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Does setting your seams with an iron after sewing really make a difference?
Do you set your just sewn seams with an iron?
I am wondering what is the reason for that extra step. |
Personally I prefer to set my seams before pressing them in the appropriate direction it just makes it easier IMHO- It is my understanding that it shrinks the thread a bit thus reinforcing the seam (perhaps someone with more experience can clarify) It is just what I read to do and it is what I do.
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setting your seams causes them to sink into the fabric and gives you more precise edges. the blocks will lay flatter- and be neater....also helps that 1/4" seam more (right on)
if you don't bother to set your seam before pressing to one side or the other the excess can be 1/8"---and that 8 times equals a whole inch! so, if you are looking for precision- technical perfection- setting your seams is an important step |
I think the seams sit flatter if you set them first.
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I always do. And I thought it was because it flattens the fabric at the seam, more likely to insure the block is the correct size. If you only press the seam in the way it is to go then a little curve of fabric can be rolled at the seam, making the block come up a smidgen too small. Did I exsplain this understandably??:)
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I never did before just started recently and it really does make all the difference, especially now that I have started using starch prior to piecing. It really keep the fabric from "stretching"and moving if that even makes sense hahaha
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Originally Posted by katier825
(Post 4683901)
I think the seams sit flatter if you set them first.
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:D Sorry for the double post. It was explained better by other anyway :o
Hmmmm....it seems to have disappeared! |
I agree with all that has been said. It's just become a habit with me. Doesn't feel like an extra step. I notice if I skip it for some reason or another.
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i dont always do it but it does make a difference
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I try hard to always do this. I swear it makes a difference. I strive to make every block as perfect as I can - so I do things like this hoping that it does make a difference.
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Being a longarm quilter, I can always tell if the customer set the seam and then pressed or not. When the seam is set before pressing to one side, the "ditch" is always straighter and the fabrics lay much flatter. If you want a quilt top to look really nice after it has been quilted, always "set" the seams first. Otherwise, you may receive your quilt back with some minute pleats in the top.
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I always set the seams. It makes it all fit together better and much neater.
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Same here - I always set the seams now and starch prior to piecing.
I know exactly what you mean about the stretching, janetter.
Originally Posted by janetter
(Post 4683912)
I never did before just started recently and it really does make all the difference, especially now that I have started using starch prior to piecing. It really keep the fabric from "stretching"and moving if that even makes sense hahaha
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After watching a Missouri Quilt Shop video I always set my seams, and feel happier with the end product. However, a word of warning -- it does make the seam harder to unpick! so check first that you have everything you want in the seam.
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I try to do it. It really makes the block look nicer.
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Well - I have had one of my questions answered - and I didn't even know I wanted to ask it! lol I have just started to do this to see if it mattered...seems it does! Thanks
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I can only suggest you try it! I like it, but its easy enough to see for yourself! :)
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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. I think each seam looks pretty when pressed. :) and I think it makes a difference in my blocks. |
I've noticed a difference when I do it.
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I agree with those that have said it ultimately makes your blocks flatter. I also press my seams open instead of a particular direction. This makes for an absolutely flat top which, for me, makes a difference in hand quilting.
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"Butter and jelly"
"Hammer and nail" "Needle and thread" ...."Sewing Machine AND IRON" Some things just go together! (If you sew, you BETTER iron-- IMO) |
Yes, it makes the seams lie flatter.
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Originally Posted by janetter
(Post 4683912)
I never did before just started recently and it really does make all the difference, especially now that I have started using starch prior to piecing. It really keep the fabric from "stretching"and moving if that even makes sense hahaha
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Always set the seams. I have a hard time remembering to press not iron, but I'm working on it. I can see the difference when I forget to press and start to iron. Sometimes the seam stretches.
Sue |
That's the one step I pay special attention to. The one time I didn't, my block looked like a dish rag. It's still in the orphan box.
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First learned about this step in a jacket tailoring class and since then have applied to all sewing.
