Quick Guide to Pressing: Perfect Pressing Makes for a Perfect Project!

Pressing is a key part of creating beautifully finished quilts. Here’s a quick guide to help you achieve perfectly pressed seams that will enhance the quality of your project!

1. Test Your Iron
   Before you begin pressing, it’s always a good idea to test your iron's heat on a scrap piece of fabric. This prevents burns and ensures you’re using the right temperature for your fabric type.

2. Set Your Stitches
   Always set your stitches by pressing your seam with the right sides still together. This helps blend the stitching into the fabric, creating a more secure hold.

3. Press, Don’t Iron
   When pressing seams, use an up-and-down motion with the iron. Avoid sliding the iron side to side, as this can stretch your fabric and distort your seams.

4. Press Toward the Dark Side
   The general rule is to press your seams toward the darker or more densely patterned fabric. Start with the dark fabric on top, open it up, and press along the seam line to reduce shadowing on your quilt top.

5. Pressing Open Seams
   If you prefer to press your seams open, do so from the wrong side of the fabric. Gently press along the seam line to reduce bulk—especially helpful for detailed blocks 6.5 inches and smaller.

6. Use the Right Pins
   If you need to pin fabric while pressing, use glass-head pins. They won’t melt under the heat of your iron.

7. Try a Wool Mat
   A wool pressing mat can help you achieve a crisper press since the heat is reflected back onto the seam from both sides.
   
   

8. Correct Pressing Mistakes
   If you accidentally press a seam the wrong way, don’t worry! Simply press the seam back to where it should go, let it cool, and then press it again in the correct direction. This “press, cool, press” method will help the seam lay flat.

9. Add Steam, Mist, or Starch
   If needed, use steam or mist from a spray bottle to help stubborn seams lay flat. We also love to use a light starch on our fabrics when pressing! Here are a list of starches we HIGHLY recommend using! (Tip: Pour them into your mister bottle and you'll have the best of both worlds!)
   
   • Mary Ellen's Best Press
   

   
   
   

   • Magic Premium Quilting & Crafting Spray

   

Mastering the art of pressing will improve the overall look of your quilt, making each project as beautiful as possible. Happy quilting!