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Steam iron or no? conflicting recommendations
SouthernStitch   Advanced USA Member since 2002 Posts: 5858	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/12 4:01 PM I thought I'd ask because some quilting books and teachers say no way to steam, and others say yes! The BOM at Craftsy right now, the teacher does use steam to press her seams to one side. Just wondering what you guys do. I am making a kitchen table topper and have not used steam. ------ Bernina 730E, 350PE Babylock Audrey Singer 201, 221FW Viking 6570 When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
Learn To Sew   Advanced Beginner WA USA Member since 2005 Posts: 5247	Login to reply to this post In reply to SouthernStitch Like this post Date: 1/17/12 4:20 PM I do not know. I will start my quilting class in 3 weeks and then I should know the answer. So many questions and I have to wait for classes. It could just be a persons prefence I think. ------ I enjoy quilting as it calms my mind Bernina 630 / no embroidery module Pfaff 2036 Babylock Molly Bernina 1200DA serger
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 2004 Posts: 1178	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/12 4:39 PM It is pretty much a matter of preference. However---- Whether you use steam or not, the important thing to remember is to not distort the fabric as you press. Too much pushing or back and forth ironing motions can sort of "stretch" and distort the weave of the fabric and distort the seams -- especially seams sewn on the bias. Some of the TV quilting instructors I've watched claim that using steam makes it more likely that you will distort the fabric -- although it is quite possible to distort fabric and seams with a dry iron -- I've done it. On the other hand, Eleanor Burns uses steam (she says she prefers it; it's not required), but if you watch any of her videos, you can see that she's gentle and quick with her pressing, and she doesn't iron seams to death. You can watch some of her videos for free HERE on the Quilt in a Day website. CMC
Jennifer Hill Advanced AB CANADA Member since 2002 Posts: 1229	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/12 4:47 PM I'm definitely a steamer. Nothing like it for really flattening seams and intersections. As has been mentioned, you can distort your patches if you use it unwisely. But, you can also use it to your advantage to restore the desired shape to your patchwork. I'm currently working on some little Lone Stars, and each star has 200 pieces in it. No way do I want to trim anything away, as the individual pieces are so small that any trimming will be noticeable. So, once pieced, I pin each section to shape on the ironing board, and hit it with all the steam I can generate. It works! Jennifer in Calgary
quiltingwolf Advanced MD USA Member since 2002 Posts: 2864	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/12 9:24 PM steamer here also and remember press not iron like your ironing a shirt
a7yrstitch   Intermediate TX USA Member since 2008 Posts: 2944	Login to reply to this post In reply to SouthernStitch Like this post Date: 1/17/12 9:30 PM I'm a steamer, but, I am also a pre-washer. I would presume that my friend that does not prewash would also not steam. Being a steamer, I really appreciated the idea that someone posted for filling a vertical refrigerator water dispenser with water to keep on a shelf in their sewing room instead of traipsing back and forth for refills. ------ I have no idea what Apple thought I was saying so be a Peach and credit anything bizarre to auto correct.
Warbler   Advanced VT USA Member since 2007 Posts: 1621	Login to reply to this post In reply to SouthernStitch Like this post Date: 1/17/12 10:52 PM Steam! But I also keep a travel iron near my machine that is dry heat. Because it is a Rowenta which is notorious for leaking I don't dare put water in it, I don't want it peeing on my quilt blocks! ------ Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91
PattyGee   Intermediate MN USA Member since 2003 Posts: 67	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/12 11:14 PM I use steam also. One thing though, on a two color quilt I scorched the white, I really think my rowenta was leaking. Maybe use a pressing cloth on the lighter/white fabrics. When you have points it is most helpful to have steam, press don't scrub and let you piece cool down before moving if you steamed heavily. Hope this makes sense.
PattyGee   Intermediate MN USA Member since 2003 Posts: 67	Login to reply to this post In reply to Learn To Sew Like this post Date: 1/17/12 11:21 PM Learn to Sew: Your going to have to keep us all posted on your quilting class. Please
CJ Tinkle Intermediate AR USA Member since 2006 Posts: 788	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/18/12 7:02 AM I use a steam generator... LOTS of steam! ------ Bernina 830 ✂ Bernina 630 ✂ Bernina 1300MDC ✂ Babylock BLCS ✂ APQS Millennium ✂ Juki TL2010Q ✂ Singer 201-2 ✂ Singer 301 ✂ Singer 401A ✂ Singer 15-91 ✂ Singer Featherweight 222K www.createdbycj.com

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