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-   -   Pressing as you sew... (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/pressing-you-sew-t49876.html)

Kitsie 06-18-2010 03:03 PM


Originally Posted by weezie
It depends on the quilt pattern. I recently did a French Braid and I pressed each piece after sewing (the instructions in the book told me I must press!). Much of the time I don't because it makes it very difficult to make corrections if seams have been pressed with a hot iron. So, usually, I just finger press or use the little wooden pressing tool until I'm sure everything fits together exactly right. The downside to that is the monster pressing job I have when I'm finished the quilt so I need to train myself to press the quilt top in sections before I get them all sewn together.

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

sylvia77 06-18-2010 04:27 PM

I press & sew and never have a problem.

tortoisethreads 06-18-2010 04:49 PM

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

Greeter Eva 06-18-2010 05:33 PM


Originally Posted by SewExtreme
HI, I am in love with Jo Morton's cabin corners quilt pattern. It uses 5" squares of either log cabin or courthouse steps. There is a lot of sewing, pressing and squaring up as you go around the block.

Recently two shop owners have told me that they do not press as they sew. The reason each has stated is that it is wasting time and that you avoid stretching your fabric out of shape. They find their blocks come out more accurate.

I have just begun to do and find that I complete blocks faster and I am closer to my desired block size when finished. Each owner told me that you simply lay the seam which way it should go and sew it in place.

What do you do?

Press and sew

OR

sew and sew?

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".

barbrdunn 06-18-2010 06:16 PM


Originally Posted by amma
This is another reason I like to use starch, I can finger press a lot of seams and they stay nicely enough that a quick press at the end is all that may be necessary :D:D:D

I agree...especially when chain piecing.

Deecee 06-19-2010 12:27 AM

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.

quiltmom04 06-19-2010 04:04 AM


Originally Posted by Honey
The way it was explained to me is that there is a difference between pressing and ironing. When you press, you do one section and then lift up the iron and put it down on the next section. You don't slide the iron like you do with ironing. That way you don't stretch your fabric. She said that is why it is called pressing. You place your iron, press down, lift and place your iron on the next section, press down and so on. I hope that helps and doesn't confuse you. I always press as I go because it gives you a crisper seem to work with and is just so much easier than a seem that is not pressed. Also, it helps your seems and corners come together better.

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.

Brenda Retzlaff 06-19-2010 04:46 AM

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

ruthieg 06-19-2010 08:10 AM

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

quiltmom04 06-19-2010 08:19 AM


Originally Posted by Brenda Retzlaff
When you press do you use steam or just the dry iron?

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.


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