I always press, I dont want to take the chance of it not working out.

I press each seam. It tends to keep the block more accurate.

I've made 18 log cabin heart quilts. It is cut lengthwise. The person that taught the class told us NOT to press as we go. Some quilters didn't listen, and the quilt was out of shape when they finished. I finger press carefully then press the whole block on my other quilt patterns now. Starch or magic sizing is great. Just my two cents.

Oh hi Grandma CheeChee: I've seen you in the Vintage Sewing Machines Shop on here. Nice to hear from you... 2 cents count and thank you.

Are finding that 'sew and sew' is saving you time?

I don't know if it saves times, but the blocks seem to lay better,

I like to press the seam to set the stitches. Don't always press them open.

me too; I do finger press sometimes too
Also, like rita, I pay attention to seam direction as I sew.

Press and sew.

Hi, I have stopped pressing/ironing until I finish a block - I WAS stretching the fabric! Took a class with Kaye England (many small pieced triangles - Star of Hope pattern) and she told us just to finger press until the block was done - they came out great! Now I either finger press or use the "Fabric Folding Pen". (Basically wetting the seam and then finger-pressing it lightly without stretching it) It works great, flattens the seams almost as much as an iron but is easier to change the direction than if the seam was ironed. Just wet again and reverse the seam direction. Hope this helps.

Hi, I have stopped pressing/ironing until I finish a block - I WAS stretching the fabric! Took a class with Kaye England (many small pieced triangles - Star of Hope pattern) and she told us just to finger press until the block was done - they came out great! Now I either finger press or use the "Fabric Folding Pen". (Basically wetting the seam and then finger-pressing it lightly without stretching it) It works great, flattens the seams almost as much as an iron but is easier to change the direction than if the seam was ironed. Just wet again and reverse the seam direction. Hope this helps.

Yes your reply does help. I have been wondering where this not pressing has come from... Kaye England is coming to my area in September. I want to try to attend her workshop. I only hear great things about her.

Thank you and thank you to everyone else's reply. I do really appreciate everyone's take on this subject.
: :-D

If you can - definitely go to a Kaye England Workshop - she is great - lots of general info and very funny.

Thanks Jackie. :D

I always, always, always press seams before I sew over them.

I hear ya... I do like pressing. But those 1" strip log cabin squares... :shock:

I've always "pressed" my blocks lightly or I finger press - I think it makes a difference. Guess it comes from sewing lots of clothes yrs ago ...
New sewers & quilters don't know how to press vs IRONING a block to death ... when I taught classes that was one of the first things we practiced

TexasGirl: when I have attended classes that is what I have been taught also. That is why this seems so different. I haven't taken count but it seems to me that there is about a 50/50 split on this topic. Kinda reminds me of the topic of prewashing fabric or not before assembling blocks. I am finding it a very interesting discussion. Thank you, :-D

Ditto :thumbup:

I just sew and sew... I find it easier... and faster...

When I started out I didn't always press. My defining moment came when I made a tote bag from the book Holiday Happenings (25+ years ago) and the design was made out of log cabin made with 1" strips. I did not press and my design was considerably smaller that it was supposed to be. Very noticeable on the small log cabins. I now press (not iron) my seams as I go, I like the way it looks and the pieces seem to behave better. I use a little starch and found it helped me a lot with matching up seams and points, The wooden tool presses the seam but I am always afraid I will stretch the fabric with it. I can remember my Mother taking a seam and running it across the edge of the SM cabinet, I have done that before but now I think that would stretch the fabric also. But in the end it is what ever works for you.

Maybe just press a block at a time as you finish it?

I press & sew and never have a problem.

Wow, I full on iron as I go, This could be why I'm always just slightly off! Thanks everyone for the info.

I was alao told not to press as you sew Log Cabin blocks, but you can fingerpress. I have found this to work well too. I know ironing & pressing are 2 different things , but my instructor told me , "don't even press".

I agree...especially when chain piecing.

I either finger press or press, depending on which it requires for the seam to lay flat. I hate my seams to not lie flat and neat but then I'm bit of a neat freak.

I agree with the pressing vs. ironing explanation. It's very hard NOT to "iron"! I always press as a go. I find it gives a more precise seam line, is more accurate and I don't get those little accordian pleats between pieces.

When you press do you use steam or just the dry iron?

I sew and press. Then I press blocks together and nestle the seams. Also put the seam up on top when sewing.

I use steam. I know some people don't but as long as you don't pull things out of shape, I think it makes a better crease.

Hi Brenda. I prefer steam when pressing. I like the way it sets things up. However, when I first started making these log cabin and courthouse steps squares I started not steaming. It is very unnatural for me to dry iron fabric. But, it works ok. Also, when dry ironing I was using starch and letting it soak in a bit before ironing. My fingertips don't do well with constant use of starch. Thanks for your question.

:-D

I had a sewing teacher who said she likes to jump up to the ironing board as it gives her needed exercise and she doesn't just sit and get fat.

I agree with all these people about steam pressing, but not when your sewing Log Cabin. My instructor said no pressing when sewing Log Cabin, & I found it better too. I will use one of those wooden pressing tools or my fingers.

I do both depending on the pattern

I press as I piece. You can use a wall paper seam roller if you don't want to have to get up and press all the time..it works great. Just don't stretch as you roll.
Anna

I usually press and sew, especially when two seam need to meet exactly.

I press (not iron).

I try to sew a lot at a time, and then press. God bless. Penny

I use the wooden pressing tool A LOT! When I then have to press the block the pressing is a lot easier and it is so so much easier on my machine when I am quilting. I admit that using the pressing tool takes time, but I find it is worth it. God Bless.

Thank you everyone for your comments. I have enjoyed reading everyone. Ultimately we all use what works for us and switch what we do according to what is called for on particular blocks.

:-D ;-) :-D