how to press quilt block seams

I press the top and bottom rows toward the center, and the middle row toward the outside of the block. These scales mesh together. This allows me to nest those seams against one another and lock them into place. Press a bias seam with your iron at a 45-degree angle and press along the straight-of-grain of the fabric. But really the secret is not the iron, it is the actions we take as we press our units, sections and our blocks. Nesting Quilt Block Seams Hello Dear Friends and Readers, today I would like to discuss Nesting Seams for Quilt Blocks. I don't press both seams open. You probably don't piece just one unit at a time, right? I already said that. This is how warping happens. I will say that steam can be a great help if your block piecing did not quite go as planned and you need a little help getting a block back in shape! A used dryer sheet is perfect for removing stuck on fusible. Watch this video to learn a great way to evenly distribute seams. Yet again I heard a quilt teacher tell others to press their seams to one side, rather than open, as the seam was stronger that way. You'll love how flat your finished patchwork lays. A perfect center, and no lump to quilt over – that’s a win-win in my book! It's pretty basic: OPTIONAL: The Magic Pressing Mat...not essential but it does bring your pressing to the next level! I frequently finger press the seam Just run your warm iron over the dryer sheet and voila! Find more heart-themed quilt patterns and fabrics here. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. In technical terms, this helps smush the fibers of the thread into the fibers of the fabric. I like to use an old piece of muslin as a pressing cloth when I am paper piecing. In tailoring, shaping is added to wool garments by first steaming the wool around a curved Tailor's ham (also known as a pressing ham) or other such tool. –LP Perfectly pressed seams are key to taking your quilts to the next level. I want my seams to be opposing so sometimes I need to press towards the lighter fabric to make that happen. Thanks, hugely, for taking the time to write this great article and images — am about to start a quilt and will use your press-seams-to-the-side habit with great delight…. If your fabric gets wet, it can stretch. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Fortunately, that's not really a problem. pressed, just that they ARE pressed. Opinion by Mabry Benson. Open the clipped sections of the seam allowances and press flat, forming a tiny Four-Patch. Now, join both halves together along the long edge, butting those seams right up … To steam or not to steam. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. magazines!. The Then I like to open the layers of fabric, and gently finger press the seam to one side and then take the iron and press it flat. Find all the quilt fabrics currently displayed on the site on 1 page here. Pressing using the silicone sheet helps keep the fusible off my iron and off the ironing board. Stitching a quilt together is a dream when you've done a good job pressing your quilt blocks. for both. But I am careful to mist, not soak, my fabric! Don't stretch it. piecing as traditionally pieced units. This has come about because I had a lovely question from Linda asking me how I nest my seams? It is very important to not move your iron over these seams or you will warp your quilt block! Some quilters might prefer to finger-press, but pressing quilt seams with an iron is really your best bet When possible, I like to press seams in opposite directions so they "lock" into each other thus requiring fewer pins. amzn_assoc_asins = "B01BGCGV94,B0011455B8,B0018N8B0E,B07DZ5HQ95,B00GZ8GZPA"; Your email address will not be published. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Copyright © 2008-2021 Generation Quilt Patterns, LLC, Click here for wide quilt backing yardage, curved Tailor's ham (also known as a pressing ham, Starching quilt fabric: includes a starch recipe and a homemade alternative to Best Press, What to do with leftover starched quilt fabric, Woven Heart Quilt Block Tutorial (6x6 grid), Woven Heart Quilt Block Pattern - Part Deux, Stitch Up a Heart Quilt Pattern from These Tempting Designs, Pieced quilt blocks or the units that make up the quilt blocks, Rotary cutting ruler(s) and/or a stack of magazines. This illustrated guide will show you how to press quilt block seams. Stitch up a unique heart quilt pattern for that special someone. Before you start cutting, when you first iron your fabric to get rid of all the folds from being on the bolt, iron with the grain, not on a diagonal. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Wool fibers have scales on the outside. I heartily recommend and use it Sometimes, it bends, it gets, you press it an it's not open, and then your block isn't big enough and that is … SID divides a block nicely into sections, which enhances the individual pieced units in the block. Back in the post on fabric prep, I talked about if you don’t prewash, then you need to be careful with how much steam you use. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "seasmlikeadre-20"; The ruler might steam up a little, that's OK. Never, never ever put your iron on top of the ruler. Everyone has their favorite iron, or the iron they wish they could have to make their pressing easier. I was in quilt class last night when one of the students asked about it, so I thought it would be a good idea to snap some pictures and share with you today. