, that I bought at a yard sale. They are supposed to be 2-inch squares. I have found they are off as much as 1/8, but I compensate with the seam allowance. I press everything toward the dark colors, and trim threads as I go.
I want my quilts to start very flat! And let the quilting do the puffing.

laffygiraffe 11-15-2010 06:52 AM

Oh yes, front and back. The only hassle I have is my iron automatically shuts off at 30 minutes, and I have to unplug and replug it to get going again. I am going to get a timer.

Mz.D 11-15-2010 09:47 AM

Yes I do...making sure I can press as many seams as I can in the same direction...then for added insurance I also sew a 1/4 inch running stitch all the way around my quilt...just so the seams won't pop open as I hold it up to admire it... :)

GailG 11-15-2010 11:22 AM


Originally Posted by laffygiraffe
Oh yes, front and back. The only hassle I have is my iron automatically shuts off at 30 minutes, and I have to unplug and replug it to get going again. I am going to get a timer.


Aren't those modern irons a crock. It's nice that they shut off to save on electricity, but there should be a way that we can set it when we want continuous heat. Recently I purchased a very inexpensive iron that had no "features." I haven't used it yet.

gellybean402 11-15-2010 04:30 PM

I do. I probably iron too much but I want to make sure everything lays as flat as possible before quilting.

Marilyn Philips 11-16-2010 12:59 AM

What is Best Press?

Farm Quilter 11-16-2010 09:27 AM

It is a "clear crisp starch with a lovely scent that makes ironing more enjoyable. It's in a non-aerosol can, so it's environmentally-friendly and you can see how much is left, too. There's no flaking, clogging, or white residue on dark fabrics. A special stain shield protects fabrics, and the product helps resist wrinkles. Best of all, it's more effective than any starch you've ever used. 16.9 oz. spray bottle, $7.95, in your choice of Lavender Fields, Citrus Grove, Caribbean Beach, Cherry Blossom, Scent-Free, and NEW Tea Rose Garden!" Most quilt shops sell it, both box and online! http://www.maryellenproducts.com/Bes...ternative.html

moomoo 11-16-2010 12:29 PM

i take mine to the cleaners and have it cleaned and pressed


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