I can't grasp what you mean by setting the seams. Is it that you are just pressing the sewing line? you are still going to one side. I just don't know what you all are talking about for sure.

thanks, mommadorian...I didn't know what they meant by "setting a seam" before pressing the seam

thanks, I continued reading and found the answer......

reading where some think that it doesn't make a difference, I would just think that if one does it on your first seam, you should continue on all seams for that particular quilt or project..
just in case it makes a slight change in the size of the seam..as quoted in one of the answers....

just a thought.........

I was taught to alway set your seams and I like the way it makes the block nice and flat.

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.

I do it all the time it is easier to press to one side after you set the seams, the seams lay flat for you.

I learned never to use the steam to set(quilt) seams, I had problems with it changing the shape of block pieces.???? I set seems on all my quilt pieces then turn the seams to one side. open seams on a quilt I think(thinking isn't the same for everyone) weakens the seam . My quilts are made for long wear resulting in many washings..(kid quilts)
but each to their own way they like to do seams..

I was struggling with my blocks not going together well and was advised to start setting the seam (remembering to "press" not iron) and using a bit of starch. Makes a world of difference to me..so thats what I do.

Ditto!!!

One of the quilting show I saw said always press toward the dark side. (Sounds like Darth Vader. LOL) Press the lighter fabric toward the darker fabric otherwise the dark would show through the lighter fabric.