It's kind of like putting on my seat belt, Just a natural thing now. Does seam (get it?) to make a difference.

I have done this step since I learned from one of the quilting programs on TV. I do think it makes the block lay flat and makes for easier quilting.

I learned to do this when learning to sew clothing, and have just carried on doing it when quilting. It does make a great deal of difference and so I don't think it is an extra step - it is just one step in the process.

I always set (press) the seams first. My high school home ec teacher always said, "Sew, press, sew, press" and that was the best lesson learned and have stuck that in my mind whenever sewing anything. It does make a difference in the final project.

I do because it helps me keep my seams more even.

I always set my seams with an iron. It does make points crisper and everything goes together much better. I was just
taught that in a quilting class back in the '70's. I know people who never press but that isn't for me.

I like the finish of the seam when I have pressed it. Lays flatter and more to the right size. Otherwise the quilt top looks lumpy.

I always set the seams first because that is the way I was taught. My teacher explained that setting the seams "buried" the thread into the fabric, and made the seam flatter (thus reducing bulk) when pressed to one side.

Thanks for the tip.

I always set my seams first as it buries the thread a little deeper into the fabric.

This is why I do it. And it is not a fun process for me, but I persevere. I do find that it keeps things flatter and helps maintain the accuracy of my scant 1/4 inch seams.

Cheers, K

Sorry - computer hiccuped a double post.

Cheers, K

To me it makes a world of difference. I've tried it without and I don't think the seams are as easy to press open. Also it makes a big difference when your sewing over multiple layers.

The things I learn on here! I had never even heard of setting a seam. Guess I'll be doing that from now on!

I always do now. Really no trouble when you get used to it. Just zap the seam once as sewn then open up & press.

It does make a difference. Do it on some piecing and look at the results.

Thanks for the explanation. As a beginner, I find this to be an excellent teaching post.

I do it the way Fons and Porter does it. I iron it flat and then open it and sew the seam to the dark (We all know what I am talking about, right?) and press it again! Works great! Good luck! Edie

I think this is one of those personal things, some do, some don't. I do, a professional quilter told me to make it look professional/classier and easier to look at the final product set the seam, iron and starch often. I hate to agree with her, (I would like to think I KNOW everthing) But she is right. Try it and see if it fits for your sewing talents and let us know. I am very interested in fellow quilters views on this subject.

Absolutely always set seams. Just makes for neater piecing, in my opinion...

I have much better results when I set the seams of the block.

I always do it!

I think it makes a real difference in getting the quilt ready for quilting. It also reenforces the lay of the top. I try to always remember to heat set them.

Absolutely makes a difference! Try setting half of a seam line and look. You can see that the stitches are settled down in to the seam... I never used to do it til recently, now it is part of my pressing...

I find that setting the seam before pressing it to one side helps. If one piece has been "eazed? in a bit to make both pieces the same size, the steam will allow that eaze to pull up. Now is that understandable?? And it also allows the seam to lie flatter when pressed to one side.

yes !!!!! makes a huge difference...not just in quilting, any sewing, you press first as the seam was sewn then where you want it to stay.

Learning about SETTING
 

[QUOTE=quiltinghere;4685026]Yes I set the seam and then press it open...of course noticing I didn't say the word 'iron'.

SET - put iron on fabric pieces as they were sewn (think about ironing a shirt - you'd smooth it out before really ironing it)

PRESS OPEN - open the seam and gently press the iron into the seam - don't iron it.
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Thanks for defining "set"; I wasn't familiar with the term. Good thread!

I agree that setting the seams makes a great difference in the accuracy of the size of the block and the neatness of the seams. Also love using spray "Best Press' It really makes a nice crisp seam.

I don't always but I can tell the difference if I don't . I actually tested to see if it mattered. The seam rolled easier when I pressed from the front and even opened easier and laid flatter on seams that I pressed open.

I set my seems before I press them the direction I want them to go. I think it makes a difference.

I set the seams 'cause it makes buries the thread into the fabric and make a lovely crisp seam when pressed for the final open or to the side pressing.

i have learned that, yes it does make a difference, depending on what i am doing alsew,
i like to set my seams of HST, and yes, it may seam like an extra step, but it it sew worth it
to have it lay so flat, i use a Rowenta iron, with full steam ahead!! i have seen Eleanor Burns
do it many times and for her its no big deal, yes even my other idol Kaye Wood does it too.
so thats my opinion. good luck
katz

What is setting a seam? I am new to quilting and have not heard that term. I do press my seams to one side or open (whichever the pattern calls for).

It does matter as it does exactly as named, it sets the stitching threads into the fabric.

Just to add one thing that I have not read on other responses. Ironing (and clipping) is especially important on even a slightly curved seam. And like many have said, after you get use to ironing, it really isn't an extra step.

I do not set my seams. I tried and thought the seams lay flater if I just press to the dark side. I have made lots and lots of quilts, like 90 or so.

Setting your seams also helps if you're going to open the seam, instead of press it to one side. It really helps!

I find that pressing between each step makes a huge difference. My students are always going on about how nice the back of my quilt top looks. It also improves the accuracy of your blocks, and that makes the finished product that much easier to quilt.
YMMV.

I think it makes big difference! There have already been good explanations for this but, I agree that the best reason is that
the size is more accurate.