HST: how do you do?

Got it, Pati. Thank you. Polly

yes, but when you press that seam the arrangement of where those layers are can make quite a difference.

Cheers Anne

Yes, that is true, but what you avoid is the extra 'fatness' caused by folding two layers together. One seam allowance has to fold back over another one. If you look at both kinds of seam (I might even measure them when I have a bit more time!), you can see how much less fabric is taken up in the folds of open seams by looking at the distance the seam allowance comes back. (Sorry! dreadfully difficult to explain what I mean >gActually there's exactly as many layers on butted seams as on seams

Sorry Ms P, but no, even the lower seam allowance does get folded back when you press to one side. It is, of course, flatter than the top one, but there nevertheless. There are other advantages to pressing seams open, for example that, on the front side of the piece, the seams have a much more symmetrical appearance. I have just finished a piece which is very much based on symmetry, and I love the look of the exactly equal sides. . In message , Ms P writes

No, it's folded back on itself. Look carefully the back side of the patchwork piece is touching the back side of the seam allowance. Wrong sides touching of the same piece of fabric means there is a fold there.

If there was no fold the fabric would look just as you cut it - straight. Can't do that when it has been sewn into a seam.

marcella

I press the black up so the seam is under the black, not the white. Hope this helps!

Lenore

Yes, *one* piece of fabric is folded back on itself when you iron seams to one side. One piece is still flat. It's not possible to fold both seam allowances when you iron to one side. You will only fold both pieces of fabric back on themselves when you iron the seams open.

Ms P

I tried to be good. I really, really did. I held back for three whole days, before saying anything. Sorry, but every time I read this subject line it goes like this......

Karen, Queen of Squishies

FWIW, I agree with you .... but then again, I'm a die hard pre washer!

Susan, I saw this method for the first time recently when I bought a pattern for an Ohio Star quilt. I have to say I was befuddled beyond belief when reading the directions. It didn't help that I didn't see a 'finished' size for any piece anywhere in the pattern! I finally went to my LQS and had someone there explain it a little better for me. Your explanation is better yet. Still not sure that I want to attempt this technique though. I don't know that I sew accurately enough and there doesn't seem to be any 'fudge factor' built into the dimensions given in the pattern. I think I'll just cut squares and go from there. I really have to get moving on this quilt. I only have 2 years to finish this one for a friends 60th birthday. She changed bedroom colors on me and now I have to start the color/fabric selection all over again.

I wish you'd held back just a little longer, Karen. I wasn't quite ready for morning cheer. That's the sort of tune that will go round and round in my head all day. Polly

yeah, I know........ that's why I had so much trouble. After 3 whole days, I just had to explode and share it.

Karen

Howdy!

Oh, Karen, that leaves a really nasty taste. ick! This helps scrub it out:

I have had Diggy Liggy Lo running through my head for a couple of days, this may be a cure.

NightMist

Once again the utube people will not share their stuff with me. Never have! I don't know the magic word I guess. PAT