Hi, I am a hand quilter and the main reason for the 1/4 inch between the seam and the quilting line is because of the extra material you would have to sew through. Believe me just that extra two layers makes a lot of difference when you are quilting. most of the time I can see or feel the 1/4 inch of seam material and that is an excellent way to judge your 1/4 inch quilting line altho that won't work on the other side of the seam, you have to use something to measure that. good luck, glad there are other hand quilters out there.