Clarification on pressing seams
06-26-2011, 11:45 AM
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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I come from a sewing background where we nearly always pressed seams open. This ensures a nice flat seam.
In quilting as we know seams are normally(?) pressed to the side. When the seams are then butted together they 'nest' creating (hopefully) a perfect match.
I was reading the posting 'The Perfect Quilt~Quilted' http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-133140-1.htm
and noticed that Harriet the LAQ had referenced the quilt being so flat because the seams were pressed open. Therefore making it a dream to quilt. And... may I say again,it is a stunning quilt!!!
I must confess I am always pressing seams open, only then to re-press them to the side. To me it seems logical to press them open to create a more flat~less bumpy (@ seams) quilt!
Which is correct?.. the best way??? Or...is there a correct way? I always thought that pressing to the side was how it was supposed to be done in quilting.
I will probably receive dozens of answers saying it's up to the person making the quilt.
I would just love to know the reason why it is done one way or the other.
Inquiring minds really really want to know! :lol:
Thank you!!
In quilting as we know seams are normally(?) pressed to the side. When the seams are then butted together they 'nest' creating (hopefully) a perfect match.
I was reading the posting 'The Perfect Quilt~Quilted' http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-133140-1.htm
and noticed that Harriet the LAQ had referenced the quilt being so flat because the seams were pressed open. Therefore making it a dream to quilt. And... may I say again,it is a stunning quilt!!!
I must confess I am always pressing seams open, only then to re-press them to the side. To me it seems logical to press them open to create a more flat~less bumpy (@ seams) quilt!
Which is correct?.. the best way??? Or...is there a correct way? I always thought that pressing to the side was how it was supposed to be done in quilting.
I will probably receive dozens of answers saying it's up to the person making the quilt.
I would just love to know the reason why it is done one way or the other.
Inquiring minds really really want to know! :lol:
Thank you!!
06-26-2011, 11:49 AM
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: state of confusion
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I've done both. What I noticed, if I pressed the seams open and used a poly batting, I had a little bearding. If I used W&N or Bamboo batting, no bearding. Never had the issue of bearding come up with seams pressed to one side.
So, what I usually do is if the block has a crap ton of seams meeting (like an intricate PP star) I press open and use W&N. Otherwise, it's whatever I feel like doing.
So, what I usually do is if the block has a crap ton of seams meeting (like an intricate PP star) I press open and use W&N. Otherwise, it's whatever I feel like doing.
06-26-2011, 11:52 AM
#5
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I usually press the seam down and then to the side; not always to the dark side though. I give a lot of thought to how the seams will nest if possible.
It is personal preference but I think that pressing open is not a good plan for stitch-in-the-ditch quilting, because you would be quilting down a thread between the pieces.
I prefer pressing to the side and when too many seams match at the center, I press those in the "flower pattern" in the center to where the bunched seam in the center is opened like a petal.
It is personal preference but I think that pressing open is not a good plan for stitch-in-the-ditch quilting, because you would be quilting down a thread between the pieces.
I prefer pressing to the side and when too many seams match at the center, I press those in the "flower pattern" in the center to where the bunched seam in the center is opened like a petal.
06-26-2011, 12:07 PM
#6
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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MadQuilter:Thank you for posting your thoughts about SID! I am working on a quilt that I was planning on doing SID. I am pressing to one side so lucky for me!! Thanks!
Originally Posted by MadQuilter
I usually press the seam down and then to the side; not always to the dark side though. I give a lot of thought to how the seams will nest if possible.
It is personal preference but I think that pressing open is not a good plan for stitch-in-the-ditch quilting, because you would be quilting down a thread between the pieces.
I prefer pressing to the side and when too many seams match at the center, I press those in the "flower pattern" in the center to where the bunched seam in the center is opened like a petal.
It is personal preference but I think that pressing open is not a good plan for stitch-in-the-ditch quilting, because you would be quilting down a thread between the pieces.
I prefer pressing to the side and when too many seams match at the center, I press those in the "flower pattern" in the center to where the bunched seam in the center is opened like a petal.
06-26-2011, 12:16 PM
#7
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Monroe, IN
Posts: 2,283
I have always pressed to one side and nesting the seams. I get a much better joint that way. With a bit of practice, I don't even pin them anymore. You can feel with your finger when the seams are aligned correctly, then just zip through and sew! So much faster that way.
06-26-2011, 12:33 PM
#10
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: South central Nebraska, US
Posts: 5,367
Originally Posted by LoriEl
When I started quilting I read that the reason the seams are pressed to one side is because there is less chance of them opening up later. Made sense to me so that's how I do it.
These days anything goes if you are machine piecing. Sometimes the quilt "talks" to you as how the seams will look the best.:)
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