There are lots of shortcuts and ways to "fudge" things in quilting....but keep down lots of problems by finding YOUR way to sew perfect 1/4" seams so you'll have less "fudging" and stretching to do. My machine has two layers of Dr. Scholl's moleskin on it...in the footcare aisle at the grocery or drugstore....basically felt with a sticky back. I put two layers of about 3" x 1/2" strips on the machine----just snuggle the edges of fabric against this raised edge and I get perfect quarter inch seams!