When I first started quilting and hearing comments from seasoned quilters, there were always comments made about pressing, ironing, pressing with steam, and finger pressing. All of this was confusing to a beginner. So going over the options here, this is what I have found to be useful in my quilting experience of the past 30 years.
First and foremost, the most important element in making a perfect block is to cut each patch from your PREWASHED and IRONED fabric to the exact measurements indicated on the pattern.
Second and just as important as the first step is to sew an exact ¼ inch seam. Do not think that the sewing foot on your sewing machine will do this for you. Take a quilting ruler and place it under your sewing foot. Put the foot down on the ruler to hold the ruler in place. Make sure that your needle will hit exactly on the ¼ inch line. Line the ruler so it is vertical. Now take some painter’s tape and place it on your sewing machine along the edge of your ruler. Remove the ruler from your sewing machine. You will now have a guide for a perfect ¼ inch seam allowance.
Now let’s move on to the “Pressing” issues.
Ironing: The point to remember here is that a normal iron is large and heavy. If you use an iron for pressing your seams, do not push or pull the iron. This will distort the fabric that you worked so hard to cut perfectly! Use your fingers to press the seam in the direction (usually toward the darker fabric) it needs to go. Then take your iron and lay it on the seam without moving it back and forth.
Best Ironing Solution: My favorite tool for pressing is a mini iron. If you have taken the care to prewash and then iron your fabric and cut each patch exact, all you need to do is press the seam area only. Again, use your fingers to finger press first and then press the seam with the mini iron. Remember that you don’t have to get up and down to iron, you can have your mini iron right where you are sewing!
Steam ironing: I do not like to use steam because it gives a greater chance to distort your beautiful quilt block. I you must use steam, use your iron to gently lay it on the fabric. Do not push or pull the iron.
These tips will help in making a perfect quilt block that will actually be the size that the directions say it is!
