Pressing Open vs Pressing to the Side — Which Seam Allowance Method Is Better?
Pressing Open vs Pressing to the Side — Which Seam Allowance Method Is Better?
How you press quilt seams affects accuracy, bulk, and how well points match. Pressing open and pressing to the side are both valid — but they behave differently in finished quilts. Here’s the complete breakdown.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Press to the Side | Press Open |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional method | Yes — the classic quilting standard Traditional | Garment sewing tradition; growing in quilting |
| Seam strength | Stronger — double fabric at seam line Side | Slightly weaker at intersection |
| Bulk at intersections | More bulk where seams meet | Less bulk — seams lie flat Open |
| Point matching | Easier — nest seams by pressing opposite directions Side | Requires more precision pinning |
| Quilt top flatness | Good | Flatter overall — less loft at seams Open |
| Show quilts | Standard — both accepted | Increasingly popular for precision work Open |
| Speed | Faster — one press per seam Side | Slower — must open and press both sides |
Who Should Choose Which?
Press to the side when…
- Making traditional blocks where nested seams aid matching
- Working quickly through many blocks
- Piecing blocks with many intersecting points
- Using traditional methods for show quilts
Press open when…
- Bulk at seam intersections is causing distortion
- Making complex paper-pieced blocks with many seams
- Working with thicker fabrics
- Maximum flatness is the priority
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which direction I press seams to the side?
Yes — the conventional rule is to press toward the darker fabric. This prevents the dark seam allowance from shadowing through a lighter fabric. At intersections, press opposite directions so seams nest together for accurate point matching.
Can I mix pressing methods in the same quilt?
Yes — many quilters press to the side for most seams and press open at specific intersections that have too much bulk. The seam direction within a block should be consistent, but you can choose different approaches for different blocks in the same quilt.
What tool is best for pressing quilt seams?
A dry iron at cotton setting (no steam) is the traditional tool — steam can distort bias edges. A wool pressing mat retains heat and allows pressing from both sides. Best Press starch alternative keeps seams crisp and prevents stretching during pressing.
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