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EasyPeezy 10-18-2010 08:17 PM


Originally Posted by RkayD
Since I started glue basting I find myself pressing open more often than not. Seems to work better for me.

Care to share your method? I use glue basting for binding but I've never
done a whole quilt. Can you do a large quilt? How much glue do you put
and per how many square inch?

tooMuchFabric 10-18-2010 08:21 PM

When I have pressed seams open, I find that those seams tend to show stress and even break when people sit or lie on the quilts.
I press to one side for that reason, and also to let matching seams nest into one another for better accuracy.
.

Kitsie 10-18-2010 11:38 PM


Originally Posted by chiaraquilts
I found this article http://www.straw.com/equilters/libra...SeamsOpen.html and it changed my mind about pressing seams open. I have always (20+ years!!!) struggled with getting seams to match and this method has worked well for me - I too was taught to press seams to one side, but I am getting better results with pressing them open.

Thank you for this link! When piecing a scrappy, its really nice to know!

mmonohon 10-18-2010 11:41 PM

I like it so I can butt the seams together and match better. But it is a personal preference.

tweetee 10-19-2010 02:39 AM


Originally Posted by sharon b
I was told that way back when everything was sewn by hand it would strengthen the seams if they were pressed to one side - if they were open they gave away easier . now not as important with machines as they have stronger seams . That is what I was told anyways

Thats what I was told too. depends in the project I am doing weather I press to one side, or open.

Edie 10-20-2010 02:43 AM


Originally Posted by Sadiemae
I was told that in the beginning it was done to reduce bulk and add strength to the seam. I know that my LQS now teaches people to press open, so I am not sure. I find that it is easier to press a 1/4" seam to the side, rather than to press them open.

This is what I heard also. It adds strength to the seam - My mantra while pressing seams - "Press to the dark". Edie

patdesign 10-20-2010 04:54 AM


Originally Posted by Spring
Why are the seams pressed to the side rather then pressed open like in garment construction?
I did it but Im loosing sleep as to why.

Also am I correct in my thinking that each row should be pressed opposite direction?

The pressed open seams are more vulnerable. To the side gives better results, we press open seams in garment construction to keep the seam allowance from telescoping through, in quilts this is not an issue.

bigsister63 10-20-2010 05:05 AM

I press to side. I do not know why anyone would try to press a 1/4 in seam open! It is harder than pressing to side. Also was taught that this reduces bulk, make seam stronger. Correct about just sewing on thread when SID if seams pressed open.

quilt3311 10-20-2010 06:43 AM

Mostly to keep the seams from showing under the lighter fabric, although I have pressed open on occasion. I think its mostly personal preference.

quiltmom04 10-20-2010 07:15 AM


Originally Posted by Spring
Why are the seams pressed to the side rather then pressed open like in garment construction?
I did it but Im loosing sleep as to why.

Also am I correct in my thinking that each row should be pressed opposite direction?

I think seams are pressed to one side because it's quicker. And they are NOT always pressed to the darker side. Sometimes being pressed to the lighter side facilitates construction more easliy. I find seams that are pressed in opposite directions are easier to match than seams that are pressed open, just because they seem to have a natural "edge" when the 2 seams butt up together. But either way is perfectly acceptable - whatever your preference is!


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