Michellesews

There are times when it is necessary to press open to get a block to lie flat, but rarely. Pressing to the side makes for a much sturdier block/quilt. If you consider this, with seams pressed open the only thing standing between it and life is a row of stitches. make sense?

feffertim

often I do not plan my block layout until they are all finished, so if I pressed to the side, there is a problem with the seams nesting, if they are pressed open, they fit no matter where I lay the block.

kellen46

Why limit yourself. Open or to the side or wiggly wampus....do what works for you and what you are making. Who cares what is "right". Do what works.

toverly

I hate open seams. But on a recent quilt I had 6 seams coming together when I joined the blocks, a fine lump in each intersection. I have heard of others using a rubber mallet to flatten the lumps. I think I'll leave them, it's consistent. But, if I ever make the pattern again, I'll open the seams.

TheGirlThatLovesToBind

To the side for me. I always worry about a few stitches in the seam coming loose. If it's to the side you won't see batting! And I agree, it helps with the nesting of the seams.

Teeler

Depends what mood I'm in, or what kind of piecing I'm pressing, or what color socks I'm wearing, or any number of things. I don't play by the rules most of the time. On those occasions when I do play by the rules, I'm usually following someone else's pattern, and following their pressing instructions.

Caswews

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I agree as it depends on how thick the material is as to whether I press to one side or I press it open. Try both and see what you like best !

MargeD

Since I began quilting, there has always been a little controversy about pressing seams to one side or open. In watching several quilting teachers over the years, the answer seemed to be consistent: press the seams open or to one side, depending on the best way to make the block. I may not be explaining myself, but if you have a lot of seams coming together, pressing seams open will definitely reduce bulk and make for a better looking block.