my sister called me and asked "why do we set seams when pressing"? OK I know I do it, but why??? I did a serch on it and am not happy with most answers. Knowing this board I knew this was the place to ask. I know some where along the way I was told why but have so forgotten.
she is teaching a class and needs to know, thanks ever so!!

All I know is that when you set the seam and then press open or to the side it seems to lay better. Others may have other ideas!

Leaha, I love that you asked this question! I have heard that by pressing the seam, you are pressing the stitches into the fabric which is best for the seam. I want a better answer myself!

I always set my seams with the iron. The before and after are amazing.
I believe it embeds the thread into the fabric. And it straightens out any puckers. I also make sure that the fabric I want the seam to fold to is on top. Makes the fold out easier too.
Hope I have helped.
Subee :-)

I agree

You are setting the stitches into the fabric, which makes for a better pressed seam line :D:D:D

I was told it makes the stitches sink into the cloth better so when you flip one side over it lays better.

I do it to make the quilting go easier. I can't imagine trying to quilt a top that had not been pressed.

Yes, it helps it lay better but also allows you to match up to another block so much easier. You will butt the seams together from one block to another and pin so the blocks connect easily in the proper place. You need to press the seams flat so that there is no bunching or lumps of excess fabric.

That's what I was told.