Which way do you press the seams on blocks that have many pieces? There are multiple opinions on how to answer this question. I have read, watched tutorials, and asked other quilters what they do when it comes to pressing seams. One of my friends said to just press the way it fits best. Well, this is difficult to do when there are eight rows of eight inch blocks made from four inch blocks made from two inch strips! The Tannenbaum tutorial by Jordan Fabrics, recommends pressing the seams to the dark fabric. Donna Jordan demonstrates that pressing correctly, even on seams that are going in the same direction, will solve the problem and result in a flat seam. I had to do this on some of the pieces and they did come out okay. One of my friends recommended pressing the seams open. I did a little bit of both…open and to the side. There were still places that I had to redo in order to make a flatter seam. I am happy with the accuracy of my quarter inch seams. This helped a bit, but it was still a hassle.
There has to be an easier way. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.
I finished piecing the center of the Tannebaum quilt top. I do not know if I will add just one border to make it a throw size quilt; or three borders to make it a queen size quilt.
I listened to American Patchwork and Quilting Podcast #429 today and a listener had sent in a question about pressing seams. You can listen to suggestions beginning at about minute 9:30. A written explanation is at http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/magazines-more/quilting-podcast/episode-429-make-more-time-to-sew-even-when-youre-busy, And, fanning is discussed at http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/how-to-quilt/quilting-basics/machine-minute-bulky-intersections-fanning-seam-allowances.
Wow! Thanks!
I am sure you can’t wait for Christmas! Lovely 🌲.
I tend to fudge the seams when they cross cross and cause problems
My seams are all fudged. They are flat, so I guess worked out…but it was a hassle.
I struggle with seas all the time so I am always winging it.
It is good to know that I am not alone in the Battle of the Seams. We should write up a how-to-make seams by using different ways to “wing it” tutorial.😁
I think it really helps to spray with Mary Ellen’s Best Press or with Flatter. But sometimes I am really tempted to zigzag stitch over something to hold it down. OK, haven’t actually done that, but I hate those multi-sean intersections.
I never thought of zig-zag…Hmmm! I forgot all about Best Press, and I never heard of Flatter. Thanks for the input.