Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Seam allowance >

Seam allowance

Seam allowance

Old 04-07-2011, 08:41 PM
  #11  
Super Member
 
SherriB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Quilting somewhere......
Posts: 2,591
Default

I had the same problem when I first started quilting. I had to unlearn the automatic 5/8 seam allowance that I learned many years ago. Get a 1/4 inch foot with the metal guiide on the side. It has helped me match up my seams more than anything.
SherriB is offline  
Old 04-07-2011, 10:26 PM
  #12  
Super Member
 
jemma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: adelaide /australia
Posts: 1,390
Default

you will not be the only one who didnt know 1/4 inch was the universal seam allowance for quilts but even knowing a 1/4 inch seam is crucial dosn't make sewing them easy--recently after quilting for 10+years i invested in a 1/4 inch foot -- bliss--there is some kind over addictive thrill when seams meet perfectly---also once you know the rule and why you can with adjustments break it
jemma is offline  
Old 04-07-2011, 10:33 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Dayton, OH
Posts: 661
Default

There are tutorials available about how to get an accurate sewn 1/4 inch seam both here and on the web. There may also be a video on the subject at You Tube as well as some quilt shops online may have some instructions.

If after reading through some of the tutorials you still have questions please post them so we can help with the learning curve of the scant 1/4 inch and any other issues.

Glad to have you here and quilting with us.

Pam M
milp04 is offline  
Old 04-07-2011, 10:37 PM
  #14  
Super Member
 
EasyPeezy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 3,448
Default

Here's a good tutorial on how to achieve a perfect 1/4" seam allowance.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-89997-1.htm
EasyPeezy is offline  
Old 04-07-2011, 10:56 PM
  #15  
Super Member
 
gale's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North-Central Indiana
Posts: 4,909
Default

It's hard to switch your mind like that. I sewed clothes for years and was so used to the 5/8". Then I got some kwik sew and stretch & sew patterns and they were 1/4". That took some getting used to. By the time I started quilting I was used to a full 1/4" so now I have to figure out the scant 1/4" every time.
gale is offline  
Old 04-07-2011, 11:57 PM
  #16  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 10,357
Default

I actually bought the plastic thingo and it's been very handy! The only time you break the quarter inch rule is generally when sewing denim/corduroy/ragging. Took me a time to get it, but once you do, everything will fall into place (literally!).
earthwalker is offline  
Old 04-08-2011, 04:20 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: St Louis
Posts: 315
Default

Originally Posted by earthwalker
I actually bought the plastic thingo and it's been very handy! The only time you break the quarter inch rule is generally when sewing denim/corduroy/ragging. Took me a time to get it, but once you do, everything will fall into place (literally!).
So, the plastic thingo works? It looks like you mark your edges and then sew on a line.
Hope2quilt is offline  
Old 04-08-2011, 04:22 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: St Louis
Posts: 315
Default

Originally Posted by sueisallaboutquilts
If you've ever sewn clothing it's a little hard in the beginning of a quilt journey to remember the 1/4 seams!
That's what MY problem was :)
Yes, I have made clothes all my life. The 1/4 inch seam allowance was not covered in anything I read.
Hope2quilt is offline  
Old 04-08-2011, 04:23 AM
  #19  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: St Louis
Posts: 315
Default

Originally Posted by GwynR
Originally Posted by sueisallaboutquilts
If you've ever sewn clothing it's a little hard in the beginning of a quilt journey to remember the 1/4 seams!
That's what MY problem was :)
Been there done that, also tried the 1/4 inch on some clothes once....
I bet that did not work well for the clothes. I am so glad I was not the only one to do this on a quilt.
Hope2quilt is offline  
Old 04-08-2011, 04:25 AM
  #20  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: St Louis
Posts: 315
Default

Originally Posted by SherriB
I had the same problem when I first started quilting. I had to unlearn the automatic 5/8 seam allowance that I learned many years ago. Get a 1/4 inch foot with the metal guiide on the side. It has helped me match up my seams more than anything.
I am going to see if I have a foot in my kit with my Janome or if I can buy one. I love the gadgets as long as they work!
Hope2quilt is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Links and Resources
5
10-01-2011 07:09 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
6
10-01-2011 07:03 PM
BlueChicken
Main
13
02-07-2009 08:34 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter