Thread: Achieving an Accurate 1/4" Seam Allowance

great tute

Originally Posted by AndiR

Someone was having trouble today with her blocks not being the correct size. I'm posting this tutorial to help anyone who is not sure how to tell if they are sewing accurate 1/4 inch seams. If this is hard to read, I have a version here:

http://www.andicraftsquilting.com/ac...-inch-seam.htm

Thanks AndiR I will make a copy for my daughter as well as mine

I am tying my first block quilt made from leftover polyester squares and you would laugh at the variety of 1/4 inch seams.The ties help a lot in covering the mismatched seams. Just a learning experience. The quilt is for our local cancer center and they will not mind I am sure. Thanks for the tute, my machine is now marked.

Thank you so much! :lol:

Thank you!!

Great tutorial! Thanks for taking the time for putting this together, especially for a newbie like me.

Doing the sample with the three strips takes - what? - maybe ten minutes at the most.

It is so worth the time it takes. EVERY TIME one changes rulers, sewing machines, rotary cutters, thread, or pressing technique.

These are all places where one can get tiny differences - and the cumulative effect can be quite noticeable.

Thanks for the tutorial. I am having a hard time figuring my 1/4 inch on my new sewing machine. I have a 1/4 inch foot but I don't really like it. I have tried tape but it is still off. I will try using the graph paper. Thanks again.

Oh, I get it now. Thanks.

Originally Posted by AndiR

Actually it's a good question, Mary. If you have the ability to move the needle so that the fabric will cover both feed dogs, I would do it that way. I think the fabric will feed in more evenly and you'll get a straighter seam. I have to move the needle when I'm using my walking foot and I want a 1/4"

Just wish I could still use the single needle hold plate if I moved the needle enough to cover right feed dogs. Given the choice of one or the another, what would be best to do: use larger needle plate and cover right feed docs, or just use single needle plate and move needle a click or two (max allowed with plate)?

Thanks in advance!