I've always pressed to the dark side & have had no problems with doing so for the past 11 years. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!!

I press clothing open, but the seams are 5/8" not 1/4". I keep burning my fingers when I try to press the smaller seams open. I often press the top and it seems easier to press to the side.

i always press open. i don't care what the fabric tells me to do. i'm bigger, so i do what i want.

Dear Quilter, About a year ago, I started opening all seams after sewing each seam using a wooden dowel then ironing. The biggest reason was to ease the impact on my quilting machine. What a difference!! It takes a little time and patience (do I ever need that), but my machine runs smoother and the quilting is much easier. Try it and see. Love, Quilting Joan

I started a bom with guild and I am pressing open, what a relief. There isn't that huge pileup at corners. It brings me back to my clothing construction days before my serger. Thanks for this board.

quilting was originally a hands only adventure and pressing to the side added strength. Now that it is PC to piece by mmachine pressing open is not only acceptable but reduces the bulk seen on one side of the seam. I must however admit that I was taught in the day of hand piecing and find it difficult to remember to press open.lol Either way is fine