P-BurgKay

I have started pressing all my seams open. I use a shorter stitch length. Finger press with my finger nail. I get better matched seams this way over nesting my seams. I guess it is to each his own. I started this after taking a Leah Day class. It works for me, but if pressing to one side works for you, that is by all means what you should do. Remember there are no quilt police, not at my house anyways.

Onebyone

I use pressing finger tips. There are many kinds. I use the silicone ones.

QuiltE

For sure!

Most times, my seams are pressed to the side, but sometimes, open pressed seams are required.

Generally I just press carefully ..... a shot of steam whether from your iron, or a spritzer bottle can often help get those seams tamed and flat, whether open or closed. Best Press is a good aid to keep them there for the long term too!

Actually, I have found, fabric that has been Best Pressed before stitching, cooperates quite nicely when pressing after each line of stitching for blocks.

I avoid finger pressing as much as possible, but when/if I really must ......
I use that little plastic scraper that came with my Pampered Chef stoneware.
It's a decent size and is not going to break (like a popsicle stick might)
which makes it easier to hold onto and "scrape" along for the "finger" press.

sewbizgirl

I press most seams to the dark side, but if I have to press open I use the pointed tip of the iron get the seam opening started. Then just follow it along the seam.

QuiltnLady1

I have some serger tweezers that I use to hold open the seams -- I can also use an awl on one side and the iron on the other. I do 1/4" seams and press open the seams when there are a lot of them converging together.

QuiltE

Sorry, but I don't know the name of this, so please bear with my description!
There is a thing you can wear on your finger, like a thimble, and it has a awl like spike sticking out of it.

The idea is that you have it on your non-iron hand and then the pointer can hold your fabric in place, and all that the iron might touch would be the metal point.

I tried one ... but felt like a total klutz ... and went back to carefully using my fingers and the point of the iron!!!

Jan in VA

OMG! Never, NEVER take abuse, disrespect, or negative pressure from an instructor!! Never give it either, of course. But always report such to the shop owner, workshop planner so they can decide whether to remove the instructor from their classes.

I had to do so when I owned my shop years ago, and that instructor had been one of the former owners! I guess she thought her former ownership gave her special status. But there were too many reports of her behavior in class and I would not tolerate it.

If you don't feel it's appropriate to speak up in class about her remarks or eye rolls, then leaving and advising the owner is the best plan. And I'd personally ask for a refund.

Jan in VA

Cass62

I've seen these things called Strip Sticks, and have considered trying them.

http://www.thestripstick.com/

Clover makes a similar gadget with extra features, but it would not be suitable for longer seams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO65oDTQ4yQ

Dolphyngyrl

seam stick when pressing open. I try to only press open for bulky seams

jmoore

I am also a nester so I prefer to press to one side when I can...when piecing, I use a scant quarter-inch. I am working on another scrappy Arkansas crossroads and trying to press open for this quilt but I have to be diligent about pinning and matching my seams.