But I don't know the answer, really.
I'm looking for the answer from 'you out there' so please if you know can you tell me?
The question is about the patchwork I showed you yesterday. Martha asked what I did with the seams when I'd finished - did I press them open or all the same way. Well in the dim and distant past I have pressed them open like they are in the attached photo (here they're just tacked into place, of course) but thinking about it I've no idea if that's the right thing to do.
HELP!!!
You are supposed to press them the same way as they are tacked. Otherwise you end up with 'thick' bits!! Leastways that's what I was taught at school!! They tend to stay there once the backing is on the finished item!!
ReplyDeleteIt's what I would do, though I can't say that it's 'correct'.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I can remember is to press the seams to reduce bulk. So I guess it's up to the individual.
ReplyDeletePress open if possible - makes less bulk
ReplyDeleteLeave them just as they are in the picture!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Jane! The reason seams are pressed to one side is to reduce the stress on a seam. The "stressed seam" theory is sort of moot for machine stitched quilts as the seams are sturdier than a hand-sewn seam in general. Also, there are techniques for piecing which utilize the pressed-to-one-side seams butted together such that it creates a very precise seam intersection (particularly where points meet). Lastly, when piecing lighter and darker fabrics, seams are sometimes pressed to the darker fabric side so the seam allowance won't be visible through the lighter fabric. The seam allowances may be pressed open on smaller pieces as you've done. It's all really a matter of preference and what yields the desired end result.
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin. That all makes a lot of sense. You're a star.
DeleteHi Jane, first thank you for all your free tatting patterns. I taught myself this summer and fall and have searched the internet many times for patterns. When I have done the patchwork like your picture, I tack the corners with permanent stitches as I fold them around, but not through the paper. After stitching and pressing, I pull the papers out and everything stays in place. I use tiny blind stitches to hold the patches together.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joan. I like the idea of tacking the corners with permanent stitches. Must try that. Glad you like the patterns - they keep me out of mischief!!!!
DeleteRofl!!! out of mischief??? VBG
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