I press to the side unless specified in the directions. It depends on the pattern, some call for pressing to the side like bargello or lovers knot quilts where to opposing seams lock together to create straight seam alignment. I don't see the need for pressing open except on piecing bindings, backings, and bulky seams

Sorry I though you were talking about blocks as I didn't read your title. I press my backing seams open

Open... always open... it makes things so much simpler for me & goodness knows I need simple... LOL!

Open for the backing. To one side for blocks (usually)

I press all seams open, wether the block or the backing. Comes from having sewn clothes for so many years.:)

I make a really big one---like close to an inch. I then put glue on and press them open. I do not want any flipping closed when rolling on the long arm.

Just putting my two cents in, I do LA quilting for others, and there is one thing I tell my customers-
I want a horizontal seam in the back, cut off the selvage, and make a 1 inch seam and press it open. But thats MY personal preference.
and if there needs to be more than 1 seam, no problem, do the same with the next seam, cut the selvage off and make a 1 inch seam..press open.
best of luck
katz

I think it is personal preference. My LAQ likes for me sew backing with 1/2 inch seams and pressed to one side. I have never noticed a bulge on the back of my quilts so I am okay with it :)

I usually press the backing seam open as well.