First press the seam to smooth it out (press, don't iron). I never use steam while piecing a block. Steam makes the pressing more permanent and I may want to switch the direction of seam as I progress through the project.
While the piece is still warm, gently finger press it open (pressing the seam towards the red). Don't drag your finger nail across it or pull it, this can really mess with any bias edges.
Finally press the front of the unit. NEVER run the edge of the iron against the ridge along the seam. Doing this will cause what I call alligator teeth. You don't want to be able to see the thread.
Lay it back down in it's proper place, wrong side up.
BAD PRESSING
I made up this piece to demonstrate some bad pressing. Normally I would not use black thread to piece light colored fabrics but wanted to show that with good pressing, thread color isn't an issue.
I ironed this piece aggressively and ran the edge of the iron along the seam.
And this is what happens, threads showing and alligator teeth.
Gentle pressing and you can't even tell I used black thread.
BACK TO SEWING.....AGAIN
Go ahead and sew together pieces 3 to 4, 5 to 6 and 7 to 8. When done, lay them back into position.
Crispy
