Welcome from Missouri. I always "try" to use a scant 1/4" seam unless I forget to move my needle 1 click. Then I use regular 1/4" seam. The most important thing is not to change you seam allowances unless specified in your pattern.

Hello Babies7, welcome from Nevada, so glad you asked your questions as I've also been curious. Andi you gave a great answer, now it makes sense to me where before it didn't. :)

To me "scant" means skimpy. Do you "skimp" on how the rest of your quilt looks? Sorry but I can't find any redeeming grace in a "scant quarter inch". I guess from now on I willl be in deep doo doo for my renegade ways.

If you use a a "scant" seam, your width will vary according to the day, the fabric, etc. If you have 3 seams that go into one piece (like a maple leaf, or whatever), they won't fit. All patterns are calculated that we will be accurate. Get in the habit.

Welcome from WV. I use a machine that has a 1/4 inch guide. If you have other machines or others who are sewing on the same quilt, I always have them double check their 1/4 inch to make sure that all are the same. I try to have them check the 1/4 inch each time they start to sew, just to get in the habit of realizing the importance. Hope this did not confuse you. Always be consistant!! Happy Quilting. :-D

Welcome from Colorado. I do not use that size, but 5/8ths like for regualr sewing seams. Works great for me.

welcome from mo i use scant

I agree with AndiR, the more seams, the more exact you want to be, so to be safe, I like to use a scan 1/4" if it's a block that has many pieces to it. But for the most part, I use a 1/4 inch. Be sure to watch out for those pesky 1/4" feet that are a smidgen wider than a 1/4".
The best way I know of to measure is to use the lines on an index card or 1/4" graph paper. Put your needle down on the line, the line to the right of it will be 1/4" away, and hopefully the edge of your 1/4" foot will line up with that.

Hello and welcome from Minnesota.
I use a scant 1/4"...or try to!!!