How do you roll - Your seams that is...

First off! HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!

Sew, how do you roll? Your seams that is.

When pressing seams you always should press to the darker fabric, or as some say to "dark side", but do you know how to do it with a roll rather than a rake?

When you press your seams, try to set the seam first always, this means to press the seam from the back side first, setting it helps it stop stretching and distorting your fabric, it helps to shrink the fibers down in the threads from the heat of your iron. I always use steam, just me. Some only use dry. It is your choice I think.

Then you turn the piece over and you will see your seams laying oh so flat, especially if you nested them. But, when you open the seam to press use your iron to roll it back gently. Do not "scrub" over it, just a gentle roll over it, and then set it. It is easier said than done, and took me some time to master it, well I say I mastered it, others probably not!

The gentle slide of the iron plate over the folded over seam will roll the fabric back and allow it to lay naturally. This is a time to fudge any odd seams too, also you will see the ones that need to be ripped out. If it is off at this time you will see it, and can fix it before you go any further.

Is it really necessary? Yes, it is.

It allows for your blocks to become more uniform in size, you should do it every time you make a new seam and are continuing on the same block. It helps with sizes, seeing if you are straight in lines and even. No it won't stop having to resize them when you square before joining, but it will make less cutting work for you, and less ripping out after you join as well.

Sew, gentle glide of your iron plate over the seam to open it and lay it back gently. Use steam if you wish or dry. I hear dry allows for less slippage in fabric too. I have not tried it really. I like crisp edges and seams. You can also use sizing or starch at this point as well, it helps to get the block to lay flatter, depending on the type of fabric you are using. It all comes out in the wash.

Remember an unfinished quilt is waiting to love...

Enjoy your day today and create with love, Thankfulness and joy.

Until next time!