PRESSING

Pressing is crucial, but this does not mean beating your fabric into submission. The mere weight of your iron and the heat will do the job. If youÕre new to quilting, it is probably wise if you do not use steam as it can cause distortion. If you are comfortable with your pressing skills, steam can be useful.

Most of us have been taught to press our seams toward the darker fabric. However, pressing a seam open creates less bulk at intersections. The choice to press open or to the side must be a conscious choice. If youÕre going to want stitch-in-the-ditch do not press your seams open. On the other hand, if you have many seam intersections, such as in many star patterns when four or more seams come together, or are working with flannel and that project will NOT be requiring stitch-in-the-ditch, we recommend that you shorten the length of your piecing stitch and press your seams open. Thick seam intersections are sometime difficult to machine quilt and can cause a machine needle to break and quilting around them can leave an unattractive bump.

For backs, press your seam allowances open.

When matching seams, press the allowances in opposite directions. This prevents bulk, makes your quilt top lie flatter, and allows for accuracy in piecing.

<- Back to previous pageContinue to next page ->