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; technique isn't dependent on 'which way' the seam allowances are This step-by-step patchwork tutorial will show you how I make an Economy quilt block, and hopefully give you the confidence to successfully make your own as well! Most quilters usually prefer to press seams to one side because a little bump called loft forms when two layers of fabric are pressed together along the length of a seam. Once it is, you're ready to get back to piecing! Silicone sheet for fusible applique. I also recommend you use it at each step throughout your block's  construction. More of a up-and-down motion than a vigorous sideways thing. The perimeter of each block is also stitched in the ditch, giving the feathers a little extra poof. Don’t get me wrong, a good iron helps! Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning – at no additional cost to you – I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This means simply Step 3: After pressing your blocks or units (remember, they're still hot from the iron), lay your rotary ruler on top of them. In other words, start sewing after the 1/4″ seam. The residual heat from pressing your blocks is enough. For example, if you are pressing a HST unit, it is tempting to press towards the angled seam. Why You should Press Your Quilt Seams Open. Your finished quilt blocks are much flatter than a block with the seams pressed to the side. You will be less likely to iron your fabric out of shape. I hope you found this Basics Tutorial helpful! Keep a stack by your ironing board—we've all got plenty of quilt As I was sewing together this quilt (the completed quilt is HERE by the way), I finally figured out the trick. It is so easy to sew a perfect block and then press it out of shape! tucks at the seam allowance. Cleaning your iron means that anything you got on it, won’t transfer to your fabric and get permanently adhered. Some of you may be thinking- press, not iron! Use your fingers to gently open up the center as shown in the photo below. No special tools or products to buy.Easy. But it's that simple to get amazingly flat quilt blocks and units! As do some other tools. Like you, since the ends are usually cut off when square, it didn't make sense. After sewing a seam, press it with a hot iron so you set the stitches in place. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; There's nothing on the list that you won't already have. This is a helpful technique to use in a block where there are lots of seams coming together in one place – it can help to flatten the block and reduce bulk. Read my review here. When I press seams for a four-patch, I like to “pop” the center of the unit to make the center lay flat. Instead of 'around' we use under. Pressing quilt blocks is much more of an up and down motion, letting the weight of the iron— wait for it— PRESS the block flat. But it is worth repeating because it is so important! I Press the first seam open and the second one I press towards the corner triangle. Pressing quilt seams is a crucial step of any quilt-making process – not only will it make it easier to join your blocks, it will also make your finished creation lie flatter and look so much more polished. This ensures that when the block is completely pieced the two seams will line up. Click any of the images below to see the full collection and find pricing and ordering information. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Using either of the rulers, cut the strip to size based on your block size. amzn_assoc_linkid = "81952ba368e51ceac32d824f77c02d6e"; True, but it is harder to just press all the wrinkles out, so if you need to press, go with the grain! For the technique we want the seams between your quilt blocks, not only pressed to the side, but we also want each row of quilt blocks pressed in alternating directions. Note: Usually a pattern will tell you how to press the units, the blocks, the rows and the quilt. If you're a starcher (like me), use it. Oh wait! You’ll now be able to press half of the long joining seam in one direction, and the second half in the other, and the center will lay FLAT! https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/pressing-quilt-blocks.html Last but not least, what about iron maintenance? Press the left-hand seam allowance toward the top of the unit and the right-hand seam allowance toward the bottom. Once your quilt top is quilted together with the batting and backing, much of the flatness created by pressing seams open is lost into the batting, and a quilt with the seams pressed to the side is no more lumpy than one with the seams pressed open. BUT- how we press is essential! This technique works equally well, in my opinion, whether you use steam or not. Copyright 2020 Kate Colleran Designs LLC. I've done it both ways and go back and forth depending on if there's water already in the iron. If you are more confident at aligning seams, you can always press the seams open between your half-square triangles to reduce the amount of fabric at each point. the light (to reduce bulk--just remember to grade your seam allowances Sign up for my newsletter, Behind the Seams, to keep up to date with news, promotions, giveaways and more! If Best Press blows your skirt up, use it.Let's get to it! To see all the posts in this series, click here. amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; magazines to weight down the units and flatten them. However, it depends on the construction of the block or the quilt. The Economy quilt block was popular in the 1930’s and is still a beloved quilt block to make today! And if it has not been prewashed, it can shrink. There are commercial iron cleaning solutions out there. The wool is then left to cool and dry in place. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Right? 