I have 4 Different patterns and just plan on making squares for my first quilt.
1. washed
2. folded in half and pined one edge
3. ironed towards the seam
4. pinned going from seam to edge
5. started cutting

This went well for the first three patterns then came the fourth. Its like the fabaric has stretched in the middle big bubble and no matter what I do it does what to lay flat.

I wonder if you ironed, instead of just pressing, try spraying your fabric with a little water and press it dry.
Marg

That's one good possiblity, Marg.

speops, I'm assuming this is your yardage you're talking about? If so:

Wash and dry until almost dry. Lay out on ironing board and THIS IS THE ONLY TIME you iron - iron along the selvedge (the tightly woven outer edges) in that direction. Now fold in half (hold the fabric by both selvedges so the fold hangs down; you should be able to see if it lays flat, if not, move one selvedge edge until it hangs flat. You do not need to pin! Now, if your fabric lies flat (you may have uneven cut edges, don't worry about that), fold it in half again so the fold is on the selvedges (you have 4 layers), take your long ruler, line it up with one of the lines on the ruler eg the 1" line, on the fold close to you. Now you can cut with the rotary cutter. This gives you a straight edge, and it should be almost on the straight of grain. Now that you have a straight edge, you can start cutting your pieces.

As for pressing, that is a straight up and down movement, no ironing which stretches the fabric. Every piece you cut and sew together, you need to press the seam first to set it, then carefully press it open with the tip of your iron. You can move the iron with a light hand and things won't stretch. And since you are doing a straight square for your first quilt, this is a good way to practice.

If you like, I can look for a pictorial tutorial for you.

Gerda

Here's one (just ignore what she says about tearing a strip - the vast majority of quilters DO NOT do that, due to possible distortion, but it's a personal feeling) http://cheekymama2005.blogspot.com/2006/01/quilt-lesson-1.html

I'll keep looking.

If these ladies can't help you no one can!

Ok, well now I think you are both correct...depends on how much work you want to do etc... When I don't have someone else to help me stretch the fabric diagnaly (sp?) I stand on it and pull...it's worked so far!

Gerda, you said to open the seams with the tip of the iron? I was told to press them to one side. Of course I've done it both ways depending on the bulk of the fabric in a corner of at a joining of several pieces. Just wondered about that.

Ya'll have a great day.
KimUK

Gerda - Really great instructions for pressing, folding your fabric, truing the edge, and beginning the cutting process.

speops37 - No need to pin the fabric in place. I'm thinking that's what really is causing the fabric to distort. You may find after a few cuts that you have to true the edge once again, and then continue on with your cutting.

Good luck! Happy stitching!