Blog Post 11: Steam or Press? Ironing Tips Every Quilter Should Know
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Ironing seems simple—but in quilting, pressing is part of the art. A good press sets your seams, flattens blocks, and prepares your fabric for flawless piecing. But many quilters wonder: Should I use steam or dry heat? How do I avoid stretching or distortion? Here’s a detailed look at how to get the best results at your ironing board.
1. Press, Don’t Iron: What’s the Difference?
The key term here is “pressing”—not ironing. Pressing involves lifting and lowering the iron onto the fabric rather than dragging it. Ironing (with a back-and-forth motion) can stretch your blocks out of shape, especially when working with bias edges. By pressing with firm, steady pressure, you flatten seams without distorting the fabric grain or shape of your blocks.
2. To Steam or Not to Steam?
Steam can help remove stubborn creases, especially when prepping fabric for cutting. But steam can also stretch fabric, especially lightweight cottons or blocks with bias seams. For piecing, many quilters prefer dry pressing to keep fabric stable. If you use steam, test on a scrap first and let your blocks cool completely before moving them. Some quilters use a spritz bottle of water instead of the iron’s steam function for better control.
3. Pressing Seams Open vs. to the Side
There’s no single right way to press seams, but there are pros and cons. Pressing seams to one side helps “lock” intersections and adds stability—especially useful for hand quilting or when durability is key. Pressing seams open reduces bulk and creates a flatter finish, which can be helpful in complex blocks or machine quilting. Choose based on your pattern and personal preference, and be consistent throughout the quilt.
4. Tools for Perfect Pressing
A good iron is just the beginning. Use a wool pressing mat for a crisp, heat-retaining surface that presses both sides at once. A tailor’s clapper (a wooden block) can set seams flat after pressing. A pressing cloth helps protect delicate or dark fabrics from scorching or shine. And a spray starch or fabric finishing spray like Flatter™ can add crispness without stiffness—perfect for piecing precision.
Mastering pressing is one of the easiest ways to improve your quilting results. Treat your ironing board like your second sewing station, and take the time to press each seam with care—your quilt blocks will thank you.