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  • Which way to press seams?

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    Old 10-30-2013, 07:07 AM
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    Default Which way to press seams?

    I have 2 more rows to sew on my quilt top then I will be ready to press it. Should I press all in one direction, alternate or press open. I plan on having it LAQ. I would like some of your expert advice. I'm trying to attach a picture but it keeps failing so will try again later.
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    Old 10-30-2013, 07:21 AM
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    I always do one row to the left the next to the right so they nestle together when sewn. Sometimes I need to be creative, but that is my usual method.
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    Old 10-30-2013, 07:33 AM
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    I find it easier to press each row as soon as I sew it on, so I have less fabric to hold up. That means I put the quilt top on the ironing board with the newest row folded right sides together on top, press the back of the seam, then fold that row over and press the seam toward the last-sewn row. The result is that all the seams go in the same direction.
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    Old 10-30-2013, 07:56 AM
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    Originally Posted by eparys
    I always do one row to the left the next to the right so they nestle together when sewn. Sometimes I need to be creative, but that is my usual method.
    This is the method I use also.
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    Old 10-30-2013, 08:04 AM
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    That is the club I belong to also -- press each seam as I go -- seems to be easier. When putting together in long rows I press them all the same direction.
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    Old 10-30-2013, 08:17 AM
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    a good practice is to press before you sew the next piece is addes. This makes it easier.
    Nesting is good for accuracy.
    Sometime I press open to reduce the bulk.
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    Old 10-30-2013, 08:42 AM
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    I did press each row as I sewed them. Now I am sewing the rows together. I still can't post a picture from my iPad or the laptop.
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    Old 10-30-2013, 09:20 AM
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    Most patterns will give pressing instructions. My current project is all open seam pressing...not an easy thing for me.
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    Old 10-30-2013, 09:28 AM
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    Originally Posted by eparys
    I always do one row to the left the next to the right so they nestle together when sewn. Sometimes I need to be creative, but that is my usual method.
    I have noticed with so many patterns being created, that the designer really do NOT take into consideration which way to press a seam. Normally it is to the darker side but I much prefer my seams to nestle in opposite direction. They lay much flatter that way.
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    Old 10-30-2013, 10:58 AM
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    Easier to get the seams right when seams are opposite of each other. So they will nest together. I lay each row on top off the one it will be sewn to and pin the seam allowance in direction it should go, press, pin and sew together. Press the seams. After sewing the rows together, I press all those seams in the same directions.
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