►► 5 Essential Tips for How to Create the Perfect Quilt Block Every Time - Free Workshop → www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/opt-in LINKS TO THE PRODUCTS IN THE VIDEO: ►►6.5mm Empty Markers: amzn.to/3wQIfNa (Original link sold out - but these could be a good alternative and also have long droppers) ►►Mary Ellen's Best Press Lavendar Gallon: amzn.to/4bVfMEJ ►►13.5" x 13.5" square Wool Pressing Mat: amzn.to/3WXFpQU ►►Wooly Pressing Bar Clapper: amzn.to/3yK48y9
For the last 60 years of sewing clothes and now quilts, I have used a rolled up magazine in an old knee high sock instead of an expensive pressing roll.
I purchased a wool pressing bar like the one you are using and my friend thought I was crazy and that it was just another quilting gadget! I’m here to agree 100% with you! The pressing bar gives me the flatter seams than I’ve ever been able to get with just the wool pressing mat! Also, I have the Acorn pressing pen and have recently purchased the pen that you mentioned and honestly, I like it as well if not better than the Acorn pen and it was definitely less expensive! Thank you for sharing! I always learn something new!❤
Thank you! That was a COVID quilt I designed for Project Linus. It's called "Stringing Me Along" and it's available in the Project Linus store as a downloadable pattern. www.projectlinus.org/store
Mary I’m finding supplies so much cheaper at Fat Quarter and I’ve been pleased with the quality. Etc the wooly clapper was $39 on Amazon and $27 at FQ.
Tried your idea of using pressing solution but didn't have the marking pens so just used a small paint brush and omg how flat are my seams now. Thank you so much.
You're very welcome! The marking pens are really worth the investment but not an absolute necessity. I found that it makes it even easier than using the paint brush. The pressing solution is already in the pen - all you need to do is mark. Thanks for watching Marilyn!
I love using the strip stick (pressing bar) to open seams. I made my own with some finishing wood trim from Home Depot, fabric and batting. Added a hook to one end so I can hang it up above my pressing station. Great tool! Recommend it to everyone. Just ordered some of the refillable markers to make a Best Press pen tool set. Loved your results! Thanks for sharing!
Been doing that for a few weeks now and love it. Bought the pressing solution as a kit with pen Works great. Also use clapper, can really see the difference. Thank you for sharing this
You can use the pressing bar on the hot seam just like a clapper to make the seam flatter. In the past I used water on the seam to make 'em flat but now I use the starch in a marker which works even better and THEN use the pressing bar like ya do and then as a clapper until the seam cools. It is perfection!
That pattern is called "Stringing Me Along" and it's available in the Project Linus Store. Go to www.projectlinus.org and click on STORE - it's available as a downloadable pattern.
I'm so sorry - I made this 4 years ago and used a layer cake that I had in my stash. I can't remember the name or where I got it. It says "Moose Lodge" on the fabric.
I am usually not an open seam quilter. I prefer pressing to the dark. I use the pressing pen along the threads in my seam and press to one side. Then I spin the 🎉intersections. The pressing pen works well on th spun seams.
Here's the video where I talk about it and the links are in the description. I bought mine on amazon - the 3mm or 6mm work well. Be sure to read the reviews before purchasing a set. I did find that one set I bought twisted off to the right instead of to the left like we're used to. Kind of bizarre, but in the end, it worked treat.
I have not found any shrinkage and I have used this method on many, many seams. My caution would be to be very careful when using the pressing marker that you don't put an excess amount of solution on the seam. It takes a small amount of solution to flatten the seam, but if you either pass along the seam slowly, releasing more solution than needed, or if you push down on the marker tip frequently, releasing solution that saturates the fabric, you may experience shrinkage. Hope that helps.
In addition, Kathy, I always press my fabric pieces with a pressing solution BEFORE I cut them, so any shrinking happens during the first spray and press, prior to sewing and pressing the finished seams.
It's called "Stringing Me Along" and it's available on the Project Linus website: www.projectlinus.org and click on "Store". It's available under Pattern Downloads - comfort quilts.
It's just MaryEllen's Best Press. I have never had it gum up my iron. Here's the video where I talk about the pressing marker: ruclips.net/video/VlEfbD_HQLI/видео.html
Any pressing solution on a pressing surface will build up, but can be washed off following the washing instructions that accompany the mat. With this I have not used enough solution on the seams to soak through and cause damage, but it's always a good idea to watch it closely and wash as needed.
