Pressing Blocks

by Barb Frost

Is there a special way to press blocks? I was told to get help or I would stretch them? I am confused.

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ANSWER

If you press your blocks correctly, your fabric won't stretch out of shape. Notice I said "press" and not "iron." There's a big difference.

In ironing, we move the iron back and forth over our fabric. This motion creates friction and causes our fabric to stretch.

In pressing, we lower the iron onto the fabric and hold it in one place. We let the weight of the iron do the work. Since we're not moving the iron, we're not stretching the fabric. Thus, our blocks keep their shape.

For more information, please read my "Pressing your Fabric" chapter. It includes photos for all you visual learners.

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