Forgiven

Do you always sew a 1/4" seam allowance, and only a SCANT 1/4" when the pattern calls for it? I'm always confused about this. Perhaps it doesn't matter as long as I'm consistent. TIA

Tartan

I usually just use my 1/4 inch foot since it is an accurate 1/4 inch. If I am participating in a block exchange I use a scant 1/4 so my block ends up at 12-1/2 inches.

Onebyone

It depends on the type of the thread I'm using. Usually I sew with 50 wt 2 ply on top and 60 or 70 wt in the bobbin. I sew a regular 1/4" seam. If I'm using 50 wt 3 ply in both top and bobbin I use a scant 1/4" seam.

PaperPrincess

If the pattern is very detailed, then it can make a difference. We keep talking about seams, but you don't measure the seam, you measure the resultant patch:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ce-t89997.html
The pattern may say 'scant' or not, but they always want you to sew with a seam that will give you the correct size block. Just being consistent will only work with blocks that you recut, or simple patterns where all the blocks are the same size and shape.
And it is a moving target. If you change thread weight or fabric thickness, you need to re check and possibly move your needle position.

Jingle

I just sew with a 1/4" foot, consistency is more important. Border sizes can make the quilt as large as it needs to be.
Life is too short to worry about a scant seam.

Sewnoma

The more pieces in the quilt, the more accurate you're going to need to be. If you're doing a simple quilt made out of evenly sized squares you can get away with almost any seam allowance as long as you're consistent. But if one row has 12 blocks and the next row has 24 blocks half the size, you're going to run into trouble if you're using a too-small or too-large seam allowance because that little overage or underage is doubled on the second row.

I almost always make my own patterns and I tend to keep them fairly simple, so I don't normally get involved in scant seams. When doing half-square triangles I make them oversize and trim down to avoid odd measurements. I kind of need to anyway, for some reason mine always turn out a little wonky, no matter what technique I try!

lyndaj

I SO agree!

ManiacQuilter2

I agree. Consistency is the most important thing a quilter needs to learn. I started quilting in the 80s and never have had a pattern requiring a scant 1/4" except for when you are making miniature quilts.

Doggramma

I agree with MANIACQUILTER2. I tend to make more generous 1/4 inch seams, and things match up and points aren't cut off because I'm consistently big.

EasyPeezy

Totally agree with PaperPrincess. Take the time to check that 1/4" seam and avoid
a lot of grievance.