Not exactly the same...the pressing pen makes it flatter. If you tried the pressing pen and did not achieve good results, it could be that your pressing pen did not release the solution completely along the seam if you're not getting a flatter result. Go a little slower when marking your seam and it should remedy the issue. If you didn't try it prior to commenting - I would highly recommend you give it a try. Thanks for watching!
The Inquiring Quilter episode about 6 weeks ago explains that was true advice for hand sewing for piecing. Now with machine sewing not necessary. The experts of this channel say to press seams open unless not feasible. When quilting open seams is only 3 layers of fabric versus 4 layers of fabric when pressed to the side.
Actually that's not totally true. It was more of an issue with hand quilting but with machine quilting, the seams are strong and stable. There is a tiny bit of fabric that does protect the seam a bit, but that's not to say that the open seams are less stable or weaker. I find that if there's a lot of bulk, I will press open. If not, I press to the side. That way I have a little of both in my block and I have not had a problem (that I know of) where the open seams have come apart.
►► 5 Essential Tips for How to Create the Perfect Quilt Block Every Time - Free Workshop →
www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/opt-in
LINKS TO THE PRODUCTS IN THE VIDEO:
►►6.5mm Empty Markers: amzn.to/3wQIfNa
(Original link sold out - but these could be a good alternative and also have long droppers)
►►Mary Ellen's Best Press Lavendar Gallon: amzn.to/4bVfMEJ
►►13.5" x 13.5" square Wool Pressing Mat: amzn.to/3WXFpQU
►►Wooly Pressing Bar Clapper: amzn.to/3yK48y9
For the last 60 years of sewing clothes and now quilts, I have used a rolled up magazine in an old knee high sock instead of an expensive pressing roll.
Love this!
Glad you found something that worked for you. Thanks for sharing!
I love that idea, thank you!
You have done this! Woohoo this is so great. Thank you for sharing ❤ cheers from BC Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks so much Sarah and thanks for watching!
@@joyfulandmerryquilting oh I'm hooked now! Your channel is fantastic!
I purchased a wool pressing bar like the one you are using and my friend thought I was crazy and that it was just another quilting gadget! I’m here to agree 100% with you! The pressing bar gives me the flatter seams than I’ve ever been able to get with just the wool pressing mat! Also, I have the Acorn pressing pen and have recently purchased the pen that you mentioned and honestly, I like it as well if not better than the Acorn pen and it was definitely less expensive! Thank you for sharing! I always learn something new!❤
You're so welcome Laura! Thanks for watching and thank you for your kind words!
love the variation of the quilt behind you!!
Thank you! That was a COVID quilt I designed for Project Linus. It's called "Stringing Me Along" and it's available in the Project Linus store as a downloadable pattern. www.projectlinus.org/store
Mary I’m finding supplies so much cheaper at Fat Quarter and I’ve been pleased with the quality. Etc the wooly clapper was $39 on Amazon and $27 at FQ.
That is GREAT to know! I love Fat Quarter Shop and patronize them ALL OF THE TIME! I appreciate the input!
Tried your idea of using pressing solution but didn't have the marking pens so just used a small paint brush and omg how flat are my seams now. Thank you so much.
You're very welcome! The marking pens are really worth the investment but not an absolute necessity. I found that it makes it even easier than using the paint brush. The pressing solution is already in the pen - all you need to do is mark. Thanks for watching Marilyn!
I love using the strip stick (pressing bar) to open seams. I made my own with some finishing wood trim from Home Depot, fabric and batting. Added a hook to one end so I can hang it up above my pressing station. Great tool! Recommend it to everyone. Just ordered some of the refillable markers to make a Best Press pen tool set. Loved your results! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Carrie! And I always love a good DIY option! Thank you for sharing! I'll have to try that out!
I've only used starch or water on my seams. I am going to buy some of these markers and try Best Press. The seams are perfect. Thank you.
You're so welcome! It really does work well. Thanks for watching!
Bless you! I just made my pressing marker as you displayed in your last video. WOW! It was a snap to make, and does a beautiful job! Thanks so much!
You're so welcome Cathy! I agree...so easy and so effective! Thanks for commenting!
Been doing that for a few weeks now and love it. Bought the pressing solution as a kit with pen Works great. Also use clapper, can really see the difference. Thank you for sharing this
You're welcome! Thanks for your comment!
You can use the pressing bar on the hot seam just like a clapper to make the seam flatter. In the past I used water on the seam to make 'em flat but now I use the starch in a marker which works even better and THEN use the pressing bar like ya do and then as a clapper until the seam cools. It is perfection!
Thanks for sharing and for watching, Mea!
