Seams: press open or to the dark side?
#22
I think we have always pressed to the side because of the strength of the thread, but I am starting to see the benefit of pressing open. I mean we have some of the strongest thread made when we quilt. I have never really gotten the knack of matching my seams with the locking system down. (usually I have pressed one of the sides the wrong way). I used to sew clothing and had to break the open seam habit when I started quilting because of the "quilting police" (this was back 30 years ago). I thank you for this topic because reading everyone's post gave me a new thought about pressing open.
#23
Originally Posted by amma
Pressing to the side is not usually necessary with the strong stitches that our machines make. I press open a lot, due to not liking seeing a seam through my blocks :D:D:D
Many quilters quote this, "look at the strain the seams in our pants get,they are pressed open and they don't pull apart" :wink:
Many quilters quote this, "look at the strain the seams in our pants get,they are pressed open and they don't pull apart" :wink:
Alex Anderson said several times on her show, Simply Quilts, that we should press to the construction of the block. I, personally, have experienced a block/seam that is going to lay the way it wants to & not the way I want it to! In my aged wisdom, I let the block win everytime!
Lori, your quilt really is beautiful!!!
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,571
I'm an open-seam presser. Again, I also come to quilting from a garment/home dec beginning. When I started quilting - and I am all self-taught - I pressed to the side as was instructed on many shows. I really don't like the bulk. I hand quilt so that really makes a difference as well. And particulary when you (I) have many seams coming together it makes for a much flatter block/quilt.
#25
QuiltswithConvicts, Try a tiny zigzag or a stretch stitch on your poly slacks. The stretch in them is what making your seam pop open. You need a stretch stitch to stretch with the fabric. JMO. :)
#26
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
Originally Posted by dakotamaid
QuiltswithConvicts, Try a tiny zigzag or a stretch stitch on your poly slacks. The stretch in them is what making your seam pop open. You need a stretch stitch to stretch with the fabric. JMO. :)
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: North Kansas City, MO
Posts: 561
Initially, pressing to the dark was thought to prevent thread breakage (thus opening seams in the quilt). Machine stitches are tighter and more secure. Pressing seams open reduce bulk at joining points (stars/4patch, etc)
At least that's what I've heard - I could be all wrong, it's happened a couple of times befoe LOL
At least that's what I've heard - I could be all wrong, it's happened a couple of times befoe LOL
#30
Almost always open. I find matching seams much easier with open seams. When I press to the side I too often get all seams going to one side and get into a mess. With seams open you don't have to think so much and less ripping out.
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