Finally found a way to master 1/4" seam
 

I have been trying to master the illusive 1/4" seam ever since I've started quilting. I used a 1/4" foot and was so careful to have the fabric running right up to the little guide. But still my blocks came out too small every time!

Well, I bought two items, and used them, and NOW I am able to piece with a scant 1/4". It turns out that my 1/4" foot was NOT a true 1/4"...it was too wide.

So just thought I'd share what I purchased that made it possible to achieve this. It is a little ruler that you drop your needle into the hole and it measures the scant 1/4"...no guessing. Then you use the seam guides to stick down on your machine to guide the fabric against. Works like a charm.

Hope this helps someone.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's what I use too. It makes a world of difference.

I found this ruler at Walmart. It takes all the guess work out of finding the 1/4 inch seam allowance. I recommend it to all new quilters.

Yes, I purchased this ruler when I first started quilting.

You might find these adhesive guides better:
http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Quilting...dp/B0085L2Y2I/

Thank you!!!!! I've had this trouble forever!!! I thought it was me. I can't wait to get these items - maybe then my blocks will be appropriate and the size they are suppose to be :)

I have bought two of those. The sticky strips doesn't stay sticky enough to stay on very long. My Juki has a compensating foot. May not be a scant quarter inch but I love it and a consistent seam is close enough for most all of my quilts.

The 1/4" foot with guide I bought was too large as well. I took it back. Fortunately my machine has a needle position with the regular foot that measures a beautiful 'scant' 1/4". As long as I keep the fabric just at the edge of the foot, it's perfect. Now my guiding skills, well, that's a different story.

thread makes a difference
 

Saw a forum on a Superior website this week which said the size of your thread makes a noticeable difference in your blocks also, never thought of that. If you use a larger thread size and press to the side as I do, often it will result in smaller blocks than intended. They recommended using a higher number thread (higher #'s are smaller) or a poly if smaller blocks are a problem & you've checked your 1/4 " seams.

As edge guide I use mole skin..from Walgreens..it is a sticky backed flexible small sheet sold in the foot care section....I cut a strip, set it as a guide..and when it wears down or begins to peel away I make a new strip....inexpensive but it works