Quilts & More - USA (2020 - Summer)

AllPeopleQuilt.com 99

6. SEAM RIPPER
   A sharp, good-
   quality seam ripper
   is a necessity. There
   are many seam
   rippers on the
   market—pick one
   that fits comfortably
   in your hand.

» Setting seams:

Press seam as it

was sewn, without

opening up pieces.

This helps lessen

bulk in seam

allowance.

» Pressing direction:

Press seams in

direction indicated

in instructions.

Typically you will

press the entire

seam to one side

and toward the

darker fabric, but

sometimes seams

are pressed open

to reduce bulk.

7. PRESSING
   Pressing seams
   properly ensures
   accurate piecing.
   Make sure you are
   pressing the fabric
   (moving iron up and
   down), not ironing
   (moving iron back
   and forth). Ironing
   stretches and
   distorts seams.

» Matching seams:

When two seams

will be joined, press

seam allowances in

opposite directions

and abut them so

the pieces line up.

» Planning ahead:

If pressing

directions aren’t

given, plan your

pressing in advance

so that all seams

abut. A simple

method is pressing

odd-numbered

rows one direction

and even-numbered

rows the other.

8. STARCH
   Some quilters like
   to use starch, or
   starch alternatives,
   on fabric; they find
   stiffer pieces easier
   to handle and less
   likely to distort.

6

8

7

Use consistent, accurate

seam allowances throughout

your project. Small piecing

inaccuracies add up quickly!

prevent distortion

When sewing rows together,

alternate starting points.

TIP

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