In a dream world, there would be one way to iron a seam and it would look perfect every time and be just as easy as well.
However, that does not always work for me and I am betting it does not for you either!
From the powers that be, they say pick how you iron your seam per project and that works - for the most part. I have found though that a mixture of open and closed is just fine. Now, I am not sewing for competitions and that would make a difference ( you have to chose what is best for you!)
How I blend open and closed.
If I am sewing blocks that have lots of seams and just in general blocks, I iron open. If I put borders on, I will iron away from center to create a graduated look. This is not the mainstream thought process though.
When I am sewing together blocks that go into rows, I sew opposite sides so those seams just match up perfectly, while the rest of the block may have seam ironed open.
What about you - do you iron open or closed or a mixture?
To break it down..
Open Seams:
1. Reduces Bulk and lays flatter
2. Easier Quilting - it is much easier for your long-armer to quilt over.
3. Greater Accuracy - Open seams make it easier to match points (in certain cases)
Side Seams
1. Sturdier seams - these seam are stronger and can be advantageous for heavy use and washing.
2. Quicker Assembly - they iron faster!
3. Traditional Look - It may be more in line with a traditional feel of a quilt.
Bottom Line - it is up to you and how you want your quilt to look and what makes it easier for you!
Comments
Really enjoying reading the quilting tips. Great for beginners and up. Simple, helpful ideas.
Thanks.
I absolutely use both, whichever makes my quilt lay as flat as possible at that point. I guess I adopted this because all of my quilts have been hand quilted.
Debby, I am glad I am not the only one! I find most quilts need a combination to look the best!
I absolutely use both. I determine which method I use by how the seams meet. I want the flattest seams possible for the overall look of the quilt as well as how will this seam impact quilting.