For those of you that press to one side, just once on a small project with lots of seams press the seams open and see how much flatter it lays. So much better in apperance and feel. And last just as long. At least that is how I feel about the subject.
I tried both ways, and I think everyone should to make an informed choice. :D

I like to press open. BUT, no matter how many times I backstitch at the end, there's no doubt, the open seam is not as strong. I'm always having unraveling. I back stitch religiously to make sure that won't happen and can never understand why it happens. I use a short stitch to make sure it doesn't happen and can never understand why it happens.

There's just a lot of wear and tear on your pieces while you're working on them and the seam just doesn't hold up.

That's my experience.

But, I'll ditto that they lay flatter, have less bulk and appear much nicer. They just don't hold up as well until you finally assemble everything and quilt it down for good.

[quote=Cordelia]I like to press open. BUT, no matter how many times I backstitch at the end, there's no doubt, the open seam is not as strong. I'm always having unraveling. I back stitch religiously to make sure that won't happen and can never understand why it happens. I use a short stitch to make sure it doesn't happen and can never understand why it happens.

I don't get it. Mine never open. I was thinking maybe it was your stitch length but if you use a short one that would not be why. I don't even back stitch and mine are strong and never unravel. Maybe your tension, is that a possibility? I'll keep thinking. Did you go to the site that is first mentioned in this decussion. Maybe it says something there. Because I really don't ever backstitch and never have unraveling or anything. ;)