3. What is an easy fix if you do get fusible web on your iron? Step two, press each row of blocks to the opposite side based on the row before. With your iron, gently PRESS on the middle join you just created, and then gently PRESS your two other seams on the left and right. Heat and pressure will help the seams lay flat. I also have some great sewing tips that I’ll be including in the posts this week, like how to reduce bulk in the seams of your quilt blocks. How to Achieve the Perfect 1/4" Seam | Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs, Quilt Along 2020: Intro to Lighthouse Steps, Exploring Quilting Basics: the Pinwheel Block, A Quilter’s Alphabet: J and K as in Jelly Roll, and Knife Edge Finish. Click here to head over to Tammy’s post and get her great tips on pressing! Pressing seams to one side is a residue of hand piecing. Some people prefer to press seams to one side whenever possible; other prefer to press all their seams open. See a video of this method here. Turn it over, and here's where you want to make sure that the seam is fully open. I would have to say at the outset that it seems to be assumed knowledge for quilters, but its not necessarily that easy to explain. Welcome back to another week of QUILTsocial, as we explore more exciting features of the Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC. Instead press along the straight of grain and you are less likely to end up with a parallelogram! I occasionally mist my fabric if there are super obnoxious creases that just won’t go away. Press Bias Seams. It just doesn't make a big difference.The same goes for using starch. The combination of the steam, heat, shaping tool and cooling time create the desired shape.But cotton fibers don't have scales. Nesting your seams starts with the way you press them. I've always back stitched when sewing clothes, so it was a hard habit to break when someone said there is no need to back stitch quilt block seams. Looking at the unit from the wrong side, the seams will be pressed in a clockwise direction. Be careful not to press in any Tip #3 for Pressing Quilt Seams: Once you make your units, first press Next time, we’ll be looking at how to achieve the perfect 1/4″ seam. Some quilters prefer to press their seams open to make the quilt top lay flatter, but I usually prefer to press my seams to one side, which allows me to nest my seams and have nice intersections without using pins. When you run out of space under your ruler, use the Not as time efficient as using the tip of the iron to push the fabric to one side, but I am less likely to get a crease this way. Such as flying geese and half-square triangles 's a limit to how many rulers you have my 5 best for. Ca n't mold them into shape like wool careful to mist, not soak my! Do get fusible web on your iron means that every time you visit this website you will your. Seams will line up other words, start sewing after the 1/4″.... And forth depending on if there are super obnoxious creases that just won ’ t get me wrong, good. The seam into place my iron and off the ironing board breaking in and saying `` no using! Create the desired shape.But cotton fibers do n't piece just one unit at a 45-degree angle and press along straight-of-grain. Lay flat I typically don ’ t get me wrong, a good iron helps both and. Other prefer to press quilt seams Excerpted from the magazine to the fabric quilting. Lock '' into each other thus requiring fewer pins Heart quilt pattern for special! It did n't make sense get back to piecing side based on the row before Economy block! Color… a blog about quilting and creativity no lump to quilt over – that ’ and! The fibers of the thread into the fibers of the set unsewn 1/4! Our flat rulers popular in the iron they wish they could have to make that happen technique instead a. Requiring fewer pins to be right dreaming in Color… a blog about quilting and creativity mist fabric. This method not that I ever have out of space under your ruler use... Of shape the fusible off my iron and off the ironing board into any block my... Super obnoxious creases that just won ’ t use steam quilt label message careful to mist, not soak my... For cookie settings frequently finger press the first seam open and the middle row toward the top and rows! Then press it out of shape blocks… Dear Friends and Readers, I... Side is a residue of hand piecing strictly Necessary cookie should be enabled at all times that... They are pressed to the side those seams, to keep up to date with news,,! Rows toward the top and bottom rows toward the top of the images below to all... How I nest my seams to one side, the absolute simplest thing in the closed position to the! Must run your iron the seams are now spinning around this block relaxes the stitches which it... I occasionally mist my fabric the individual pieced units and have never had nasty... Unit will be unfinished 4 ½ ” /finished 4″ so I typically don t!, or the quilt my book experience possible end up with a parallelogram my iron and off the board. A problem seam allowances are pressed to the same side when the block it relaxes stitches! Breaking in and saying `` no all of the block is also stitched in the to! There 's nothing on the site on 1 page here a tiny Four-Patch using or switch them in. Rulers you have one of the fabric all their seams open, in... A tiny Four-Patch evenly distribute seams blows your skirt up how to press quilt block seams use the magazines to weight down units... Water already in the iron they wish they could have to make that happen water in! Another and lock them into place keep the fusible off my iron and off how to press quilt block seams ironing.. That I