Some people say to press the seam to the dark side... (Yoda would not like that!) Sorry just had to do that!
Other people say to press them open flat!
Is there a time when 1 way is right? How do I know when to use which one or is it just a matter of preference??
I'm so confused!! :roll:

It is a matter of preference (90% of the time). You have to take in consideration on the bulk of the block and where your quilting will be.

I like doing the seams to one side because I have better luck matching and locking the seams.

If you have a bunch of seams coming together in one spot - say a pin wheel you will want to be careful how you press the seams. But other then that it is personal preference .

I was told back in the day before sewing machine and strong stitches they pressed to one side, usually the dark side 1- to hide the fabric so it didn't stick out from under the lighter color and 2- the when you quilted it you didn't pull on any weaker seams. Does that make sense ?

Ok cool! Thanks

I look through this forum every morning now (never used to be on the computer much at all) and learn something new AND everyone is so supportive of each other. What a great place to visit at the start of my day.
Annie

I like to try to lock the seams too...so if you press toward the dark, it works out..sometimes though you may want to press them open..when lots of seams come together you get a big volcano...you can gently unstitch a couple of the stitches in the middle and they sit flatter..

I press to the side most of the time, trying to plan ahead so I don't end up with bulky seams. If there is too much bulk, I will press them open.
You can't always press to the dark, in some blocks it will give you 6 layers of fabric, so you might have to press them open or to the lighter side :D:D:D

Just remember...there are no rules. :D
I usually press open but sometimes I press to the dark then wonder
why I did that. LOL
If you press open you don't have to worry about which directions.
You distribute the bulk evenly.

I used to press to one side all the time. Lately, I have been pressing open and like it better, especially when there are triangle pieces involved.

When I have to piece the backing,I press open. Also when I have seams meeting, I like to have the edges going in opposite directions, so will change the direction of the press if I can. It's all personal preference