Pressing

Pressing is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps in quilting. Unlike ironing, which moves the iron back and forth, pressing involves lifting and setting the iron down on each area to avoid distorting bias edges. Seams can be pressed to one side (traditionally toward the darker fabric) to create nesting seams that lock blocks together, or pressed open to distribute bulk and reduce ridges. A good press after each seam keeps blocks square, reduces bulk at intersections, and makes the final quilt top lie perfectly flat.