Thread: why do people do this??

It seems as if the quilters that post come from two poles: 1. I do whatever is necessary to have a precision block with a scant 1/4 seam and 2. My blocks are about the correct size with 1/4 seam, if small I can probably iron or stretch it that scant bit needed, whatever, I'll be happy. Do we need to identify which one we are when we trade blocks? A #1 might not be so happy to receive blocks from a #2. LOL And the #2 doesn't have to be a beginner, only have a different philosophy about quilting.

Originally Posted by TanyaL

It seems as if the quilters that post come from two poles: 1. I do whatever is necessary to have a precision block with a scant 1/4 seam and 2. My blocks are about the correct size with 1/4 seam, if small I can probably iron or stretch it that scant bit needed, whatever, I'll be happy. Do we need to identify which one we are when we trade blocks? A #1 might not be so happy to receive blocks from a #2. LOL And the #2 doesn't have to be a beginner, only have a different philosophy about quilting.

You have summed up exactly why many quilters no longer trade blocks!

Depending on what fabric is used, sometimes a scant 1/4" must be used to maintain the block size. Thimbleberries fabrics were always printed on heavy greige back and in order to make the block come out to size a scant seam had to be used. The fabrics are now being printed on a lighter greige and I find I do not have to use that scant 1/4" anymore. If a pattern calls for scant 1/4" seams I just add the yellow inside line on the ruler, instead of cutting on the middle line. This gives me the ability to use the 1/4" seam with out adjusting anything. I also do this if I am using a good quality heavier fabric and haven't had the problem since.

Honestly, in many, many patterns, using 1/4 inch is just fine. Certain patterns won't come together right if you don't use a scant because it allows for the small area taken up by the thread to make a seam. Lemoyne star is one of the few that I've done where it did make a difference using scant verses not. As you get more practice in quilting, just like you can analyze and figure out a quilt without a pattern, you will learn to analyze what quilts need scant vs. lining it up with the edge. Consistency is more important for most patterns, not whether you used 1/4 inch or scant 1/4 inch.

Tanya, for most trades I've been on (several boards), your block has to be within 1/4 inch of the exact size request. People measure differently, sew differently - heck, they CUT with a rotary cutter differently!

The powers who many quilters give power over them is flexing their muscles again. For years its been use only 1/4 inch seam allowance. People got bored and declared you should now use a scant 1/4 seam allowance. God gave you freedom of choice, don't let humans take that away from you on something as personal as quilting. I'm thinking, except for precut kits, you can adjust a seam allowance as you see fit.