Why not iron seams open?
#21
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 2,199
Originally Posted by Kryssa
In my first quilting class I was told to iron seems in the direction of the darker fabric or toward the least bulk. But is there a real reason why I can't iron my seams open?
#27
Originally Posted by Twilliebee
Kryssa, there really isn't a reason not to iron your seams open anymore, and although I've read the reason they were customarily ironed to one side, I don't recall what it was. A number of quilters iron their seams open because they prefer the absolutely flat look it provides. Some also believe free motion quilting is easier with flat seams. I believe there is some concern that seams are more likely to get skewed when ironed open, and that intersections of blocks require more special handling. I've done both, but I'm not experienced enough to have much of an opinion either way. When I have a little extra time, I'll try to find the sites where I originally got this information and post the links. Have fun!
#30
There are times when you should iron them open. But, let me tell you, it's a lot of work. Going to one side is much easier and the seams stay straight. When you iron them open, they can easily get curves ironed in. And when you put blocks together, the ironing to the CORRECT direction is of supreme importance.
Cynthia
Cynthia
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