To steam or not to steam?
03-09-2014, 03:50 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hernando FL
Posts: 1,662
It depends on what I'm working on. If I have something with a lot of bias edges then I'll skip the steam because steam is more likely to distort bias edge. I will also use starch on the fabric before I cut something with a bias edge. If it's just routine squares and such then steam does give a more crisp press to the seam.
03-09-2014, 03:51 AM
#22
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cape cod
Posts: 37
Originally Posted by ILoveToQuilt
I guess I am in the minority. Dry iron only...water can rot out the insides of the iron (that's why they leak often) especially if you use tap water or highly mineralized water (learned this from a long time tailor). I don't use starch because starch can attract bugs (moths and carpet beetles) which can damage fabrics on stored quilts. (If you wash the quilt when it is finished, you do remove the starch, but then how do you get the crisp look back without starch?) This is just my opinion...
Anita
Anita
03-09-2014, 06:11 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: South East, PA
Posts: 342
I do not use water in my iron. I got tired of it spitting all over the place. I usually start with no moisture, but if I have a rebellious seam, or fabric that I am ironing, my big spray bottle is close at hand. If I have fabric that seems flimsy, or I am working with bias, I use starch that I mix liquid starch and water in a second spray bottle.
03-09-2014, 06:54 AM
#26
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,219
Very personal preference. I read where Eleanor Burns loves steam and her son that quilts hates steam. So I guess whatever you find you like the best with the results you want. I stopped using steam, don't notice a difference.
03-09-2014, 06:57 AM
#27
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Indiana
Posts: 246
I prefer steam and use some spray. I like what Marianne Fons said when asked that question. She said something like "we put water in the iron and use steam until it runs out and then use the dry iron until one of us fills it again."
03-09-2014, 07:04 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: La Pine Oregon, USA
Posts: 5,907
I haven't read all the responses but want to tell you what I saw last week. I was watching The Fins and Porter Show. The daughter asked her mom this question and then answered for her mom. Seems mom "uses steam until the iron runs out of water, then she dry irons"..... LOL What a hoot.
03-09-2014, 10:21 AM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 2,879
Originally Posted by Donnamarie
Absolutely, I couldn't live without my steam. About the only time that I use a dry iron is when ironing on freezer paper. I love steam and I love Mary Ellen's starch.
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