I have written a newspaper column about scant 1/4 inch seams, but its content was not flattering to the person who thought up this complication. In the first place, no one can define the term. In the second, even if someone invented a foot that guided a scant 1/4 inch seam, it wouldn't be long before someone thought the seam should be one thread wider or one thread narrower. Since different fabrics tend to have threads that are thicker or thinner as the case may be, the people who are concerned about this matter are chasing mirages. Freddie's first sentence is a winner/keeper and the rest of her explanation is the same. Don't make what should be relatively simple--sewing a 1/4 inch seam using a guide of some kind on your sewing machine--turn into a bloomin' nightmare. froggyintexas
Originally Posted by
Freddie
The 1/4 or scant 1/4 is not that important. Every machine and every person sews differently. When do sew the block, check the size of each component of that block after you stitch. Is it coming out the size they want it to be? example: If you stitch tree strips together and each one is cut 2 1/2 inches wide, check the center strip. Is it really 2 inches wide now? If it is larger, you need to increase the width of your seam allowance. If the center strip is smaller, you will have to narrow your seam allowance. The outside strips should measure 2 1/4 inch each. Then you could cut the three strip piece in 6 1/2 inch pieces, for a block to finish 6 inch. Hope you know what I am trying to say. It is easier to show someone. Good luck!