How to Press Quilt Seams
How a quilter presses their seams is a matter of personal preference and often there can be strong opinions regarding this essential step. Often a quilt pattern designer will give specific pressing instructions. Ultimately, there’s no such thing as the quilt police, so do what works best for you. In this blog post, I am going to walk you through how and why to press seams.
Pressing correctly will result in flatter seams, less bulk, and help you get more perfect points.
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Ironing Vs. Pressing
Although similar, ironing and pressing are not the same. Ironing is the method of sliding a hot iron back and forth across large pieces of fabric to remove wrinkles. Pressing is lifting and putting down a hot iron on a specific part of a project, in this case, the quilt seams. “Ironing” a quilt block, especially ones with diagonal seams, can cause the block to become pulled and stretched… not good.
A quick finger press can be done while sitting at the sewing machine.
Favorite Pressing Tools
Let’s first review some of the essentials for pressing quilt blocks. Some of these are required and others are favorite tools among quilters.
Iron
When it comes to irons, you can get the job done with almost anything. However, some irons can make the job a little easier and provide peace of mind when it comes to iron safety and minimizing accidents. The Oliso Smart Iron and Rowenta irons are popular among quilters.
A mini iron, like this one from Oliso or this one from Rowenta, can be kept and used right next to the sewing machine, saving precious time.
Wool Pressing Mat
A wool pressing mat works by absorbing heat from the iron and reflecting it back into the fabric. Essentially, a wool mat allows heat to be applied to both sides of the fabric, reducing the time it takes to press seams and will create more crisp seams.
Ironing Board + Pressing Table
I tend to my pressing on a standard-sized ironing board, but I know many quilters that have made (or purchased) a pressing table. A pressing table has more surface area and can be made to a custom height making your work a little easier.
Quilter’s Clapper
A tailor’s clapper (or quilter’s clapper) is another great tool to use when pressing quilt seams. A tailor’s clapper has a large, flat, smooth piece of hardwood that is designed to be used when steam pressing. It works by absorbing the steam and heat and releasing it back into the fabric while it cools, allowing the seam to remain flat while it cools. Sometimes going old school is just the best way. Check out these gorgeous, handmade clappers from Modern American Vintage.
Dry Iron vs. Steam
When pressing seams, I tend to use a dry iron most of the time. However, applying steam while pressing can come in handy sometimes. When moisture (like steam) is applied to fabric, the fabric can become more susceptible to stretching and pulling, causing your quilt block to become misshapen. However, if you have a wonky block that needs a little help, steam may be your friend. If your iron doesn’t have a steam function, you can get the same result by misting water on the fabric with a spray bottle.
Setting Seams
Setting your seams is the first step to pressing your quilt seams and will help you get great results. Before opening the seam to press it, first press the seam with the fabric’s right sides together, like it was sewn. This will allow the stitches to set (or sink) into the fabric, and result in a much flatter seam.
Pressing Seams Open
Pressing seams open can take a lot of time since it requires you to open the seam allowances using your finger or the tip of your iron, but open seams are a great way to reduce bulk if you have a lot of seams. Bulky seams can cause your quilt top to look less than perfect.
Pros
- Creates flatter, smoother seams
- Less bulk
- More accurate seam allowances
Cons
- More time consuming
- Can create weaker seams
- More difficult to align seams
How to Press Seams Open
With the block laying right side down, use your finger or the tip of the iron to open the seam. Press the seam open with a hot iron. Hold for a few seconds, lift the iron, and repeat as you move down the entire seam line. For extra flat seams, you can flip the fabric over and press the seam again from the right side of the fabric.
Pressing Seams to the Side
Pressing seams to the side is quicker than pressing seams open. When pressing to the side, typically quilters will press to the dark side (meaning the darker fabric). Pressing to the darker side will keep any fabric from the seam allowance from showing through.
Pros
- Faster
- Helps protect stitches and creates a stronger seam
- Allows you to use tools like the Bloc Loc
- Easier to line up seams, especially if nested (more on that later)
Cons
- Bulkier seams
- Less accurate seam allowance
How to Press Seams to the Side
Open up the seam and lay the block right side down. Press the seam towards the darker fabric. This will prevent layers of fabric from showing through the lighter fabric. Once the seam has been pressed, you can flip the block over and press again from the right side
Nesting Seams
Nesting seams is a specific method of pressing seams to the side. When seams are “nested” the seams from one row are pressed to the side in the same direction, regardless of fabric color. The seams from the next row are then pressed to the side in the opposite direction. This allows the seam edge to butt against each other (or “nest”) resulting in more accurate points.
Pros
- Easier to match up seams
- Requires less pinning
Cons
- Extra work to keep track of seam directions
How to Nest Seams
Press the seams within a row of blocks in the same direction. Press the seams of the next row of blocks to the other direction. Continue pressing seams to the side in opposite directions from row to row.