Is there a reason to do this?
#11
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Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,422
I press or "set" the seam first. Then unfold and press to the dark if possible. Look at the fabric and stitches before pressing and then after pressing. Of course, after pressing, you will see a flatter fabric and flatter seam line.
The same happens when stitching borders. On a side note, I stay stitch and then press again all borders that are added to quilts.
https://www.quiltingcompany.com/8-ti...ms-quilt-tops/
The same happens when stitching borders. On a side note, I stay stitch and then press again all borders that are added to quilts.
https://www.quiltingcompany.com/8-ti...ms-quilt-tops/
#12
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,334
Thanks for the link Rhonda K. And thanks to everyone for your comments. Like I said, I do pre-press but really didn't know if it did anything. I guess it does although I don't see a lot of difference. I don't use polyester thread so the melting part isn't an issue. Again, thanks, everyone.
#13
I think setting your seams will correct any small tension problems in your seams by warming and loosening the fibres in the cotton and also allowing the thread to sink in a bit.
I always set my seams, then finger press over before pressing over with the iron.
Watson
I always set my seams, then finger press over before pressing over with the iron.
Watson
#14
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: The Deep South near Cajun Country, USA
Posts: 5,385
Sometimes I set the seam and sometimes I don't. Just depends on how much I care about the finished quilt top. I do find that I don't have those little puckers when I do the first seam set and then press the right way. I use a 50 wt cotton thread to piece and don't really see much seam loss. I almost always sew a scant 1/4 inch seam anyway, unless the block is one that has all the same block pieces each way....4 patch, 9 patch or 16 patch and that is all that will be in the quilt. In this case it doesn't matter. All blocks will be the same size. If you are mixing these blocks with others that have multiple seams then the blocks have to match. That's when I really look at finished sizes.
#16
That's the reasoning I recall as well. I tend to pre press because (I think) when I don't my seams aren't as consistently flat and laying nicely. Meh, like every sewing thing personal preferences and experiences play into it, right?
#18
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,512
I'm the same. I started doing it with garments and at this point, its automatic so I still do it whether I'm making a garment or a quilt.
#19
I do it because it helps the seams lay extra flat and sets the thread, so to speak. Things just seem to go together better. But hey, I say do whatever method gives you the results you want.
#20
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,342
I do the "setting of the seams" too. I learned to quilt in late 70's and early 80's and was told to do it. And it just made sense to me and as the block/quilt goes together it keeps it ironed so looks more appealing to me.
Everyone has to do what they feel like doing or else you won't enjoy the process.
Everyone has to do what they feel like doing or else you won't enjoy the process.
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05-03-2010 07:30 PM