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Okay seam setters please don't gasp - I used to set seams, was told by a fellow guild member (when I was a newbie) that I must ALWAYS set seams. Well one day while working on a project I thought 'what if I don't?' and guess what? I found no difference except that I had saved myself some time. I shared this with a few guild members, now there are a few of us rebel non-seam setters. I guess if I noticed a difference I would have continued to set the seams but now I have more time sewing time and less pressing time. JMHO
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Originally Posted by aorlflood
I set the seams before pressing...for the same reason that MTS and ckowl said...
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Setting the seams presses the thread into the fibers of the fabric and makes a smoother seam so that when you press the seam to the side or open the result is much smoother and flatter, and pressing the seams always goes better and looks better. Some might ask why the looks would matter, and the answer is that the looks of each process affects the looks of the processes that come after, and the final result, the one that all will see when they see your quilt is that it looks great! That's what we want :-D
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Originally Posted by np3
I always set them. I was taught that way and it seems to lay nice and flat when I do. I can tell a difference in the final press. So it works for me.
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I first saw the concept of "setting seams" in the tutorials from Missouri Star Quilting Co. They always do it...
http://tutorials.missouriquiltco.com/ But as for me, I don't really notice a difference if I do it or not. I enjoyed reading all your comments to understand some of the rationale behind setting seams. |
Best teacher I ever had in home ec (in any subject) taught us to set the seam before pressing open back in 7th grade in 1951.
Also she handed out a handbook she drew up on health practices and etiquite. I never forgot the one "a lady never walks and smokes". Can you see that being suggested now? Whenever I see a woman walking and smoking, I know she is stupid but also not a lady. I can say she is stupid because I was a smoker for 40 years and you can believe I never walked while holding a cigarette LOL. Take care. Linda |
I've been doing that for years but never called it setting a seam. Just part of the sewing process, I do it on just about everything I sew. My Momma did it that way and she taught me how to sew...that was good enough for me. Never questioned "why"; it's cause Momma said so! LOL
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I set the seam also. I think it sets the threads into the fabric and the seam is flat.
Originally Posted by np3
I always set them. I was taught that way and it seems to lay nice and flat when I do. I can tell a difference in the final press. So it works for me.
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Originally Posted by majormom
Setting the seams presses the thread into the fibers of the fabric and makes a smoother seam so that when you press the seam to the side or open the result is much smoother and flatter, and pressing the seams always goes better and looks better. Some might ask why the looks would matter, and the answer is that the looks of each process affects the looks of the processes that come after, and the final result, the one that all will see when they see your quilt is that it looks great! That's what we want :-D
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I always set my seams. They always lie much better if I do so.
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It helps your thread to sink into fabric better for nicer seams.
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always..always...always
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As a long-armer, those that set their seams before pressing are much more fun to quilt because there isn't as much in the thread space uptake! Yes, I know who does and doesn't set their seams when pressing.....
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I set my seams flat first. The top and bottom stitches are slightly different in their tension because the top stitch is pulled thru the needle. Setting the seams relaxes the threads and evens the pull. If you use different color threads you can see the change after the pressing.
And it does make it easier to press to one side. Mim
Originally Posted by QuiltE
Oh wise, ladies and gents ... do tell ...
Do you set your seams? or not? (before you press them open, or to the sides) What purpose does it serve? If you do it some of the time ... what situations are the times? What is the return on your time investment in doing such? I'm looking forward to the discussion on this as I am totally between and betwixt, and need some input as to the why-to!! |
Thanks for all the candid comments on this question!
For those that notice the difference ... or don't notice the difference ........ I wonder if that's somewhat determined by the fabric (weight, thickness, # threads per inch), different threads, the pattern, and perhaps other things? And too, we each have a different ability to notice slight differences in results. Some will and some won't! Will I change my ways as a result of this discussion? I don't know!!! However, I will be giving it a try this next while and see if I notice anything different. (that is if I can remember to do it ... old habits die hard!!! :)) |
Originally Posted by QuiltE
Thanks for all the candid comments on this question!
For those that notice the difference ... or don't notice the difference ........ I wonder if that's somewhat determined by the fabric (weight, thickness, # threads per inch), different threads, the pattern, and perhaps other things? And too, we each have a different ability to notice slight differences in results. Some will and some won't! Will I change my ways as a result of this discussion? I don't know!!! However, I will be giving it a try this next while and see if I notice anything different. (that is if I can remember to do it ... old habits die hard!!! :)) Won't cost you more than a few seconds of time! And if you don't - to each his/her own. 8-) :lol: |
Originally Posted by bearisgray
Originally Posted by QuiltE
Thanks for all the candid comments on this question!
For those that notice the difference ... or don't notice the difference ........ I wonder if that's somewhat determined by the fabric (weight, thickness, # threads per inch), different threads, the pattern, and perhaps other things? And too, we each have a different ability to notice slight differences in results. Some will and some won't! Will I change my ways as a result of this discussion? I don't know!!! However, I will be giving it a try this next while and see if I notice anything different. (that is if I can remember to do it ... old habits die hard!!! :)) Won't cost you more than a few seconds of time! And if you don't - to each his/her own. 8-) :lol: Yes, as I said, I'm going to give it the Old College Try ... just have to get the gray matter to REMEMBER to do it!! :) |
I watched a video of Quilt in a Day and she said that setting the seam, especially on a bias seam, helps the seam go back to its correct size (in case it stretched while sewing).
