Pressing Seams: Open vs. To the Side
Pressing Seams: Open vs. To the Side
Which method should you use for your quilts? 🧵🔥
Pressing seams is one of the most important — and often overlooked — steps in quilting. The way you press your seams can affect how your quilt blocks fit together, how flat your quilt lays, and even how your finished quilt looks.
One of the most common questions quilters ask is:
Should I press my seams open or to the side?
The answer? Both methods have their place.
At Johnson Heirloom, we believe understanding each technique helps you choose what works best for your project.
What Does “Pressing Seams” Mean?
Pressing is different from ironing.
- Pressing = lifting and placing the iron (no sliding)
- Ironing = moving the iron back and forth
Pressing helps avoid stretching or distorting your fabric, which is especially important in quilting.
Pressing Seams to the Side
Pressing seams to one side is the most traditional quilting method.
Benefits
🧵 Stronger seams – multiple layers reinforce the stitching
🧵 Easier nesting – seams can “lock” together, helping points line up
🧵 Great for piecing blocks – especially helpful for beginners
Best For
- Patchwork quilts
- Block-based quilts
- Projects where precise matching points matter
This method is especially helpful when sewing rows and blocks together.
Pressing Seams Open
Pressing seams open means spreading the seam allowance evenly on both sides.
Benefits
🧵 Reduces bulk – great for complex or layered designs
🧵 Creates a flatter quilt top
🧵 Helpful for detailed quilting – smoother surface for stitching
Best For
- Intricate quilt patterns
- Foundation paper piecing
- Quilts with many intersecting seams
This method can give your quilt a very clean, flat appearance.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Press to the Side | Press Open |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Stronger seams | Slightly less reinforced |
| Bulk | More bulk at seams | Less bulk |
| Accuracy | Easier to match seams | Requires careful alignment |
| Finish | Slightly raised seams | Flatter surface |
Tips for Better Pressing
🧵 Press seams flat first before choosing a direction
🧵 Use a dry iron or light steam depending on fabric
🧵 Avoid stretching fabric while pressing
🧵 Take your time — good pressing improves your final result
Pressing is just as important as stitching when it comes to accuracy.
So… Which Should You Choose?
There’s no single right answer — it depends on your project.
Choose Pressing to the Side if:
- You want stronger seams
- You’re matching points in quilt blocks
- You’re working on beginner projects
Choose Pressing Open if:
- You want a flatter quilt top
- You’re working with bulky seams
- You’re doing detailed or dense quilting
Many quilters use both methods in the same quilt, depending on the section.
Final Thoughts
Pressing seams may seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact on your finished quilt. Whether you press to the side or open, the most important thing is consistency and care.
As your quilting skills grow, you’ll find the method that works best for your style and projects.
At Johnson Heirloom, we believe every step of the quilting process matters — from the first cut to the final press.
Because beautiful quilts are built one seam at a time. 🧵✨