Of course, if you are making a garment a la Free People or one the the other modern labels, you wouldn't want to do that step as it would look too finished lol. |
I've started doing that and it does make a difference in the final quilt.
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I do press seams most of the time, but sometimes, I use a plastic gizmo (don't know the name) to finger press them. Recently I added a nightstand to the left of my sewing table when I keep a padded board and my iron. It reminds me to press.
Originally Posted by Carron
(Post 4683841)
Do you set your just sewn seams with an iron?
I am wondering what is the reason for that extra step. |
I have always struggled with matching seams, starting at the cutting mat, and finishing the sewn seam with a mist of "Best Press" to relax the fabric and a dry iron sure makes a difference for me.
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Originally Posted by nhweaver
(Post 4685287)
I do press seams most of the time, but sometimes, I use a plastic gizmo (don't know the name) to finger press them. Recently I added a nightstand to the left of my sewing table when I keep a padded board and my iron. It reminds me to press.
I always set my seams and it makes a huge difference. The only disadvantage to setting is if you have to remove stitching; it's harder with sunken threads. I always set my seams using a steam setting and no starch (I never use starch). The precision it adds is SO worth the bit of extra effort. |
I press the completed block but I don't usually press during the construction of the block. I find that when I'm nesting seams together I get better matches if I don't press first.
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Yes, it keeps your project flat, neat and it's a lot easier to work with.
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Again, I learn so much here. I didn't know the term setting the seam - now having read all responses I think I have it. So , I should set the seams as I piece, then press the block when complete. The other question is which is better pressing to the side or open? I only pressed open on OBW quilts. So much to learn.
Originally Posted by ghostrider
(Post 4685414)
Setting seams is not the same as pressing them and can only be done with a hot iron. It's when you press the iron down flat on the seam just as it was sewn, before you press it open or to one side. It gets rid of any little puckers and sinks the seam threads down into the fabric, making for much more accuracy and a clean, sharp seam line.
I always set my seams and it makes a huge difference. The only disadvantage to setting is if you have to remove stitching; it's harder with sunken threads. I always set my seams using a steam setting and no starch (I never use starch). The precision it adds is SO worth the bit of extra effort. |
Yes I do I saw it on Fons and Porter and it does seem to help
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I didn't use to, but since I've gotten more serious with LAQ I do take the extra step and pay more attention to my seams all in one direction and pre plan the way they should go.
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Originally Posted by ghostrider
(Post 4685414)
Setting seams is not the same as pressing them and can only be done with a hot iron. It's when you press the iron down flat on the seam just as it was sewn, before you press it open or to one side. It gets rid of any little puckers and sinks the seam threads down into the fabric, making for much more accuracy and a clean, sharp seam line.
I always set my seams and it makes a huge difference. The only disadvantage to setting is if you have to remove stitching; it's harder with sunken threads. I always set my seams using a steam setting and no starch (I never use starch). The precision it adds is SO worth the bit of extra effort. When I actually do get around to making things, there are several "extra" steps that I usually take that are so worth it to me. (washing the fabric before cutting it, pressing as I go, I also generally do not use starch - I think the fabric should be able to "stand on its own"- pressing the top and backing "one more time" before sandwiching the item - one last time to check for glitches) |
I'm sorry. I'm such a novice that I often don't know what you are talking about...this is one of those times. Can someone tell me what this means? Please.
Thanks, Gloria |
Originally Posted by geeblay627e120
(Post 4685635)
I'm sorry. I'm such a novice that I often don't know what you are talking about...this is one of those times. Can someone tell me what this means? Please.
Thanks, Gloria It's a very simple and easy thing to do - it just takes a few moments extra - Setting a hot iron (I use steam) on a seam before pressing it open or to one side - is about the simplest explanation I can give - for "setting a seam" |
Yes, I learned this on this very board. I have sewn most of my life but in quilting I seemed to have trouble all the time matching my seams but since I set them first things are much easier. I think it flattens the thread and cloth together so everything goes together better. I know it is well worth my time to do this.
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