Now that is a very strange question isn’t it!
I have been asking a series of sewing and quilting questions. This is the fifth question in the series.
What is a lifter and what is a glider you might ask? Well, a lifter is someone that lifts their iron up from the fabric before moving onto another area. A glider continuously moves the iron across the fabric without lifting.
When pressing fabric or seams for a quilt it is better to lift rather than glide the iron. Gliding the iron can lead to distorted or stretched fabrics, seams and blocks. I am a lifter. 🙂
Time to register your habit. Are you are a glider or a lifter?
Thank you for your participation!
Thank you for the advice! I am going to try to be a “lifter” when it comes to pressing seams!
Thank you! Much success! 🙂
I used to be a smasher…but I have improved and become a lifter.
I like your terminology! Way to go for evolving your technique. I bet you like how your fabric looks because if the change. 🙂
I tend to be heavy handed and heavy footed when it comes to my sewing. I also tend to rush. My goals for 2018: Slow down and Lighten-up!
Oh good goal! You can do this!!!!! 🙂
I use the B&D Advantage, and I love it. Most of the irons in my life have been B&D, and some have lasted two decades and some only half, but always more than the others I tried, including Rowenta. The current one is two years old and it’s going strong. I lift for some things, glide for others. What can I say? I rarely do one thing ALL the time in any area. =)
Once you find something that you like you should stick with it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We all have our own way of fitting into the guidelines of the quilt police. 🙂
I learned really fast to be a lifter when I started quilting. Ruined many a block in my first quilt by gliding:(
AJ I can totally relate. Been there done that! Thanks for your input. Glad you learned how. 🙂
Yup I learned quick so I didn’t mess up my second quilt!
Way to go!
Hi Cindy,
Interesting question! I have always been a glider until this stupid iron. One of those fancy, expensive yellow ones that I fell for because Pat Sloan and Jenny Doan were using it. The first iron turned itself on whenever it wanted, in the OFF position. $40 in shipping later to return it, the second one’s front lifter/foot catches on every.single.piece.of.fabric UNLESS I lift it. So, I am now a reluctant lifter. Stupid iron. It makes it very difficult to participate in my own press-the-seams-open-or-to-the-side challenge, as I get my fingers steamed to death holding the fabric down while lifting to press open. HAHA Aren’t you glad you asked?! The short answer is reluctant lifter who wants to go back to being a glider. ~smile~ Roseanne
Roseanne, Oh My Goodness! I am so sorry! I bet you can’t wait to replace it. Ever since I asked you about your iron I have found a new love for my cheapo B& D iron. Maybe santie will bring u a new one. ;(
YAY to the cheapo B&D iron. That is what I had . . . and will have again. Sooner than later, and maybe from Santa. 😉 ~smile~ Roseanne
Awesome! Well you saved me from my own disaster! Thank you! 🙂
I am a little of both. I lift and press seams from the back and glide when I iron the front side of the completed block.
Sounds similar to what I do. Thanks for sharing! 🙂