I was still in the dark. Found this - hope it helps others.

Pressing to Set Seams
An Easy Way to Make Accurate Quilt Blocks
About.com Guide
See More About:pressing basicsquilt block constructionBefore you press a seam allowance to one side, put your iron down on it flat, just as it was sewn. Don't move the iron back and forth--let its weight do the work for you. This step "sets" the seam, flattening puckers that occurred when it was sewn.

Also found this: Setting a seam
The first pressing of the seam as it comes from the sewing machine to lock threads together, smooth out puckers, and even out minor thread tension differences before pressing the seam open or to one side.

Thank you for this topic. I learned somethin' today.

SaraSewing, thank you for this reply. I learned something today, too! :-D

Thanks also for everyone else you chimed in.

Ironing the seam first sorta' sets the stitches down into the fabric. If you have ripped out a seam which you ironed that way, you probably noticed that the stitches were harder to pick up with the ripper because they were buried.

Hello everyone! My name is Sheila and I live in Alabama. My grandmother taught me to quilt 30+ years ago. She was a little "rustic" and made her patterns out of brown paper grocery bags. Things have changed alot and I have learned so many tips since those days. Initially I never ironed a seam and wow!....is there a big advantage to doing so but I need clarification please. Do you press the seam to one side THEN open it up & press to lay flat? I always just pressed to one side but would like to know which way is better. Thanks!

Now I fully understand the Steady Betty. Time to work on the Tailor's Clapper. LOL

so the tailor's clapper is like a wooden press for your seam. OK. I do have a seam stick, so I think I will just try using that for now. Sticks are free, lol. I got mine out of the yard. DH sanded it nice and smoothe for me and it works great. Smiles and Hugs,

Fons & Porter recommend this method - since they've been quilting a LOT longer than I have, I tried their method and use it whenever I remember. It's the little things that make a difference, but it takes so much longer!

Yes, please clarify. I, too, am not sure I understand how the seam lies when you first press it. I've just always pressed to one side. Are you pressing it open first, then to one side? Sorry that I'm thick-headed!

I've made over 100 quilts and comforters, have tried setting seams and don't think it makes a difference. Sometimes I do sometimes I don't. I can't tell the difference.