I am a new quilter of only about 3 months. I have read numerous articles, books, Youtube tutorials and most generally they have all said not to use steam when pressing seams/squares as it can stretch fabric. I started a quilting class this week and instructor says to steam. Just wondering what most of you more experienced quilters prefer.

I've been quilting for about 12 years, and I still can't decide. I do both, but I generally start without steam. If I can't get the fabric to cooperate, I use steam. I'm interested in everyone's responses, too.

Linda

General rule of thumb---dry heat with bias, steam otherwise. I always use steam because it makes the fabric lay flatter, but if there is a lot of bias I don't--steam stretches bias.

BUT there are no quilt police hanging over your shoulder, so what ever you are comfortable with is rule

I use spray starch and no steam. It is all a personal choice.
There is really no right or wrong:)

Starch and press.

30 years quilting, teaching, designing. My opinion is that it isn't the steam which distorts, it's the 'presser'. I always use steam, high heat, and a pressing-not ironing motion.

Jan in VA

I always use steam, but I am very careful to PRESS, not Iron. It is the moving of the iron across the fabric that stretches it - my opinion

I used to use steam but I don't use it as much anymore and I don't really see a difference. The difference I see most is when I use starch or best press.

Susan

I've always used steam, but now I'm trying dry and starch. I thought maybe it would add to the life of my iron. We'll see!

I agree that it is the moving of the iron that distorts, not the iron or steam/no steam.

I have started just finger pressing the initial seams on my blocks for my minis, and my piecing is better this way!