Beautiful quilt behind you! Can we purchase a pattern or kit?
Thanks for the pressing tips.
That pattern is called "Stringing Me Along" and it's available in the Project Linus Store. Go to www.projectlinus.org and click on STORE - it's available as a downloadable pattern.
Beautiful seams ❤
Thank you! Thanks for watching!
Amazing! Thank you.
You're welcome!
I love how meticulous you are! It was fun to watch how each experiment turned out.
Thank you! And thanks for watching!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
What fabric did you use for the quilt? It’s probably discontinued but maybe I can find it online. Thank you!
I'm so sorry - I made this 4 years ago and used a layer cake that I had in my stash. I can't remember the name or where I got it. It says "Moose Lodge" on the fabric.
I am usually not an open seam quilter. I prefer pressing to the dark. I use the pressing pen along the threads in my seam and press to one side. Then I spin the 🎉intersections. The pressing pen works well on th spun seams.
Yes - I have another video where I talk about the pressing pen: ruclips.net/video/VlEfbD_HQLI/видео.html
@@joyfulandmerryquilting I watched that when it first came out. Didn’t you also do a video on spinning seams? I just use both of those methods.m
Yes - also did that! studio.ruclips.net/user/video5ERvVsgewbE/edit
Love this! Can I get these pens at the fabric shop.
Here's the video where I talk about it and the links are in the description. I bought mine on amazon - the 3mm or 6mm work well. Be sure to read the reviews before purchasing a set. I did find that one set I bought twisted off to the right instead of to the left like we're used to. Kind of bizarre, but in the end, it worked treat.
Have you had any shrinkage of your blocks using the solution? Because i found it did. Just wondering if it was just me.
I have not found any shrinkage and I have used this method on many, many seams. My caution would be to be very careful when using the pressing marker that you don't put an excess amount of solution on the seam. It takes a small amount of solution to flatten the seam, but if you either pass along the seam slowly, releasing more solution than needed, or if you push down on the marker tip frequently, releasing solution that saturates the fabric, you may experience shrinkage. Hope that helps.
In addition, Kathy, I always press my fabric pieces with a pressing solution BEFORE I cut them, so any shrinking happens during the first spray and press, prior to sewing and pressing the finished seams.
How do you avoid starch build up on your iron when you use best press?
Best Press isn’t a starch and I’ve never had any build-up on my iron. It presses clean and I find it works really well. Thanks for watching!
What is the patter of the quilt behind you?
It's called "Stringing Me Along" and it's available on the Project Linus website: www.projectlinus.org and click on "Store". It's available under Pattern Downloads - comfort quilts.
Dollar Tree sells refillable paint brushes (2/$1.25) that work well with this technique. 😊
Great to know! Thank you!
Does the pressing liquid gum up your iron?
It's just MaryEllen's Best Press. I have never had it gum up my iron. Here's the video where I talk about the pressing marker: ruclips.net/video/VlEfbD_HQLI/видео.html
Does it harm the mat if the pressing solution gets on it?
Any pressing solution on a pressing surface will build up, but can be washed off following the washing instructions that accompany the mat. With this I have not used enough solution on the seams to soak through and cause damage, but it's always a good idea to watch it closely and wash as needed.
Where were you able to get the pressing marker?
Check the description for links.
@@joyfulandmerryquilting
😊
@@joyfulandmerryquilting 9:53
If you use the clapper with the flat iron .at and a pressing pen. You will get the exact results.
Not exactly the same...the pressing pen makes it flatter. If you tried the pressing pen and did not achieve good results, it could be that your pressing pen did not release the solution completely along the seam if you're not getting a flatter result. Go a little slower when marking your seam and it should remedy the issue. If you didn't try it prior to commenting - I would highly recommend you give it a try. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for watching!
I was always told to press to one side not press seams open.It weakens the seam.
The Inquiring Quilter episode about 6 weeks ago explains that was true advice for hand sewing for piecing. Now with machine sewing not necessary. The experts of this channel say to press seams open unless not feasible. When quilting open seams is only 3 layers of fabric versus 4 layers of fabric when pressed to the side.
Actually that's not totally true. It was more of an issue with hand quilting but with machine quilting, the seams are strong and stable. There is a tiny bit of fabric that does protect the seam a bit, but that's not to say that the open seams are less stable or weaker. I find that if there's a lot of bulk, I will press open. If not, I press to the side. That way I have a little of both in my block and I have not had a problem (that I know of) where the open seams have come apart.
Use a wooden drum stick it’s perfect and cheap
I use a chopstick - it works well also. Thanks for the tip.