sewbeadit

I have heard so much in the last couple of years about setting seams with your iron and then opening the seams or whatever you are planning on doing. So what is the point of this? We quilted for many many years without doing this and I have had people ask me about what is the point. Some people to this day haven't heard of doing it and seems to be popular in the USA. Help please.

MaureenT

I'm rather new at quilting, and have been taught to do that. Am interested in your replies!

Tartan

I find I get a flatter look to my piecing if I set the seam first. Try a little experiment yourself. Sew 2 sets of squares together and set one and not the other. Don't iron them open though. Now take your seam ripper and see which one is easier to get the seam ripper under the stitches. The one that has been set will have the stitches " set" into the fabric and you will have a harder time getting the ripper under the stitches.

ManiacQuilter2

There have been previous posts on this subject. I learned about this over 20 years ago. It just sets the threads into the fabric much better. I do a lot of Bargello and by doing this, I notice the difference when I press my strips open. Not sure if I am working this right.

PaperPrincess

Recent post:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...y-t238610.html

crocee

Cause Grandma said so

Jeanne S

I find I am much more apt to get those little folds at the seam line if I don't set my seams first. And that little loose fold is enough to throw the blocks off a little. I really like smooth flat seams so I set the seam by pressing.

Nammie to 7

Yup -- all of the above!

tessagin

My grandmother and anyone else I knew always had a hot iron ready to set seams. Made a prettier flat top. I always press to the dark side. Also pinning at certain intersections (joinings) help with points and setting seams.

Lovequilting22

That's the way I was taught so that's what I do.