My machine is set for a scant 1/4", just 1 thread width exactly, but what I have to do is when I cut strips or pieces, etc. make sure your ruler line is on the fabric, not just before or the ruler line butted up to it. If you don't lay the ruler on the fabric itself usually it will not be the width it should be. Most generally I have found that if I don't do this I will have about a 12 1/4" block and those points will be right at the edge or an eighth of an inch inside. Just a suggestion some of you may try, I know it makes a big difference for me. Also, I use the same ruler for cutting a block. Sometimes you think they are all the same, but believe me they are not! The width of a black line on them can make a difference when you cut several pieces.