Pressing seam open on a dowel rod?
 

I watch a lot of tutorials and I have seen this technique in passing a few times, but I have never had it explained to me.

What I am referring to is this: After sewing two long strips together, the seam is placed over a dowel rod to press it open. What exactly does that accomplish, and is this a common technique that I just have never heard of?

If you watch this preview of a craftsy class, you will see her doing this at about the 1 minute mark: http://www.craftsy.com/class/quiltin...95339~cyfdrhoh

Some people like to press their seams open vs. to one side to reduce bulk. Using a dowel makes this easier to accomplish. It helps prevent those tiny creases that may form along the seam. I did this a long time ago when doing drapes and other home dec.
Pressing seams open is a personal preference.
I have seen more and more home dec and garment construction techniques and tools recently being used for quilting. If someone's only done patchwork, it may be new to them. It's all sewing so whatever works for you!

I would also think it would give the seam a nice flat appearance. JMHO

I use the dowel when I'm pressing a sleeve for a wall-hanging. I can press the
long seam open without putting any unwanted crease elsewhere. Otherwise
I don't bother when piecing.

I like it for pressing long seams to the side (or open) and also for pressing short seams open (not needed for pressing short seams to the side). Makes it easier. Also, for the long seams, it prevents me from pressing in a curve; the resulting pressed seam is straight. You can make your own if you can find half-round dowels. I just bit the bullet and bought a set of Strip Sticks:
http://www.thestripstick.com/

So it keeps the seams straighter? Very interesting! I will admit that when pressing long strips, it is hard to keep the seam straight. I think I may need to try this.

I like the idea of the stripstick... I just wonder if I can make one myself. Perhaps if I find a strip of half-round molding at Lowe's and then cover it with batting and canvas, it will work. I may give it a shot!

Actually, you don't need to cover it if the wood is smooth. Also, no batting. My strip sticks are just covered in muslin with edges serged to be tight. But you don't even need the muslin.

Actually its easier to by 1/2 round instead of fully round dowel. That way it lies on the table better! But it is a super idea!

Buying quarter round and gluing 2 pieces together, if you put the correct sides together can result in a slightly flatter surface. The wood rod lifts the seam you are pressing above the rest of your quilt pieces so they don't get messed up when you are pressing.

I'm planning to bite the bullet too and buy a stripstick at the LQS cause I'm determined to get back to the Storm at Sea that I ended up taking all apart and know that I'll get lots of corners coming together in one place. Have a quilt out of all HST and wish I'd opened MANY more seams--have the rubber mallet out to work on it :(