I've recently begun quilting, first quilt was yellow brick road which I hated after using too many fabrics. Now, I have begun "making up" my own designs as I go because I either get bored or just can't figure out what a pattern is telling me to do. The other problem I have is making my seams stay at 1/4 - no matter how I try, something gets messed up along the way. Am attaching a couple of my projects so all of you can give me advice.

Your quilts are beautiful. Does the 2nd one have embroidery blocks? You can purchase a 1/4 foot for your machine and sew kinda slow. My blocks are not always the right size either.

A 1/4 foot can be a life saver to get a good seam allowance. I would sugget getting one.

Your quilts are lovely. That chicken quilt is just to cute for words. What fun. I have the same problem following patterns, so have to take my time really figuring them out.

Nice Quilts! Welcome from Michigan.:)

You don't need help from us...you're doing fine on your own. Many quilters buy patterns and kits and it works for them. I like to take a pattern or an idea and put my own spin on it. I've never bought a kit because they don't usually have the fabric in colors I like and following a pattern to the letter, well that never happens for me...I usually have to change the size or placement.

My advice to you is to go your own way. Your quilts already are pointing you in that direction. Even the 1/4 inch seam isn't a "must have" as long as you take your wider seam into consideration when you're planning your quilt. And, the longer you quilt, the better and more accurate you get.

I consider patterns merely a suggestion. I think your quilts are outstanding, I have quit agonizing over 100% perfection and do the very best I can. I my opinion perfection is only important if you are having your quilt "Judged" in a show. Relax and enjoy the process:)

Welcome!

With work like that, I feel so inadequate .... you could teach many of us many things, no doubt!

When you get your 1/4" foot, you'll have that issue resolved!

It's beautiful

This is very pretty. A 1/4 foot would help and you can also mark your machine with that measurement. Are you squaring up your blocks? The center yellow seems to be a little off to one side. If you are squaring your blocks to one size make sure you measure from the center out on all four sides so that its all centered.

Beautiful quilts!
Welcome from Minnesota!
Happy quilting!

Hello and welcome from northern California! Your quilts are lovely.

Welcome from Central California!

A little tip for sewing 1/4 in. seams: Keep your eye on the guide, not on the needle. The needle comes down at the same place all the time, it's the edge of the fabric that needs your attention. This is more difficult than it sounds, it is natural to watch the needle. When my seams are off, it's,oh, oh, I've been watching the needle again. Hope this helps.

You're right on that. I have to really concentrate on my 1/4" foot when i'm sewing and not let my eyes wander to the needle.

Slow down when piecing and when you cut at each step, square up you blocks to the correct size. It is tedious I know but leads to great accuracy, and makes it easier to match points. I have those square rulers in different sizes making it easy for me to square up my blocks. Did my irish chain this way and points matched so much better this method.

Welcome to the board from Southern California!

Hello and welcome from Indiana! Your quilts are lovely!

Thanks for all the good suggestions. Now I need to figure out what color to bind the quilt - or if I should use a plain or pattern. Yikes - indecision, indecision.

Welcome from North Carolina!

Hello and Welcome to the board :D:D:D
Practice :wink: sew slow too :D

Hello, and welcome from Michigan!

Who says you have to follow a pattern. Just use them as idea generators. I prefer coming up with stuff on my own. I have made several quilts and not one came from a pattern.

wow-- welcome from se TX

Hi, and welcome, from Centra Texas.

Remember that a huge part of quilting is being creative, which you've already got down pat. Keep up the good work!

Those quilts look gorgeous to me! One trick I learned for getting that "scant" 1/4" was to use a stack of maybe 8-10 small post-it notes, placed on the machine right where you lay your fabric. Set it up and check it to make sure it sews that scant 1/4", then just use that to line up all your fabric as you sew. Hope I explained it well enough that you "got it!"

Pretty quilts. Welcome from NE Ohio.

Your quilts are beautiful. You are doing great. As for your seam allowance problem .
When I first started sewing in 1984 I didn't have a 1/4 inch sewing foot for my machine so I improvised. I took a stack of post it notes and lined them up 1/4 inch from my needle. It was easier for me to line my fabric up with because it gave me a bigger area to see. Or you can measure out and put a piece of painters tape where you need to line up the fabric so it can help you. Just my opinion.
Quilty Hugs,
Ann W. in Indiana

Hello and welcome from Michigan!! You will love this board! I agree with the advice of getting a 1/4 inch foot for your machine!

You look like you are doing a great job. Keeping your eye on the quarter inch seam instead of the needle is the best way. When I teach 4-h kids that is the way I explain it to them. Aneokle

I measured 1/4 inch from the needle to a spot on my machine and taped a thick piece of cardboard so my seams are all 1/4 inch. Hope I said this right and you understand
I am from Northern California

Hi and welcome from Victoria, Australia.

Welcome from Ireland

Hi from Ms.

Welcome from Adrian, MI

Welcome from MA. Looks like you aren't doing too badly following patterns. Did you post a chicken quilt? I didn't see one, but I might have missed it. I found that the 1/4" pressure foot with the guide edge works best for me. Other than practice, practice, practice, I don't have anything to recommend, as I still occasionally have my blocks be slightly off. That's why I always square them up to one size before putting them together, makes it a lot easier that way.

Your quilt looks good to me. Doesn't appear you need any help.

Your quilt is beautiful. Just slow down a little and maybe take a class. Sometimes just learning terminology can help sooooo much.

Your work is very nice. Keep at it and you will eventually master the 1/4" thing. I have to use a stiletto toward the end of my seams to keep them from going wonky. The feed dogs want to grab and travel if I am not careful. The quilting on your quilt is great!!!

Hi from Texas! The quilts are lovely...I can't see anything wrong with them!!

I use the 1/4 in. foot that has a center blade in it so I can run the fabric right up against it and be sure I get that 1/4 in I am looking for. I have a Pfaff machine but I am sure the other machine companies have them as well. Jan