Pressing quilt seams: open or to the side

Quilters either press seams to one side, usually towards the darker fabric, so seams can 'nest' at junctions, or press them open for flatter blocks. Both work; pick one per project and be consistent.

Beginner10 minutes

ResearchedSewSift editorialChecked 1 Nov 2026

Pinny's tip
Press seams so the bumps nest together where rows meet, which gives sharp seam joins.

What you'll need

Iron: a dry iron often works best on cotton patchwork.
Pressing mat or board: near the machine.

Step by step

Set the seam by pressing it flat as sewn.
For pressing to the side, lift the top fabric (usually the darker one) and press it over so the seam goes under it.
For pressing open, lay the piece wrong side up, open the allowance with your finger and press.
Press, don't iron: lift and lower the iron rather than sliding it, so blocks don't stretch out of shape.

Watch

How to Press Seams to One Side and Open (2:24)
By Marci Baker · Open on YouTube

The video this technique page has always pointed to, a 2-minute one from Marci Baker. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.

Common mistakes

Stretching blocks. Lift and press; don’t slide.
Pressing towards the light fabric. Dark allowances can show through.
Mixing methods in one quilt. Junctions won’t match.

Watch it done

How to Press Seams to One Side and Open by Marci Baker on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
How to Press Seams Open in Quilting - Fat Quarter Shop by Fat Quarter Shop on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
Pressing Perfectly Flat OPEN Seams on a 9 Patch: The Best Methods! by Mary B on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.