Fabaddict

I almost always use steam on my block seams. makes them flatter.

feffertim

Eleanor Burns always uses steam, so does Mary Fons. I guess if they do then its OK

Friday1961

I like steam when it comes to pressing seams because it makes them lie flatter. I stopped using steam much of the time when piecing because I was stretching the fabric, I think. As others have said, it's a matter of preference and how careful you are willing to be.

jumpin' judy

I have a quilting friend who says to "steam it into submission." Sometimes you can work out lumps and bumps with steam.

zozee

I press or iron very gently on triangles , sometimes with steam, sometimes without. Starch helps , but just avoid stretching the fabric on the bias by using just enough movement to get the job done.

IAmCatOwned

I usually use steam, but you have to have a light hand or your can cause more problems that you solve with pressing. I don't disagree with those who don't use steam. In my classes, I'd say 80% of quilters didn't have a light enough hand to use steam. Many of these quilters were beginners. Steam is a problem to use with some pieces because it's almost impossible not to mess up the grain. My suggestion is to try it on something that isn't going to kill you if you mess it up. Then decide from there steam or no steam. I don't use steam on very small pieces due to risk of burns.

IBQUILTIN

If I have prewashed the fabrics, I will use steam, but I am always afraid that steam will distort the shape of the block or pieces that I am pressing. Like others have said, it is a matter of choice and depends on the quality of the fabric.

sewwhat85

Steam or spritzing could potentially shrink your patch work

maryellen2u

Me too! I love a little steam. I don't iron. I press which does not distort the fabric. I think some of these rules, like pre-washing and no stem were made when people were working with less reliable kinds of fabric. We are buying quality fabric (it better be at $12-$15 @ yard) Honestly I am way more cautious when I am using JoAnnes and some Walmart fabrics that have so much sizing they can stand alone and you can shoot beans through it.