When it comes to quilting, one of the most overlooked yet crucial steps is pressing seams. Properly pressed seams can make the difference between a polished, professional-looking quilt and one that appears uneven or bulky. In this guide, I will explain why pressing is essential, the difference between pressing and ironing, and best practices for pressing seams throughout your quilting process.
When purchasing through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
As a new quilter, I didn’t understand how important it was to press seams. I honestly just sewed the pieces together, finger pressed it down in the direction I wanted the seam to sit and sewed the next piece on. Sometimes my points would meet, and other times…well let’s just say it was close enough. My how much my quilting has changed over the years. Today, I am very diligent about pressing every seam to a crisp and flat finished product. (I also love to starch my fabric! This creates a much better finished product in my opinion). The little bit of work it takes to press seams between each step dramatically improves your final quilt. So let’s talk about all things pressing seams when quilting.
Pressing vs. Ironing: Understanding the Difference
Many quilters, especially beginners, assume that ironing and pressing are interchangeable. However, these two techniques serve very different purposes in quilting.
- Ironing: This involves moving the iron back and forth across the fabric. While this method is effective for removing wrinkles in clothing, it can distort fabric pieces and stretch your quilt blocks out of shape.
- Pressing: This is a more controlled technique where the iron is lifted and placed down onto the fabric without dragging. Pressing ensures that seams lay flat without distorting the fabric’s shape, which is crucial for maintaining accuracy in quilting.
By adopting the pressing method instead of ironing, you’ll preserve the integrity of your fabric pieces and ensure a precise quilt layout.
Related Post: Chain Piecing in Quilting
Why Pressing Every Seam is Essential in Quilting
Pressing seams as you construct your quilt is a non-negotiable step that contributes to the overall quality of your finished project. Here’s why:
1. Enhances Accuracy in Piecing
Each quilt block must maintain its intended size and shape to fit perfectly with adjoining pieces. Pressing seams keeps the fabric stable and helps prevent stretching, ensuring that your blocks align correctly when sewn together.
2. Reduces Bulk for a Flatter Quilt
Quilts can accumulate bulk at seam intersections, which can make quilting difficult, especially when working with multiple fabric layers. Pressing seams properly either to one side or pressing them open minimizes bulk, resulting in a smoother, more even quilt top.
3. Strengthens the Quilt for Longevity
When seams are pressed correctly, fabric pieces adhere better, reducing stress on the stitches. This reinforcement helps your quilt withstand washing, handling, and everyday use over time.
4. Improves the Final Appearance
Well-pressed seams lead to crisp, professional-looking quilt blocks. When seams are carefully pressed, points match up more accurately, and the finished quilt top appears neat and polished.
Best Practices for Pressing Seams in Quilting
To achieve the best results, follow these pressing techniques throughout your quilting process:
1. Use the Right Tools
- Quality Iron: A reliable iron with adjustable heat settings will provide consistent results. In the past I didn’t use steam when pressing. I recently upgraded to the Laurastar Smart U ironing system and have discovered a whole world I was missing out on when it comes to steaming seams.
- My recommended irons:
- Oilso Auto Lift Iron – a moderately priced iron that works really well. This was my go to for most of my quilting years
- Rowenta Pro Master – also a moderately priced iron. This is similar to the iron I used when I first started quilting.
- Laurastar Lift – a more expensive iron, but if you have the funds I highly recommend Laurastar irons. They really are a game changer when it comes to fast flat seams.
- Laurastar Smart U ironing system – this is a big splurge and I recognize that it is out of budget for many. I was really reserved about the price of this system but it really has improved my pressing and quilting precision. The 10 year repairable period that Laurastar offers is what sold me. I sew a LOT and use my iron almost daily for many hours a day. I wanted an iron that could keep up with that.
- Wool Pressing Mat: These mats help absorb heat and press seams more efficiently from both sides.
- Pressing Spray or Starch Alternative: Lightly misting your fabric can help achieve crisp seams without over-wetting the material. I typically starch all of my fabrics before starting a project using Niagra spray starch. But having a product like Flatter spray nearby while pressing can help with stubborn or thick seams.
2. Press Seam Allowances Consistently
- Press to One Side: Pressing seams to one side (typically toward the darker fabric) strengthens the seam and reduces bulk. Many patterns come with pressing instructions to ensure that seams between blocks and rows press nicely.
- Press Open When Necessary: When multiple seams intersect, pressing them open may be the best option to distribute bulk evenly. This works especially well for blocks with many small pieces.
3. Set the Seam Before Pressing
Before opening up a seam, press it flat along the stitching line. This technique, known as setting the seam, helps meld the stitches into the fabric and produces a sharper press when opened.
4. Avoid Overhandling the Fabric
Minimize excessive pressing to prevent fabric distortion. Pressing should be firm but gentle to maintain the structure of each quilt block. This is especially important when you are handling fabric pieces that have been cut or sewn on the bias. The bias is a diagonal cut across the grain of the fabric weave. This cut will be especially stretchy and easy to distort with overhandling or ironing back and forth instead of pressing straight down on the seam.
Wrapping Up – The Importance of Pressing
Pressing seams is a fundamental skill that every quilter should master. By understanding the difference between pressing and ironing, committing to pressing each seam, and using the right tools and techniques, you’ll create quilts with improved accuracy, reduced bulk, and a refined, professional finish.
Incorporating proper pressing habits into your quilting routine will not only make assembling your quilt top easier but also enhance the durability and beauty of your finished project. So, the next time you’re working on a quilt, take a few extra moments to press your seams carefully—you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!