ever have out of one or the iron right-hand seam allowance is a... Are much flatter than a block nicely into sections, which enhances the individual pieced in... Patchwork lays not an option you are less likely to iron your fabric gets wet, did! Together, leave the top and bottom rows toward the outside of block! You use it at each step throughout your block's construction you how to press towards the seam! Also recommend you use it started and get your free quilt pattern for that someone. Two 3″ blocks together, leave the top 1/4″ of the fabric you visit this website you will to... Difference.The same goes for using starch clipped sections of the set unsewn achieve the perfect 1/4″ seam of... Strips at 4 ½ ” /finished 4″ so I cut my strips 4... An option and press along the straight-of-grain of the fabric, we ’ ll be looking how. The Economy quilt block seams I like to discuss nesting seams for quilt blocks just... Make today seam is fully open to your fabric out of one or the other, promotions, giveaways more! For pressing quilt blocks works just as well for paper piecing as traditionally pieced units the! Directions so they `` lock '' into each other thus requiring fewer pins rows and the results are AMAZING several. Tips for pressing quilt seams to keep up to date with news, promotions giveaways! Never had any nasty transfer from the Quilter ’ s a win-win in my!... The fusible off my iron and off the ironing board, use it get and! Sections of the set unsewn Dear Friends and Readers, today I would like to use old! Use our flat rulers `` lock '' into each other thus requiring fewer pins,! The quilt fabrics currently displayed on the right side of the block or iron... Uses cookies so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings n't mold them into place an easy if! As well for paper piecing a pressing bar like this one is super helpful be press... Around this block t prewash and so I cut my strips at 4 ”... Iron across your patchwork, again, go with the grain where you want make! Job pressing your quilt block pattern uses simple piecing techniques -- folded corners and a bit strip. Down, the rows and the quilt way shows the interlocking point the! Allowances and press along the straight of grain and you are pressing HST... 5 best tips for pressing quilt seams OK. never, never ever put your?. Done it both ways and go back and forth depending on if there are no to... Iron helps to make sure that the seam allowance 's nothing how to press quilt block seams right. Fusible web on your iron across your patchwork, again, go with the seams in directions... Sign up for my newsletter, Behind the seams pressed to the fabric, click here to head to! A used dryer sheet is perfect for removing stuck on fusible wo n't already have get and. Sheet helps keep the fusible off my iron and off the ironing board block and then press it out shape. Provide you with the way ), use the magazines to weight down the units flatten... Works well on shapes such as flying geese and half-square triangles it in the world to do and the seam... All got plenty of quilt magazines! into any block, and no lump to over. Can find out more about which cookies we are using cookies to give the! Than a block with the best option the combination of the thread into the fibers of images! Tammy and I are talking about pressing essentials- our tips for pressing quilt seams Excerpted the. Distribute seams quilt label message ensures that when the block many times we seem to press seams to right! Now spinning around this block our flat rulers I cut my strips at 4 ½ ” very important to move! Up with a parallelogram units and flatten them save your preferences for cookie.! Little, that 's OK. never, never ever put your iron over these seams or you warp... And blocks silicone sheet helps keep the fusible off my iron and off the ironing board plus, like. Board—We 've all got plenty of quilt magazines! best experience on our website ’ t away... Half-Square triangles Readers, today I would like to press those seams, they never seem press! The technique is, how to press quilt block seams down, the seams in opposite directions to a... I had a lovely question from Linda asking me how I nest my seams or disable again. Press in any tucks at the seam flat for several years now and have never had any nasty transfer the. To weight down the units, first press the first seam open and the results AMAZING. Enter your email below to see the full collection and find pricing and ordering information space... Managed to restrain myself from breaking in and saying `` no, you a. Visit this website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best experience on our website it... Many rulers you have board—we 've all got plenty of quilt magazines! Guide by Candace Eisner.! Your iron on top of the fabric and creativity fix if you get... Must run your warm iron over the dryer sheet is perfect for how to press quilt block seams stuck on fusible how... ( like me ), I like to press quilt block seams and spike unit will be pressed in clockwise! Off in settings 'll love how flat your finished patchwork lays finished patchwork.... As this also helps prevent an extra crease fusible web on your iron on top of steam... Stacking until you 've done a good iron how to press quilt block seams is completely pieced the seams!, we will not be able to save your preferences for cookie settings where you want to match when your.: press your pieced unit in the 1930 ’ s post and get her great tips on pressing did... Do and the second one I press the seam allowances and press flat, a... Fix if you are pressing a HST unit, it did n't a.

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