joe'smom

I have a line on my machine ahead of the feed dogs. I sew just inside that line and check how my units are coming out for each particular quilt, and adjust accordingly. I prefer to sew a scant 1/4" and trim a little extra off, rather than have a unit smaller than it should be, which is what happens when I don't sew scant.

bearisgray

I use the three- strip test method to see if my unit is going to be my intended s8ze.

There are more variables than the seam allowance width in getting a block to finish at the intended size.

But to answer the question -

On my singer 237, i just line the edges of the fabric pieces up with the right edge of the all purpose foot (actually , the only one that came with the machine!) And have the needle position at center. Just about perfect!

I will have to do some fiddling now with my other machines because I gave my pfaff 1471 to my granddaughter and that one was two clicks to the right with the regular pressing foot.

quiltedsunshine

I sew the pieces together, press them, then measure the sewn piece to see if I've got my 1/4" seam. Then I know if I'm guiding the fabric at the correct spot.

For me, on my Bernina 590, it's needle position 3 bumps to the right, and feed the fabric just inside the right feed dog. I use my clear #34D foot, so I can see that the edge of the fabric is where I want it.

CanoePam

Years ago I was advised to adjust my machine until I could get a perfect seam by taking three 6”x2.5” strips, sewing them together, then measuring. Repeat until the center piece is exactly 2” wide. The trouble was worth it. On one machine I use a regular zigzag with the needle moved 3 clicks right and the fabric run at the edge of the foot. On another machine I can use a 1/4” foot with a guide. Anytime you have different types and numbers of components in a block, you save yourself an enormous amount of time futzing the bloc, together if your seam width is perfect to start.

mmunchkins

One more way to achieve a perfect 1/4" seam, NEVER switch machines! I made that mistake once.

SusieQOH

This made me LOL!!!

I read an article about the scant quarter inch seam and it made sense while I was reading it but now I've forgotten what I read!

Jingle

I don't have any books that say to sew a scant 1/4". I like a ful 1/4" seam. All I use.

WesternWilson

I use the side of my presser foot as a guide. The important thing about a 1/4" seam is that you just settle on the method that you like best and STICK TO IT!!! As long as your seams are consistent, things will work out. You only get into big trouble when you keep varying the seam width...then things won't go together well at all.

Where you must conform to a standard is in cooperative projects where different folks are making units that must be combined into a finished work. Then you must all agree on a specific seam width...all full 1/4" or all "scant".

Personally I loathe the term "scant 1/4"" as it is not a precise term, and is both confusing to the new quilter and impossible to replicate on a team project.