aktbone Posted February 1, 2014 Report Share Posted February 1, 2014 I was visiting our local quilting shop yesterday and the girl in there asked me, "when piecing backs together for longarm quilting, do you want the seam pressed open or to one side?" I have always pressed to one side. What is the consensus and why - please? Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge ahead of time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenslug Posted February 1, 2014 Report Share Posted February 1, 2014 I always press backing seams open. It reduces thickness when quilting and if you have a thick top seam and a thick backing seam, it makes it a little more difficult. Do not know if that is the correct way - it just seems to work well for me. Marilyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachside Quilter Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I press back seams open, also. That's the way I was taught, and as Marilyn says it helps reduce an overly bulky seam where top seams may overlap on te backing seam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue E. Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I've always pressed the backing seams open and I use a ⅝" seam allowance. That is the way I was taught and I feel it gives a smoother backing and I like having a wider seam allowance with the extra fabric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaC Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I also press the seam open on the backing and always try to have it run horizontally so it runs the length of the bar to avoid having the "hammock" problem on the back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggienoella Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Me too for the same reason. I was also told to use as tiny a zig zag as possible so that it has a little give to it when it is quilted. Joan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Borderline Quilter Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I always press open and take a bigger seam too at least 1/2 inch....it all makes for a more stable seam and also reduces bulk.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delld Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I too press open the seam on the back to reduce bulk! I also like the seam horizontal. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlnewell Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I guess I'm in the minority, but I press to one side. I allways cut off the selvage first though. My reasoning for pressing to one side is the same for piecing on the top. If the stitching breaks and comes undone, you won't have a visible hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreadWaggle Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I do at least a 1/2 seam, with no selvages in it and I press open to reduce bulk. I also back stitch at both ends to that they don't pop when they are on the machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lkl Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I ask customers to piece their backing with a 3/8" seam allowance for cotton and a 1/2 " seam allowance for flannel then press the seam open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaSteller Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I know the recommendation is to press the seam open, but I prefer to press to one side. More stable, in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 We were just having this discussion today at a class, I too think that to the side is better, stronger, not thread showing and no little opening if the seam has stress on it to beard batting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibbyG Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Cut off selvage, sew at least 1/2 inch seam, run horizontally, and press open. However, after reading some of the comments, I'm wondering if the seam is more stable if you go to the side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamache Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I prefer a horizontal seam pressed to one side for all the reasons given above. No selvage and a 3/8" seam allowance. If it is a larger print, I try to match the design so the seam "disappears". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 From all the comments going both ways, it looks like it just doesn't matter! Everyone is getting good results doing it "their way" so don't mess with success! From a longarming standpoint, I love when my customers take off the selvedge and sew a wider seam. But I've been able to quilt with tiny seams, narrow seams where the selvedge is left on , and seams pressed either way. Once it's quilted I don't imagine you can tell what's under there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewingpup Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I am a fan of pressing to one side....I cut off the selvages, do a 1/2 inch seam and press to one side....I make quilts that will be used and washed often....so I think the pressed to one side is stronger....if I were to make a show quilt...I do think I would press seams open to make everything lay smoother....but...so far...my quilts end up a bit wonky so they are bed quilts....and I do love the thought of folks using my quilts! Lin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaR Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 If sewn by machine, I ask the gals to press them open, and for 5/8th inch seam. If sewn by hand, press them to one side.. prevents the seam opening a bit at each stitch, also 5/8th seam. I hate it when quilters use the salvages, and try to find a way to tell them why they are a No-No! Most of the gals had never been told to Not use the salvages.. now most of them are using the right way. One gal said she couldn't afford to throw them out. I asked if she was ready to throw the quilt out, as with so many pieces with salvages it would shrink and also feel different on the finished quilts. She still uses the salvages and has totally ignored the possible future problems. So sad to waste all those $$$, not to mention time. Rita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Maybe they haven't heard of all the things you can make with selvages….? I keep a basket when I toss them and hope to one day make a little selvage quilt... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamu Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I prefer the backing seam to be larger at least 1/2" and pressed open. I ask my clients to do this to avoid any problems with the quilting process. I have quilted 1/4" or less, seams pressed to one side...and I have found myself fighting the seams to make sure that it continues to lay to the side it was pressed to without twisting back and forth. I have pressed these seams with steam and really watched them when rolling the quilt...all a PITA to do. So, I ask for open and large seams, sure makes things easier. Have never had any issues with my own well used quilts and these seams being weak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pumpkinpatchquilter Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 I press open as many of the others here suggest and also 1/2" seams - to avoid bulk but also, it could be just me, but I think it's easier to keep the seam neat and straight as you go along. I find sometimes when I've gotten to a seam down the center of a backing I have to readjust just a bit so it stays straight...not much but just gently rolling my hands over the front roller bar and aligning that seam straight and open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaSteller Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Actually, to tell you the truth, my biggest preference is for wide backings and no bleeping seams! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lkl Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Concur with Linda S. above. Also, I like to remind customers that for larger quilts, wide backing is far more economical than piecing regular priced 42" wide fabric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmcclannan Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 I am in the open seam camp. I just don't want any unnecessary bulk. That being said, I do have one customer who serges her backs so, of course, her seams are pressed to one side. I just check to make sure the back seam does not lay directly under a bulky seam from the top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathyh Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 I do a lot of pieced backs and always press open because I think it is less bulky and also is easier to have them lay flat and not flip from one side to the other. I agree with the idea, though, that to one side is probably better for durability. Maybe wider seams to one side and starched down would be better. I will have to try that. Great discussion! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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