Читать книгу The Quilter's Bible - Linda - Страница 35

In patchwork pressing means pressing, not sweeping over the fabric as in ironing. It is a restrained action, moving the iron in a lifting and pressing motion so seams lie in the right direction.

• Iron fabrics at the appropriate temperature to remove creases before use, so measuring and cutting will be more accurate.

• Steam from the iron can be used on stubborn creases though take care that you don’t stretch and distort bias edges.

• Spray starch is useful to stabilize fabrics and give more body, especially if stacking fabrics ready for multiple layer cutting.

• Don’t forget that many stages of piecing can be finger pressed, particularly for small units. Finger press on a hard surface using the flat area of the thumbnail so the seam lies flat. A Hera or other firm tool can also be used.

• Press work first as it comes off the sewing machine to ‘set’ the stitches and help them settle into the fabric and reduce small puckers. Then press towards the seam allowance. Press seams so they lie in opposite directions as the work will then lie flatter and be easier to quilt (see diagrams below).