Maybe this is one of those 'duh' questions - but if you sew all your seams the same measurement, be it a scant or heavy 1/4 inch, but always the same, how bad will it be?

Depending on the pattern. If you are doing a block that calls for a scant seam and you go heavy, you may loose points and such.

It won't be bad as long as you are consistent. The only issue you may run into is that if you are following a pattern, your end dimensions may not be what the product in the patterns says which could affect borders adn such. As long as you realize this and take it into account, you should be fine!

When I first started quilting I did the size that came out when I put the foot at the edge of the fabric. Then I learned my needle would move to the right so two notches made it a scant 1/4 inch. I didn't loose points just had no idea what size the quilt would be you can adjust borders to make it any size you want.

It would make a difference if you had 1/2 square triangles in there. The points would be cut off or not aligned properly. Also if you were, for example, using a 4 patch combined with a full square, your 4 patch won't be the same size as the square, though that could be easily trimmed.

try to keep with a scant 1/4". also the thickness of the thread will make a difference too..it all adds up ..

I have only seen scant 1/4 inch in any directions for a block. Never seen one that says heavy 1/4 inch. Scant is better I would think.

It is better if you can get used to sewing a consistent scant 1/4".
Trying to adjust plain squares, sashing, borders, etc... to match with your seams could end up being very frustrating :wink:

I think you would have to cut scant or heavy to match what you sew either scant or heavy..........does that make sense?

I have a nifty set of rulers only 1/2 inch wide with the 1/4 inch line down the middle (I think the set is made by Olfa. Just to check my accuracy, I put the needle down on the 1/4 inch line and the edge of the ruler meets with the 1/4 inch mark on my presser foot. Usually my blocks come out as they should that way.