you are taking a lot of steps- and making the whole process awfully difficult- just set the seam- flat- one side- then open the fabric with the seam up- use a chopstick or something like that (I have a bamboo crochet hook I use often) to start opening the seam- if you feel you need steam go ahead & steam as you run the tip of the iron down the center of the seam- wooden chopsticks (given away free at Chinese restaurants) are very handy 'gadgets' in a sewing room- they will open up seams nicely without burning your fingers. :)

I bought some finger guards for the tips of my fingers that I put on when I am using my fingers close to the iron. I cannot remember the name they go by, but they make the finger guards for what you need them for. Try Googling it.

Bought this at a show this year and it is great. No more burnt fingers

Chopsticks and letter openers work too.

I use chopsticks or kebob sticks. Which ever happens to be in the kitchen drawer when I need them. And I steam the snot out of every block I press. Bring on the quilt police!

I use the little "wooden Iron" thingie from Eleanor Burns, first then I iron with steam, works Great!!

I really love mine too. I usually spray it, finger press then slide this under the seam.

I learned from a teacher that if you press the seam to the side as usual (I know this seems strange), then put the point of the iron on the lower flat seam and move forward. Wow, the seam opens up without using finger or tools. It works.

AilKat, thanks for the great idea! I have a sleeve ham and also a device that I use for pressing seams that is made like the sleeve ham except that it is longer and roll shaped. That roll will be perfect for pressing open seams. I use it all the time in garment sewing. I can't believe I never thought about using it for quilting. When I press open seams, I use Best Press after I get the seam opened. That holds the pressed edges open. I do not use steam after getting burned a couple of times.

I have a wooden point turning tool that I use.