Moira in N.E. England

I’m starting on a quilt. Each square block is made up of 4 x 5 inch squares.

I want the centre point to be nice and flat. Should I press each seam open or press to alternate sides and ‘spin’ the centre point where all the seams meet?

Does it make any difference?

sewingitalltogether

If it's 4 x 5" pieces, then you would do best to iron the seams one way with the next row ironing the other way. That way they can butt up against each other. I usually have to iron in a circular pattern when I'm sewing triangles together.

Gay

I disagree - when you sew two 4 patches together, if the middle seams are all 'spun' in the same direction, then the seams will nest together. How seams are pressed is just a matter of preference, but pressing open will give a flatter finish.

ruby2shoes

I like to spin my centres.

eparys

It is all just preference. I either press to one side or spin my centers (esp if there is a lot of bulk at the intersections). I press row 1 one way and row 2 the other. Nest my seams sew the rows tog. I then make a call as to how bulky the seams are. If I think they are too bulky I swirl them if not I press them in one direction. I rarely will press an entire seam open (I do occasionally press short internal seams in a block open to reduce bulk). - My opinion (and I know that others will disagree) lots of seams pressed open are a weakness in the quilt.

peaceandjoy

Spinning seams (or not) depends on what the seams of the next block are doing. You want them to alternate if possible. If it's not possible, then press open.

Sewgood

Do one of each and see which way You like it better.

Onebyone

I don't like spinning seams, it's too tedious. I press open if the seam will be lumpy.

Moira in N.E. England

Thank you for all your helpful suggestions.

As I am going to put sashing between each block I’ve decided to press seams open.

patricej

this can be true, but doesn't have to be.
the most critical choice is stitch size.
[something i too often forget] if i plan to press open, the stitches need to be a bit shorter than usual.

[another step i too often forget is] the importance of reinforcing the start and end of each seam.
they can pull open during later assembly if i don't.

thread color also matters more if seams will be pressed open.
you might need to experiment to see which color(s) of thread are least visible.