To Set Seams or Not to Set -- The Why's and Wherefore's!!!!
05-14-2011, 12:41 PM
#64
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 525
Originally Posted by MTS
The reason is along the same lines as the "scant" quarter-inch theory.
The thread takes up space.
So if you just sew them and press them (open or to the side), you're not getting it as flat as you can because there is a bit of a bump there from the thread.
Can you see it from the space shuttle?
No.
But try it. Take two scraps and sew them together.
Feel the thread line.
Now just take you iron and press it on the seam line.
Feel again. You can feel how it's nice and smooth.
So now when you go to press the seams (again, open or to the side depending on your preference or situation), it will be flatter.
Also, when you go press the seam to the side, you'll get less tucks and pleats. I just find they move better when the seams are set.
So set the seams, press, and this is where you can bring starch in if you want, press again.
I like my seams and blocks to be as flat as wallpaper.
As for time spent, it's negligible. ;-)
The thread takes up space.
So if you just sew them and press them (open or to the side), you're not getting it as flat as you can because there is a bit of a bump there from the thread.
Can you see it from the space shuttle?
No.
But try it. Take two scraps and sew them together.
Feel the thread line.
Now just take you iron and press it on the seam line.
Feel again. You can feel how it's nice and smooth.
So now when you go to press the seams (again, open or to the side depending on your preference or situation), it will be flatter.
Also, when you go press the seam to the side, you'll get less tucks and pleats. I just find they move better when the seams are set.
So set the seams, press, and this is where you can bring starch in if you want, press again.
I like my seams and blocks to be as flat as wallpaper.
As for time spent, it's negligible. ;-)
05-14-2011, 03:31 PM
#66
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 2,842
i have an answer for u
check out my post and press on the link
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-122739-1.htm
check out my post and press on the link
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-122739-1.htm
05-14-2011, 03:32 PM
#67
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
Originally Posted by QuiltE
Oh wise, ladies and gents ... do tell ...
Do you set your seams? or not?
(before you press them open, or to the sides)
What purpose does it serve?
If you do it some of the time ... what situations are the times?
What is the return on your time investment in doing such?
I'm looking forward to the discussion on this as I am totally between and betwixt, and need some input as to the why-to!!
Do you set your seams? or not?
(before you press them open, or to the sides)
What purpose does it serve?
If you do it some of the time ... what situations are the times?
What is the return on your time investment in doing such?
I'm looking forward to the discussion on this as I am totally between and betwixt, and need some input as to the why-to!!
05-14-2011, 04:01 PM
#70
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,463
Originally Posted by bearisgray
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