I press or "set" the seam first. Then unfold and press to the dark if possible. Look at the fabric and stitches before pressing and then after pressing. Of course, after pressing, you will see a flatter fabric and flatter seam line.

The same happens when stitching borders. On a side note, I stay stitch and then press again all borders that are added to quilts.

https://www.quiltingcompany.com/8-ti...ms-quilt-tops/

Thanks for the link Rhonda K. And thanks to everyone for your comments. Like I said, I do pre-press but really didn't know if it did anything. I guess it does although I don't see a lot of difference. I don't use polyester thread so the melting part isn't an issue. Again, thanks, everyone.

I think setting your seams will correct any small tension problems in your seams by warming and loosening the fibres in the cotton and also allowing the thread to sink in a bit.
I always set my seams, then finger press over before pressing over with the iron.

Watson

Sometimes I set the seam and sometimes I don't. Just depends on how much I care about the finished quilt top. I do find that I don't have those little puckers when I do the first seam set and then press the right way. I use a 50 wt cotton thread to piece and don't really see much seam loss. I almost always sew a scant 1/4 inch seam anyway, unless the block is one that has all the same block pieces each way....4 patch, 9 patch or 16 patch and that is all that will be in the quilt. In this case it doesn't matter. All blocks will be the same size. If you are mixing these blocks with others that have multiple seams then the blocks have to match. That's when I really look at finished sizes.

I have only pre-press one time and did not like it so I have gone to pressing the standard way lite to darker down. I do not press open either but am watchful so that the pieces lay flat.

That's the reasoning I recall as well. I tend to pre press because (I think) when I don't my seams aren't as consistently flat and laying nicely. Meh, like every sewing thing personal preferences and experiences play into it, right?

I've done both and find I like it better when I pre-press. However, if you have to rip out a seam, it comes out much easier if you do it before any pressing!

I'm the same. I started doing it with garments and at this point, its automatic so I still do it whether I'm making a garment or a quilt.

I do it because it helps the seams lay extra flat and sets the thread, so to speak. Things just seem to go together better. But hey, I say do whatever method gives you the results you want.

I do the "setting of the seams" too. I learned to quilt in late 70's and early 80's and was told to do it. And it just made sense to me and as the block/quilt goes together it keeps it ironed so looks more appealing to me.
Everyone has to do what they feel like doing or else you won't enjoy the process.