Submitted by Liz M.
One of the basics of quilting is the 1/4” seam allowance. After many years of sewing and quilting, I still struggle with achieving this. The smaller the block, the more important the correct seam allowance becomes. The more pieces in a block, the more difference a slightly larger (or smaller) seam makes. Many things factor into a quilter’s success: the thread, the fabric, correct cutting and ironing.
Here is a link to a blog post that discusses The Mystery of the 1/4” Seam. It explains clearly the scant 1/4” and how to adjust your stitching to make it happen. Lo and Behold Stitchery Blog Article
What are your tips and tricks for sewing a consistent 1/4” seam? Do you move your needle a click or two off-center? Do you use a guide on the right side of the presser foot? Leave your suggestions or questions in the comments!
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There is a comment in the article from Rebecca Grace that discusses the importance of cutting accurately. I have used her tips and been more successful in my small blocks!
This was the clearest explanation I have ever seen of the difference a seam allowance makes. With my Featherweight, I use a tiny raised guide to line up the fabric. But I now understand why my best efforts sometimes result in blocks of different sizes! On the other hand, perfection is not what I’m seeking. But I do appreciate the explanation.
I use a guide with my featherweight too! I also measure from the needle to the guide each time and then check the seam allowance. Easy to adjust and then sew away!
I had to wonder if you somehow had a “spy cam” in my quilting area. As I am working on the third time getting my ombré piece fairly accurate, I realized that with 400 small pieces requires more precision than usual!
Lol! Looking forward to scour ombré quilt!
“Seeing”
Liz, Concise, clear article about the importance of the ‘scant 1/4’ inch seam. Thank you! I have found that my newer machine with the option of moving the needle over a thread’s width make it easy to find the scant 1/4 inch seam. But when I use my more portable, older machines, it becomes a challenge. I love to take my Featherweight to Retreats and I love to sew with it but have found getting that scant 1/4 inch is harder. I generally follow a practice of piecing an entire top on one machine because I have found the scant 1/4 inch seam can be slightly different from one machine to another. It’s all a challenge even for those of us who have been piecing for years but definitely worth the investment of time and effort to try to meet the scant 1/4 inch goal.
I do the same thing, piece a top on one machine. Just seem to achieve better results. I use my Featherweight when I travel for vacation and plan my projects based on that machine. For retreats, I use my Bernina so I have options for moving my needle or going stitches other than a straight stitch.