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!
Last edited by IAmCatOwned; 03-16-2012 at 08:14 AM.