koko

I'm starting on a log cabin quilt using a 1/4 inch foot to sew seams together yet either a length of a strip ends up short or the overall block is not square. The strips are supposed to be 1" finished and end up making a 7" square block. Are there any tips, tricks or techniques that could help me keep these more accurate?

newbee3

I cut my strips to length before I sew them on it helped me

leaha

And I sew the strips together and then cut to size, this is what works for me

ManiacQuilter2

I make accurate seam allowance since I tape some painter's tape onto my Bernina.

Lori S

I like to starch my fabrics prior to cutting. It really helps on this block.

Prism99

Have you tested your 1/4" seam? You can Google this or do a search on the QB for more instructions. Basically you sew 3 strips of fabric together (such as 2.5" side strips), press, then measure the width (should measure 6.5" raw edge to raw edge if using 2.5" strips). If the measurement is less than 6.5", your seam allowance is too wide.

As others have mentioned, starching fabric before cutting helps a lot.

If you are pre-cutting strips to measurements, pinning should help.

Most likely your seam allowance is off and/or your seam allowance is not consistent. I use a physical barrier to keep my seam allowance consistent (in my case, strips of moleskin that I place on the bed of my machine so I have something to butt the raw edges against when I piece).

Pennyhal

I always cut my strips a little wider too. Then I cut each square to the size needed before I add the next round on. If I'm in a hurry or just don't really care, I only cut the last round wider by about 1/2 in.

PaperPrincess

You can't always rely on a 1/4" foot to give you the appropriate seam allowance. Fabric and thread thicknesses vary and this will affect the size of the resultant patch. You often will need to move the needle or use a piece of tape to mark on the machine bed where the seam really needs to be.

Here's how to check:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ce-t89997.html
One other thing, if you can cut your strips parallel to the selvedge, they stretch less and I find I get a better more accurate block.

Onebyone

You have to have an exact 1/4" seam and perfectly cut strips. I had trouble with a block that would not sew up to be the size it should be. I thought I was sewing perfect because I sewed very slow and used die cut strips. I used Wonder Tape and sewed the seam and the block was the right size, no trimming needed. I compared it to the block that wasn't the right size and sure enough I wasn't sewing an accurate 1/4 seam. I was just a stitch width over. IT does make a difference.

OhCanada

I recently did some log cabin blocks where the logs finished to 1/2 inch - I made a paper piecing pattern and used a no-tear method. This gives you accurate sized blocks while eliminating the need for accurate cutting and seam allowances.