Originally Posted by
nantucketsue
Precisely! However, I do think sometimes the the fabric and thread used affects the finished size. Better still would be an adjustable foot so that the "edge" could be moved to the left of the 1/4" mark giving even an 1/8" seam allowance if required. Wouldn't that be brilliant. Not all machines allow the needle to be moved to the right, mine doesn't.
There is an adjustable edge stitch foot. I have one for my Janome and my BabyLock. You can adjust the guide to the required distance from the needle. I have better luck with the scant 1/4" with that foot. If I am making a quilt for myself or for charity, I use the 1/4" foot. As long as all the seams are the same, it doesn't matter. If I am making blocks for a block exchange, I use the adjustable edge stitch foot so that I have a consistent scant 1/4". Life is too short to stress over seam allowances.
Norma