Seam Pressing 101: Open or Side?

In this video, Bob Benson discusses different ways to press quilt seams—either to one side or open—and explains when each method works best. He demonstrates how pressing to the dark side can be ideal for larger pieces, while pressing open helps reduce bulk in projects with many small seams. Bob also shares a tip for nesting seams to keep blocks aligned and flat. His message is simple: there’s no single “right” way to press seams—choose what feels best for your project and sewing style.

Hi everyone, I’m Bob Benson, and today I want to talk about something every quilter has an opinion on: pressing seams. Do you press your seams to the dark side, press them open, or does it not really matter to you? The truth is, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. You’re the boss of your sewing, so do what works best for you.

Let me show you a few examples. These quilt blocks were pressed to one side, and I think we can all agree they look great from the back. There’s something so satisfying about how neat and clean they appear. Now, take a look at these other blocks—these were pressed open. They’re a bit busier, but just as beautiful. I love how flat and tidy they look.

Here’s how I usually decide what to do. If I’m working with larger pieces, I tend to press to the dark side. That method works perfectly for simple, bold blocks. But when I’m working with smaller pieces and lots of seams that meet in one spot, I prefer pressing them open to reduce bulk and make everything lay flatter.

If you do press your seams open and then need to join two blocks together, be mindful of how your seams line up. You’ll want to press one set of seams in one direction and the other set in the opposite direction so they nest nicely. This helps the seams lock together and keeps your block looking crisp.

In the end, it’s all about personal preference. Lately, I find myself pressing seams open more often, but it really depends on the project. Whether you press to the dark side or press them open, the most important thing is that you enjoy the process and your results.

Happy sewing!