Earleen

Do you use steam when pressing your blocks, and as you go making the block. I heard you are to use a dry iron. Help

MadQuilter

I press my individual pieces with a dry iron - setting the seam first before pressing anything open. Generally I don't use steam until the entire top is together OR if something just doesn't behave. The key is that you don't want to distort anything and steam can lead to distortion.

Don't you just love those "it depends" answers?

Quiltforme

I have found that sometimes it shrinks my block. I read somewhere that this can happen and well it made a lot of sense when my squares were short 1/4 inch. I still steam but only on larger fabrics

littlehud

I only use a dry iron. Just my way I guess.

Deb watkins

Dry pressing for me as well!

EasyPeezy

First I set the seam then open and finger press then apply my slightly
damp finger tips on the seam and press. It makes for nice flat seams
without shrinkage or distortion. :)

JanieW

I use a dry iron. I keep a spray bottle of water near the ironing board. I sometimes will give a fine spray to the fabric and press with the dry iron. That way you get the benefit of steam without distorting the fabric.

Using a dry iron means you don't have to clean it.

b.zang

I'm basically too lazy to keep refilling the iron reservoir if I want to use steam so even if I were to start with steam I would soon be using a dry iron. So, I just leave it dry.
:) :)

Linda1

I use a dry iron also.

PMY in QCA-IL

I use a dry iron too. If I need to sometimes I'll spritz a seam with a spray bottle. I do pre-wash and press with steam if necessary, so I wouldn't think the block would shrink from steam pressing.