Press to the side or open?

[Linda71]

What is your reason for pressing seams to the side or open?

[PamM]

Lots of quilters do one or the other and some do both. I have always pressed the seam to the side of the darkest fabric. It if very hard not to notice if the dark fabric shows through the lighter fabric on the front of the quilt. Also, for me I think the seam is a little stronger if pressed to one side, specially if the quilt is on the bed and used. I'm not sure how pressing open works when the seams start to cross one another or you get several meeting in one place. Nesting could not be done. I don't know if there is a right way, this is just the way I have always done it. Your question could get a response that could change my mind though.
Pam

[mic-pa]

I think it is an individual choice on which way to press the seams. Some seams do need to be pressed open, others to the darker side as Pam said. Still sometimes the fabric itself lends to which way to press. No quilt police here. Marge

[Oasis]

I do both. Mostly to one side or the other, but some seams just naturally open so I go with it. Sometimes open will reduce bulk at an intersection where lots of seams meet.

Like Marge said, no quilt police here. Maybe if you were entering it in a contest, then you would need to do the "right" thing, whaever it may be.

Linda

[auntjana]

As others have said - do all of the above! I make my decision on how to press as to the bulk of the seam at the intersections - usually to the dark is the rule I teach - but the seam will tell you how it wants to be pressed.

I also use El's method of "smushing" the centers of intersections of squares and triangles -so I don't have what she calls a "belly button". This makes all of my blocks lay flat. Check the media theatre for her instructions on how to do that. It is great.

Jana

[Geneva2]

I agree with Pam. Seams pressed to the side are stronger and it usually works out to be the best solution.

[1quiltinnana]

If a seam/fabric will show through to the top in a lighter fabric section, then, I press to the Darker fabric....Some seams dictate they need to be pressed open and some to the side. The quilt usually tells you what to do ...LOL. Mostly, I press to the dark side. I do like the way the seams lay and look better by pressing them open though.

[sadiedaisy1]

I've always pressed to the side, but recently I read a strong argument for pressing open. I might have to give it a try and see for myself.

[PamM]

Linda, if you're concerned about the seams not laying flat, especially at intersections, try this; press the seams well and lay an old, large ruler on the seams and put weight on it and let it cool before moving it. This seems to work well for me.
Pam

[Linda71]

Thanks for the info. I have sewn for years, anything from baby clothes to bridesmaid dresses to snowmobile suits. There is a lot of stress on some of the seams especially the seams in winter clothing. Mostly I have pressed seams open. I have just started quilting and wanted to know the pros and cons. I think on my next quilt I will try pressing the seams open. Thanks again. Linda