In Brief
The Acorn Easy Press system is a practical, professional-grade approach to precision piecing, designed to give you flatter seams, better-matched points, and a more polished finish. The range includes a fabric treatment spray, a precision seam pen, and seam-align glue that replaces pins entirely. Used together, they tackle the most common causes of inaccurate piecing. This guide walks through every product in the range and how to use them as a complete workflow.
The Acorn Easy Press system is a practical toolkit designed to solve the most common accuracy problems in quilting: fabric that shifts, seams that won't lie flat, and points that never quite match. Created by acclaimed quilter Shelley Scott-Tobisch and sewing machine expert Bernie Tobisch, the range is built around three simple ideas: treat your fabric before you cut and sew, hold your pieces together without pins, and press every seam perfectly flat. Whether you're piecing your first quilt or working on complex blocks, the system is straightforward to learn and makes a noticeable difference from the very first use.
What Is the Acorn Easy Press System?
The Acorn Easy Press system is built around two core ideas: treating your fabric before you cut and sew, and holding your pieces together accurately without pins. The result is flatter seams, better-matched points, and a more professional finish, whether you're a beginner working on your first quilt or an experienced quilter tackling complex blocks.
Step 1: Treat Your Fabric with Easy Press Fabric Treatment
The foundation of the system is the Acorn Easy Press Fabric Treatment. This proprietary formula is applied to your fabric before cutting and sewing. It restores fabric fibres back to their true size, improve s cutting and piecing accuracy, adds body, inhibits fraying, and even provides stain resistance. Unlike starch, it won't flake or build up on your iron.
For the easiest application, use it with the Acorn Easy Precision Pressing Combi Pack, which pairs a 16oz bottle of Fabric Treatment with a fine misting bottle for even, effortless coverage across your fabric.
If you'd prefer a hands-free, fatigue-free option, the Acorn Easy E-Sprayer is a rechargeable electric sprayer that holds 16oz of Fabric Treatment and delivers a consistent mist at the touch of a button. It's particularly useful for quilters with arthritis or reduced hand strength, and it can also be filled with water for blocking crochet and knits.
Step 2: Press Seams Flat with the Easy Press Pen
Once your block is sewn, the Acorn Easy Press Precision Pen is used to apply Fabric Treatment directly to the high side of an open seam. Press again with your iron and the seam lies perfectly flat, every time. The pen gives you controlled, targeted application exactly where you need it, without soaking the surrounding fabric.
The pen uses replaceable nibs: the Acorn Easy Press Precision Pen Replacement Nibs are highly absorbent and glide gently across fabric without causing friction, so your fabric stays undamaged and your seams stay precise.
Step 3: Replace Pins with Seam Align Glue
Pins can cause fabric to shift, especially when working with multiple layers or bias edges. The Acorn Seam Align Glue replaces pins entirely, holding your pieces together more securely with no slipping.
The Acorn Easy Press Precision Seam Align Glue is water-soluble, non-toxic, and sets quickly with an iron. It's particularly effective for matching plaids and stripes, where accuracy is everything. Apply a fine line along the seam allowance, press the pieces together, and sew as normal.
For those who find repetitive squeezing difficult, the Acorn Seam Align Gentle Hold Fabric Glue PRO Applicator offers the same trusted formula in an ergonomic, easy-squeeze bottle with a surgical-grade stainless steel precision tip. It's designed for controlled, accurate placement and is ideal for quilters with arthritis or reduced hand strength.
Watch the Acorn glues in action in this short video guide from Quilt Direct:
Acorn Glue Demonstration - How to get perfect seams?
Starter Sets and Bundles
Not sure where to begin? The Acorn range includes two excellent starter options that bring the key products together at a great price.
The Acorn Easy Precision Piecing Starter Set includes the Seam Align Glue, Easy Press Solution, and Easy Press Pen, giving you everything you need to start pressing and gluing your way to flatter seams straight away.
The Acorn Easy Press Pen Essentials pairs the Easy Press Pen with a 2oz bottle of Easy Press Fabric Treatment and replacement nibs, making it a compact and complete kit for seam pressing. If you'd like to add the Seam Align Glue as well, the Acorn Easy Press Pen Essentials + Glue bundles everything together.
How to Use the Acorn System: A Quick Workflow
- Spray or mist your fabric with Easy Press Fabric Treatment before cutting. Allow to dry or press dry with your iron.
- Cut your pieces as normal. You'll notice improved accuracy and reduced fraying immediately.
- Apply a fine line of Seam Align Glue along the seam allowance of one piece. Press the two pieces together and allow to set briefly before sewing.
- Sew your seam as normal. The glue is completely safe for use with your sewing machine.
- Press the sewn seam open. Use the Easy Press Pen to apply Fabric Treatment to the high side of the seam, then press again for a perfectly flat result.
Shop the Full Acorn Range at Quilt Direct
All Acorn Easy Press products are available at Quilt Direct with fast UK delivery. Whether you're starting with a single bottle of Fabric Treatment or building out the full system, the Acorn range is one of the most practical investments you can make in the accuracy and finish of your quilting.
Acorn Precision Piecing Products | Quilting & Sewing Supplies | Quilt Direct