Beginner Quilter needs help

[calicopuzzle]

I have read that pressing seams open makes for a weak seam that can tear open. Besides, when they are pressed to one sice or the other, the bulk of the seam allowances are distributed more evenly. Matching is easier when seams are pressed in opposite directions when joining units as they can be butted next to each other and it makes for a neater intersection. Do I sound like a quilt policewoman? I am not, it is just that all-around, pressing to one side gives a better look and a stronger seam....besides, what about stitching in the ditch...when there isn't any if you press seams open...the stitches go right through to the batting. LOL

[QIAD-Linda]

Welcome to the Forum Fowki and emcgoura! We are always happy to have new members and look forward to getting to know you better. Please join in on lots of discussions, we are interested in what you have to say.
Thanks for joining us!

Linda

[calicopuzzle]

With all of our chit chat and suggestions, I wonder if your seams are looking better with all of the helpful hints you have received:))

Once you put your quilt together with the batting and backing, some of the obvious seams will just settle into your batting and you won't see them as easily. It may be that because it is your first quilt, you are sceptical about how it will turn out. Remember that every quilt you make is a great learning process...you will most likely get better and better....just keep having fun!!

[qltsbme]

In the long run, pressing to the dark works best. When the quilt top is done, those "problems" you see should disappear. Remember, we are our own worse critic.

[CaroleJ]

Hi Fowki! (waving from Miramar area!) Welcome to the forum!

Carole

[CaroleJ]

You know, I was thinking...is your iron hot enough? If you are using all cotton fabric, crank the heat up to the highest setting, maybe even spritz the pieces lightly with a spray bottle to get a nice crisp look. Sometimes, when I notice I am not getting smooth seams, it's because someone used the iron for a garment and set the heat on a lower setting; when I turn it back up, I get the results I want.

Carole

[Oasis]

I agree with Carole. . .If useing cotton, turn the iron up and I always use a spritz bottle of water when doing the final pressing.

[gardenquilter]

good question about the temp of the iron - sorry i did not think of it

[Krazy4Quiltz]

Do you mean that you can see the threads in the seams, like maybe they are loose? "Scratch" the bobbin side of your stitching and see if the thread lifts. If it does, make sure your bobbin is wound nice and taut and that your thread tension is correct. Re-thread the machine, including the bobbin. Test your stitches before you proceed with your piecing. It is amazing how many stitching problems are solved this way.

[Krazy4Quiltz]

Oops! I think you are talking about seeing the seam allowance and I thought you meant that your stitched seam was visible. Oh well.