I really am not dumb but...........
#41
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,369
This is pretty much my position, too, Sewmary. I don't use patterns so I agree it could make a difference in that case. But being consistent seam to seam is what matters most, I think, and what I try to do, whether it's a true 1/4 or scant 1/4.
#42
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 125
I think that the 1/4 inch seam really begins with the cutting.Always try to use the same rulers. One of the tricks that I like to use is to cut my fabric a little on the heavier side.I lay my fabric out[not too many layers]; then place my ruler on the fabric, the cutting line will be all the way to the edge of the fabric.It seems like the scant 1/4 inch is no longer something that I need to worry about. It was already taken care of in the cutting. Then each time that I cut; I'm using the same method over and over. My blocks come out quite nicely. It is my most favorite parts[ cutting and block making] of the quilt making process. Sure hope this also helps.
#43
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: sticks
Posts: 72
Oh Sew mary! I concur! I do what I want. I use a 1/4" foot and let the slips fall where they may. I think "scant" is just obnoxious. Trying to make something wonderful, creative, and restful into something stressful, tedious, and demanding.
Scant , Schmant! Just be as consistent as you can be! It will turn out ok.
I set challenges for myself, like trying a design I never tried or more intricate quilting or a new color combination because I love it, not to make a nuisance for myself. If I start on a quilt that irritates me, I leave it flat and return the pieces to the scrap heap. This is not the Quilting Olympics, but my hobby.
(Climbing down off soapbox now!)
Scant , Schmant! Just be as consistent as you can be! It will turn out ok.
I set challenges for myself, like trying a design I never tried or more intricate quilting or a new color combination because I love it, not to make a nuisance for myself. If I start on a quilt that irritates me, I leave it flat and return the pieces to the scrap heap. This is not the Quilting Olympics, but my hobby.
(Climbing down off soapbox now!)
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: near Peoria Illinois
Posts: 1,638
Bah! Any pattern that mentions a scant 1/4 is banished from my life. Since that measurement can't be defined it is worthless.
I also don't fret if I can't exactly meet the given dimensions of a pattern. For the most part (I said MOST not all) it just doesn't matter.
I can't imagine my grandmother sitting at her treadle worrying if she is sewing a scant 1/4" - or a precise 1/4" either and she produced some amazing quilts!
This is a hobby to be enjoyed, not to get tangled up in stuff that gives people stress.
I also don't fret if I can't exactly meet the given dimensions of a pattern. For the most part (I said MOST not all) it just doesn't matter.
I can't imagine my grandmother sitting at her treadle worrying if she is sewing a scant 1/4" - or a precise 1/4" either and she produced some amazing quilts!
This is a hobby to be enjoyed, not to get tangled up in stuff that gives people stress.
Do your best to be consistant and you will happy with your work regardless of the size of seam. IMHO
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,669
I have written a newspaper column about scant 1/4 inch seams, but its content was not flattering to the person who thought up this complication. In the first place, no one can define the term. In the second, even if someone invented a foot that guided a scant 1/4 inch seam, it wouldn't be long before someone thought the seam should be one thread wider or one thread narrower. Since different fabrics tend to have threads that are thicker or thinner as the case may be, the people who are concerned about this matter are chasing mirages. Freddie's first sentence is a winner/keeper and the rest of her explanation is the same. Don't make what should be relatively simple--sewing a 1/4 inch seam using a guide of some kind on your sewing machine--turn into a bloomin' nightmare. froggyintexas
The 1/4 or scant 1/4 is not that important. Every machine and every person sews differently. When do sew the block, check the size of each component of that block after you stitch. Is it coming out the size they want it to be? example: If you stitch tree strips together and each one is cut 2 1/2 inches wide, check the center strip. Is it really 2 inches wide now? If it is larger, you need to increase the width of your seam allowance. If the center strip is smaller, you will have to narrow your seam allowance. The outside strips should measure 2 1/4 inch each. Then you could cut the three strip piece in 6 1/2 inch pieces, for a block to finish 6 inch. Hope you know what I am trying to say. It is easier to show someone. Good luck!
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 1,389
I have two feet for my Viking that are 1/4 inch with the guide bar. One is a two 1/4 inch with a single needle hole. I can move the needle slightly to get the scant and still miss the foot through the single hole. The other is technically a edge stitching foot . It has the guide on the side , but a wider needle opening so I can move the needle to more positions . By far I use the edge foot more than any other foot I have. The edge foot does have a marking for the 1/4 inch so you don't have to figure it out each time.
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