when I learned to quilt (uh, can it be 30 years ago now - holy cow THAT went fast???) I was taught to press the seams open. later I learned to press to the dark side. you know what, it doesn't matter. it is personal preference. mine is now pressing to the side as I love the locking seams as I challenge myself to cut accurately and have corners and points match ( my motto is doing go crazy, but don't get lazy) and it is easier for me to see how I am doing when I press to the side. I don't worry too much about dark/light side - I work more on matching seams. if you are using good quality greiege goods (heavy thread count fabric) then the shadow of a light/dark shouldn't be an issue. after all the quilts I've made I never had someone be able to tell how I pressed the seams.

play, have fun and try new things, you'll determine what works best for you.

My LQS told me if u were sending a quilt top to the Longarm u should press all seams open, but when I actually talked to Renee( the longarm lady ) she said no way, always press to the side, esp if quilting in the ditch.....so I am going to listen to her because she is doing the work and has the skills. Maybe, if u r sending it out, u could talk to ur longarm quilter for answers?

when I first started quilting, I pressed seams open. It seemed to be quite a project.
I had read somewhere on this board that pressing to the side was ok too.
I have since done that. I think my seam is stronger that way, since when I sew my blocks, I don't back stitch ( read this on the board as well)

Definitely personal preference.

Thanks for all the replies!!! I tried both ways and I like the pressing part of to the dark side but when it comes to sewing the parts together...I like the open way! Thanks again for all the replies.

Ha Ha I like your motto...
Now my question is are you going crazy because of the the doing?