bearisgray

"Swirling" seam allowances does reduce bulk at intersections. I had this little checkerboard piece that I was playing with to see if it could be done over a larger area or with more pieces.

It can - but I'm not sure it's worth the effort.

QuiltnNan

i tried it back when eleanor burns was on tv. i don't think it's worth the effort. and i believe the batting helps disguise the bulkier seams

Mariposa

Looks good. But it can be a lot of extra fiddling~

EasyPeezy

I noticed quilts that I pressed seams open are a lot softer than
those I pressed to the side.

bearisgray

I have a harder time getting what I consider "nice /acceptable intersections" when I press the seams open than when I press them to the side.

Jordan

I do this "swirling" seam allowance all of the time. To me it makes for a nicer way for the seams to lay. Very nice checker board block.

Jane Quilter

I am going to give this a try. I usually iron to the dark side, or press open. I've been wary of not locking the seam stitching.

bearisgray

I unpick the thread to the seam line - I do not cut it - because I feel that if I cut it even with the seam line, that would "encourage" the seam to cum apart.

So - I am saying I leave 1/4 to 3/8 inches of thread on each seam that is unpicked.

nativetexan

oh if i do stars or such where tiny points come together, i do swirl them and flatten. not sure i would do ever single seam in a whole quilt though.

bearisgray

It was an experiment.