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Originally Posted by sinceresissy
So maybe what you are saying is that after you sew a seam you just press it down. Maybe this is a machine sewing thing. I am hand sewing so maybe it is not the same thing. I was taught not to press until the quilt is all put together then just mash everything down flat - don't worry about where the seam flops.
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I like that reasoning-wished it worked for me, too. lol
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Ghostrider-I like yr reasoning-wished it worked like that for me-lol
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I set the seams. Seems to make them stronger in my opinion.
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Originally Posted by MTS
The reason is along the same lines as the "scant" quarter-inch theory.
The thread takes up space. So if you just sew them and press them (open or to the side), you're not getting it as flat as you can because there is a bit of a bump there from the thread. Can you see it from the space shuttle? No. But try it. Take two scraps and sew them together. Feel the thread line. Now just take you iron and press it on the seam line. Feel again. You can feel how it's nice and smooth. So now when you go to press the seams (again, open or to the side depending on your preference or situation), it will be flatter. Also, when you go press the seam to the side, you'll get less tucks and pleats. I just find they move better when the seams are set. So set the seams, press, and this is where you can bring starch in if you want, press again. I like my seams and blocks to be as flat as wallpaper. As for time spent, it's negligible. ;-) |
Okay, cool I didn't know what it was but now since it was explained, yes I do. I don't know why I just thought it made them look more more uniform!
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i have an answer for u
check out my post and press on the link http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-122739-1.htm |
Originally Posted by QuiltE
Oh wise, ladies and gents ... do tell ...
Do you set your seams? or not? (before you press them open, or to the sides) What purpose does it serve? If you do it some of the time ... what situations are the times? What is the return on your time investment in doing such? I'm looking forward to the discussion on this as I am totally between and betwixt, and need some input as to the why-to!! |
Setting it takes out the little puckers so it will lay flat.
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Originally Posted by bebe
i have an answer for u
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Originally Posted by bearisgray
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Originally Posted by Prism99
Originally Posted by sinceresissy
Maybe this is a machine sewing thing. I am hand sewing so maybe it is not the same thing. .
When you're hand piecing, the thread isn't as thick as when machine piecing. It's only one layer, evenly distributed. It's not looping a top and bobbin thread together so it's much flatter to begin with. So, yeah, it probably is just a machine sewing thing. |
Another reason for setting seams --- try this test: sew two 3" seam sections. Press one to "set the seam," but not the other. Now "unstitch" both sections. Notice how tight the "set" seam is. Also notice how the thread has been pressed into the fabric. I sew with 50/2 (usually Masterpiece) thread and I set my seams. This way I don't have to rely on my interpretation of what a "scant quarter" seam is.
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Great Reply MT. I always set my seams, but only because that is how I was taught, even way back in the 7th grade (about 50 years ago). Now I know why.
Thanks again,
Originally Posted by MTS
The reason is along the same lines as the "scant" quarter-inch theory.
The thread takes up space. So if you just sew them and press them (open or to the side), you're not getting it as flat as you can because there is a bit of a bump there from the thread. Can you see it from the space shuttle? No. But try it. Take two scraps and sew them together. Feel the thread line. Now just take you iron and press it on the seam line. Feel again. You can feel how it's nice and smooth. So now when you go to press the seams (again, open or to the side depending on your preference or situation), it will be flatter. Also, when you go press the seam to the side, you'll get less tucks and pleats. I just find they move better when the seams are set. So set the seams, press, and this is where you can bring starch in if you want, press again. I like my seams and blocks to be as flat as wallpaper. As for time spent, it's negligible. ;-) |
I always set my seams. They lay so flat and even. The best thing is using a Steady Betty for pressing when you quilt. Couldn't live without a Steady Betty and the Bright Light on my machine. Both are so worth the cost.
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Originally Posted by QuiltE
Oh wise, ladies and gents ... do tell ...
Do you set your seams? or not? (before you press them open, or to the sides) What purpose does it serve? If you do it some of the time ... what situations are the times? What is the return on your time investment in doing such? I'm looking forward to the discussion on this as I am totally between and betwixt, and need some input as to the why-to!! |
Originally Posted by MommaDorian
What does it mean to set seams? I've seen that before but I don't know what it means.
Thanks, Dorian |
I always do. No matter how well I think I've sewn the seam, the setting smooths it out much better. It's supposed to embed the stitching threads in the seam allowance for a flatter piece.
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This is a good question! Kind of like do you pre-wash. Those who do, do. Those who don't, won't lol
I started by not setting seams. Gradually started to do them, and like the nice flatness pressing gives. Butting seam up against each other, like say in a 9 patch, is so much easierwith pressed. As for open seam pressing , or pressing one side, this really depends on how I am setting the piecing together. If the bulk can be reduced by pressing seams open, then do it. If not, press to one side. The answers here are insightful and interesting. Julie |
If I understand correctly - it sets the seam into the fabric better and allows the seams to lay a little flatter. That's how I understand it. :|
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What we are dealing with on this topic is a construction issue. We are all basically engineering quilts. We do certain things to make that construction stronger. This is one of them. It's an old dressmaker's trick to "marry" the stitching threads to the threads of the fabric at the seam to increase stability and durability. Think about nailing a nail head down even with the board as well. Stronger, smoother, etc.
If your quilt is not going to be used or stressed over time (like wall hangings are) then perhaps setting the seam or not won't make much difference. But my investment of time alone mandates that I put my "covers quilts" together to withstand washing, tugging, folding, and the rigors of life as a used quilt. I set seams. You bet I do! |
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