When working on a quilting project, the tools and techniques you use can make a significant difference in the final product. Two terms you’ll often hear in the quilting world are “ironing” and “pressing.” While they might seem similar, these methods serve very different purposes. For quilters, pressing is key to achieving crisp, seamless-looking quilts.
Why Ironing Falls Short in Quilting
Ironing is a method we’re all familiar with: you move the iron back and forth over the fabric to smooth out wrinkles. This technique is great for everyday clothing and fabric preparation, but when it comes to quilting, ironing can introduce more problems than it solves.
The back-and-forth motion of ironing can stretch the fabric, especially when dealing with delicate or bias-cut edges. This stretching can distort your carefully cut pieces, leading to issues with alignment. Ironing over seams, especially in quilt blocks, can cause them to shift. This might not seem significant at first, but when multiple blocks are joined together, those small shifts can become difficult to ignore. Additionally, ironing often leads to inconsistent results, as uneven pressure is easily applied, resulting in a varied fabric texture and unevenly flattened seams.
Benefits of Pressing for Quilting
Pressing, on the other hand, involves lifting the iron and placing it down onto the fabric without moving it back and forth. This method may seem slower, but it’s precisely what makes pressing superior for quilting. Here’s how:
Preserves Fabric Integrity
Pressing sets the fabric and seams without stretching or distorting them. By pressing, you maintain the fabric’s original shape, which is crucial for keeping your quilt blocks square and even.
Ensures Precise Seams
Accurate seams are the cornerstone of a well-made quilt. Pressing allows you to flatten seams without shifting them, ensuring that all your points and corners align perfectly when piecing your quilt together.
Controls Bulk
Pressing allows for better control over seam allowances, helping to manage bulk, especially where multiple seams intersect. This results in a smoother, flatter quilt top that’s easier to quilt and has a more polished finish.
Sets Stitches
Pressing helps to set the stitches in your fabric, making the seams stronger and more durable. This added strength ensures your quilt will stand the test of time.
Whether you’re creating intricate patterns or simple blocks, the accuracy of your seams and fabric pieces directly affects the quality of your quilt. While ironing has its place, pressing is the technique that will take your quilting projects to the next level.
For more tips and ideas on how to improve your quilting projects, stop into our quilt shop to speak with us. We love the opportunity to meet fellow quilters and pass on our expertise!
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