Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Why.. >

Why..

Why..

Old 10-20-2010, 07:26 AM
  #31  
Junior Member
 
Crickett Sweet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Colonie, New York
Posts: 118
Default

to the side - no backstitching required. Stronger seams
Crickett Sweet is offline  
Old 10-20-2010, 07:31 AM
  #32  
Senior Member
 
Bobbinchick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Port angeles, Wa
Posts: 910
Default

Some times it depends on the pattern you are working with. Some call for the seam to be pressed to the dark, others say to the light, and things like dresden plates are pressed open so there won't be too much bulk when you sew the wedges together.
Please don't fuss over it, just do it the way that is comfortable for you. Good luck, Huggies, fay
Bobbinchick is offline  
Old 10-20-2010, 08:12 AM
  #33  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Default

grammyp

That is what I was told by my Grandma also. And Granny knows best. When making a civil war wall hanging I did press the seams open and they do lay much flatter. It is at the quilters now can't wait to see if she says anything about how it was to quilt.

Suzy
Suzy is offline  
Old 10-20-2010, 08:38 AM
  #34  
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 79
Default

I really don't think it makes much difference if you are machine piecing. I usually will press to one side if I'm doing 4 or 9 patches, but if I'm doing something like a hexagon (One Block Wonders) or any type of kaleidoscope or star block where 6 or more points come together, I will press open to reduce some of the bulk at the point. And with todays fabrics, if you are using a good quality quilting cotton, I really don't think it matters if you press to the dark or light. The seam is only 1/4 inch, and unless the fabric is really thin, most people wouldn't even notice if your seam was showing under the light fabric.

Best word of advice... try it both ways, with different blocks ( 4 Patch, Kaleidoscope or hexagon) and see which way you like best, and do what works for YOU!!!!
Mailmanldy is offline  
Old 10-20-2010, 09:00 AM
  #35  
Super Member
 
TexasGurl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: GREAT STATE OF TEXAS
Posts: 1,415
Default

Originally Posted by Spring
Why are the seams pressed to the side rather then pressed open like in garment construction?
I did it but Im loosing sleep as to why.

Also am I correct in my thinking that each row should be pressed opposite direction?
I learned to quilt in the 80's when polyester battings were the norm and seams to one side were taught to keep the batting from creeping through. It also makes a stronger seam for wear.
I haven't used polyester batting in years, but I still press to one side - it's just easier than pressing a little 1/4" seam open. I do press star centers or other complex blocks open to reduce bulk. I've always taught my quilt classes that way - and to press rows in opp. directions, they will nest and corners match more easily. :)
TexasGurl is offline  
Old 10-20-2010, 10:25 AM
  #36  
Senior Member
 
tryitall's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Southern Oklahoma
Posts: 687
Default

Just today I received my Quilting magazine. It had an insert with quilter's tips. This was one of the topics. Everyone has their own way. Some liked pressing to the side and some liked pressing open, and some pressed toward the dark fabric. Do whatever feels right to you.
tryitall is offline  
Old 10-20-2010, 11:30 AM
  #37  
Member
 
PattyJean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: MO
Posts: 95
Default

Either way is acceptable and more classes are using the press open method. Pressing to one side is really helpful when you are sewing rows or blocks together as you can butt the 2 seams pressed in different directions to help you get a perfect corner match.
PattyJean is offline  
Old 10-20-2010, 11:45 AM
  #38  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW
Posts: 7,940
Default

Originally Posted by grammyp
My grandmother said it was so the batting didn't poke out through the stitches. Don't know if that is the original purpose for pressing to the side, but it works for me.
Yes, that was the original purpose, but also for a stronger seam once quilted. I have some older quilts that the stitching has started coming apart, but you can't see the batting poking through because the maker pressed to the side, and I am able to whip stitch the seam back together easily.

It's personal preference. Sometimes I press open on a small item to reduce the bulk at the seams.
jljack is offline  
Old 10-20-2010, 11:54 AM
  #39  
Super Member
 
Rosyhf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Longwood, Florida
Posts: 2,910
Default

I sew the way I was taught to sew clothing. I was trained as a professional seamstress. I will press open and to the side depending.
Rosyhf is offline  
Old 10-20-2010, 12:50 PM
  #40  
Super Member
 
ksea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,601
Default

I saw a video of Alex Anderson and she said to press to one side so the stitches won't show
ksea is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
deedum
Main
127
10-31-2011 06:06 PM
vicki75
Main
16
10-11-2011 08:24 PM
butterflywing
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
15
01-19-2011 12:13 PM
Daisygirl
Main
187
03-16-2010 08:15 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter