Pressing Seams Open - ouch
 

I hate pressing seams open, but this pattern calls for just that. My problem is in trying to open them so I can press them open and flat. I always burn my fingers. Any suggestions?

They make silicon finger protectors:
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...al+thimbles.do
You can also use a small piece of wood, like a tongue depressor, a short wood ruler etc. Another alternative is to finger press the seam open first.

that is what I do, too

I use one of those wooden irons to at least get the seams opened.
http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponlin...play.asp?i=710

About an inch or so in front of the iron lift the fabric with your thumb on the open seam. The seam will stay open really well. Just slide your hand along as the iron follows behind.

In addition to the answer Kitsie gave you, I am using a wooden dowell about the size of a closet pole cut in half lengthwise to put under the seam, keeps from disturbing the surrounding seams. For a short seam in a block, a length of dowell about 8" works. For a quilt top all put together, a 4' length is adequate. Some people enclose the dowell in a fabric sleeve and close the ends, but I use the wood bare and it has not discolored light fabric. I learned about the dowell from Mrs. Darkow of Washington Stars Quilt Guild.

That is the number one reason I don't use steam. Unless I actually touch my fingers with the iron, I no longer burn them.

I use to sew mostly clothing (and I sewed almost every day) and if I had to keep my figures up close, I'd turn off the steam until I got that part done, then I'd turn the steam back on.

I really like the elnan's idea with the dowel, though a ironing ham would work too.

I use the curved end of a cuticle pusher tool from a manicure set, like this one.

http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/sanhesun/S14004-3.jpg

Best use of a stocking stuffer yet! :D

I have also found that finger pressing or using something like a cuticle pusher tool before taking the iron to the piece is helpful.

I use the finger covers. I have a small basket on my ironing board full of them. They seem to run away with my seam rippers. I buy them at Walmart, I think four or five come in a package.

If it is a difficult area, I pin them open on my ironing board, then iron. Need to be sure the pins are glass and not plastic, otherwise they may melt.

How come all you ladies don't have nails? :D

I have a big package of wooden skewers that come in handy for this and lots of other uses! If too long, I just cut in half and smooth with an emery board.

I finger press the first few inches to open the seam and then I use the point of my iron.

Some of us have very weak nails - some of us chew our nails -

I keep my nails semi short having babies around the house a lot these last few years. Long fingernails drove me nuts, always in my way and took up too much time for upkeep. Had to have nice nails for work when I did hands on presentations but not any more!

I use a Strip Stick: http://www.thestripstick.com/ . Also, I don't iron with steam.

Me too. I don't like burned fingers either.

This is what I was going to suggest. I use it frequently

seam stick

I keep mine cut off. They get in my way.

I thought putting nails down would seem silly. I have long nails and always use them.

I wear one of those gloves used while using a curling iron on hair (found it on Amazon). It works great and no more burns. My iron is one of those pressure boiler irons and the glove serves double duty at the end of the day when I release the pressure. If I do it quickly, it's not a problem, but I'm still fearful that extremely hot steam will get me, so wear the glove.

I also use a strip stick. Best $8 bucks I've spent in a long time!

I took a bargello class and the instructor told us to use a the clover mini iron. It worked great. Now I always use it when the pattern calls for pressing seams open. I also use it when I am doing paper piecing.

Darn I wish I had seen this thread yesterday before I went out and bought one of those wooden iron things -like Eleanor Burns has- before I bought one at quilt shop for way to much money. The nail file idea sounds like a winner.

Try pressing the seam to one side first, then press it open. You just slide the tip of your iron between the two and it will open up much much easier.

There is also a silicon stiletto available from Clover. It is called Press Perfect (http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Press-P.../dp/B00NA2VKPO) and it works pretty well, when I remember to use it.

I forget where I bought mine.

That's what I do too.

chop stick

I have read if you press the seam to the side first it will be easier to open--yeah right--didn't quite work for me.

Finger press the seams to open them up. Then press. It's not a perfect method, but generally works well.

I use the ironing stick . . stitch stick? I forget what it is called. It Spares the fingers

I use jewelry tweezers with long handles. They're easy because you can open the seam as you go. They're curved on the end. As far as nails go I have to trim mine every 2 weeks. Have always found it gross to chew nails. So many do that then go to shake someone's hands. aaackkk!!

I usually finger press. However, if I have a bunch to do, I use my small spade shaped applique iron.....