Originally Posted by
EasyPeezy
I use the 3 strip test as explained by cwessel47 using the same fabric and thread as in my project.
If you use different fabric and/or thread you might have different results.
I agree with EasyPeezy. Unfortunately you can figure out where that magic 1/4 is using the method mentioned, but that will work for the fabric and thread weight you used in the sample. Change your fabric and/or thread weights and you need to run another sample to figure out where the seam should be for that combo. If you make quilts with the same block for the entire quilt this will be much less of an issue, because your blocks should all be close to the same size. For a quilt with several different blocks, however, you need to know how to find the proper seam allowance so everything fits.
Fighting with blocks to get them to fit takes all the fun out of it for me. I'd rather spend 5 minutes at the beginning of a project to figure out where the heck my seam should be and avoid the hassle later on.
regarding the 'veering' issue. If you use a leader scrap of fabric and/or chain piece, I find it's easier to keep my stiches from veering off at the start. Unfortunately, when I chain piece I find I veer a bit at the end of the seam. I think I'm paying more attention grabbing the next pair of patches to sew then completing the ones I'm working on! I try and be a bit more patient, and i've also found that using a stiletto to guide the last stitches thru helps me.