Do you find your quilt blocks are not quite square? Did you know there is a big difference between ironing and pressing your seams? There is, and it is likely the reason for your not so square blocks. Keep reading to find out more.

Ironing and Pressing are Not the Same Thing. Press your Quilt Seams for Best Results.

Before I learned this simple trick, I had all kinds of issues with my blocks being skewed. Then, I learned the truth and have had no further problems.

The Difference Between Ironing and Pressing

Ironing

Most of us have “ironed” clothing before. Ironing means running a heated iron over the fabric until it’s flat.

Pressing

Pressing, on the other hand, is placing the iron down on the fabric and leaving it in place, thereby allowing the weight of the iron to do the job to flatten the fabric.

Steam

Believe it or not, steam can also be your enemy in attempting to construct quilt blocks. Steam, like ironing, can skew your blocks. It is better to spritz your fabric with a water bottle and press.

Starch and Starch Alternatives

Products like Niagara Spray Starch, Flatter and Mary Ellen’s Best Press all work to help flatten your fabric. I used Best Press for years, but found spray starch works much better. I’m not a fan of Flatter. However, using a starch or starch alternative will help you achieve better pressed fabric.

I hope you have found this article helpful. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me here.

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Until Next Time,