One thing I don't see mentioned here is...if you want to stitch-in-the-ditch with either machine- or hand-quilting, there really isn't a "ditch" if you press the seams open. I also think pressing to one side is the easiest way and the most accurate way with the advantage of nesting seams. On rare occasion do I press them open. Just lately I tried pressing all of them open on a simple quilt just to see how a like it. Nope! Will stick with pressing to the side.

I thought I had; maybe I just wasn't very clear. Thank you for clarifying and reiterating this point. :)

I mostly press to one side, but when it comes to joining parts of blocks, if it going to be too bulky, sometimes, I do then press open. May depend on what kind of quilting I plan on doing. For stitch in the ditch, you do need to have the seams pressed one direction. For overall quilting, it can be either way.

I press to the side. I hand quilt and find that when doing outline stitching I can follow along the the 1/4 " line easily by feel. Not to say that if circumstances proved better for pressing open, I wouldn't do it.

Doing my first Bargello and learned very quickly to press to side. However, different patterns tell you different things...so I have learned to read directions..now I just need to consistently follow them!

I agree with Nammie to 7.

I vary according to the block I'm doing.

Thanks for all the responses. You have been very helpful and I appreciate everyone taking the time to reply. Thank you!!