Seams pressed open
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mechanicsville, IA
Posts: 1,497
I have started pressing all my seams open. My sister-in-law said that is the way her grandmother always did it and she was a prolific quilter. I make my stitch length pretty short and treat ends of the pieces carefully when matching seams. I like the way the seams match much better. I do think you need to match the thread to the fabric a little closer.
Last edited by Silver Needle; 07-03-2012 at 04:35 PM.
#14
That's the way I do it and I use glue to help me match and sew. Since I never have to worry about which way to press, I think it goes just as fast as sandwiching those seams. Besides, my needles and sewing machine like it better that way. And I can design as I go without undoing anything.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
#16
I believe the press the seam allowance to the side goes way back to when quilts were hand pieced. This gave stability to the seams. As batting and thread improves, and most seams are machine pieced, the option to press the seam allowance open is more appropriate.
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Stanley NC
Posts: 981
I understand that pressing the seams open is done for machine piecing but I'm HAND piecing and it still seems to work better for me.
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Stanley NC
Posts: 981
Thanks, NJ Quilters! I've already decided that pressing seams open for hand piecing and quilting is the way to go for me. No need to worry about Quilt Police because I'm not going to tell them where I live!
#19
Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 42
There are a couple of situations where pressing the seams open are an issue. If you're planning to stitch in the ditch - you will be stitching only over the threads that connect the top together, not very secure. If you use a batting that is not made from long fibers (less expensive) there is a tendency, over time, for those short fibers to work their way up & out, bearding, to make the quilt appear fuzzy. Otherwise - go for it!
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Stanley NC
Posts: 981
There are a couple of situations where pressing the seams open are an issue. If you're planning to stitch in the ditch - you will be stitching only over the threads that connect the top together, not very secure. If you use a batting that is not made from long fibers (less expensive) there is a tendency, over time, for those short fibers to work their way up & out, bearding, to make the quilt appear fuzzy. Otherwise - go for it!
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05-17-2011 11:45 AM