sewbeadit

I think it is an interesting thing to think about. I have always pressed to one side as I am one of the old people,lol, but still think it makes a sturdier quilt without the seems open and exposed to whatever.

ManiacQuilter2

I would be concerned with so many open pressed seams on a quilt top that the batting might have a little easier time to beard out. That was certainly a problem that occurred in the 70s.

BellaBoo

With the new battings we have now, bearding doesn't seem to be a problem. Batting is like anything else, you get what you pay for.

imdelagarza62

How interesting. Makes you wonder how may people they pay to come up with these changes or suggestions

Sandra in Minnesota

It's a lot easier to press them to the side than open, and a lot easier when you have intersections that need to meet.

virtualbernie

I wholeheartedly agree!

sewmary

I had always followed along and pressed my seams to one side when sewing a quilt. That never made sense to me as a I came from clothing sewing but thought I should do what quilters said to do.

On the quilt I am working on I decided to do open seams - it made so mcuh sense especailly when using a thick flannel. As I am sewing I use my wooden iron (clothespin) to flatten the seam open without scorching my fingers. Works very well. Then the final press with the iron sets them open.

I also have no trouble matching seams - did it for clothing! So I am going to adopt this method going forward.

But everyone should do what he/she thinks is right for them.

Canada Kate

I just learned how to quilt 3 years ago and I was taught to press to the dark side. I too was used to opening the 5/8" seam from clothing sewing, but after seeing this post, I may try a quilt pressing the 1/4" open.

Buckeye Rose

When I press the seam to one side, the seams are very easy to match up without pinning at all......just put them together and feel them "lock" against each other....hold and sew.....if my seams are open, I have to pin which takes time.....JMHO

Lori S

I have always pressed seams open and never had any of the ill effects that was predicted by those who swore pressing to the dark was the "best" way.
On a few occasions I had brought my quilt tops to the local shop, they all admored the work, all asked how I got it so flat. But when they turned it over and saw the seams pressed open they gave me the "look".
Having a few respected quilters "come out" on the side of pressing open .. give me a bit a validation .. not that I needed it .. but it feels good.... And good to know when I run into the "local cops" and get the
"look"!