Dalronix

I use vintage sewing machines, mainly Singers, for most of my sew and patchwork/quilting. However, one advantage of my Janome 8900QCP is that I can move the needle left and right. Even with the Janome 1/4 inch feet (yes, they have more than one), I still need to move the needle right a few notches to get the perfect scant 1/4 inch seam.

quiltsRfun

The 237 was my first machine after I was married. I stayed up all night sewing when I got it.

FabQuilter

I ❤️❤️❤️My 237.
Have to agree that how you feed your fabric matters
With any sewing machine a ruler to position your needle to exact 1/4" seam allowance can be used and ......use a one inch or longer strip to extend a guide to assist w feeding the fabric for smooth and accurate seam allowance
Makes such a difference
The product name of the strip I use escapes me; I will look it up and share

FabQuilter

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/sewin...eId=PLGoP75606

This is the sewing guide reusesble vinyl strips I use There are many others in the market

Jingle

I either use the 1/4" mark on the throat plate or the edge of my 1/4" foot. Takes practice to be consistent. I haven't made real intricate patterns in a while. If seam has to be spot on I may have to be more picky.

Wanabee Quiltin

I find that it doesn't matter what machine I use to sew my scant 1/4" seams, I have to eyeball the seam myself and sew it where I think is right. This morning I chain pieced on charm squares and even using my 1/4" foot with the fancy Bernina, I knew exactly where to sew each strip.

bearisgray

I think some people - after a while - just "know" where that seam line should be - sort of like driving down a street - one knows where one "should" be - even when one has changed vehicles.

KalamaQuilts

I was sorting orphan blocks yesterday, binning some, saving others for backs. I must have 30 or more 9 patches made from 1.5" squares. All test blocks for various machines over the years. It doesn't matter if the seam looks like 1/4", what matters is if, when pieced and pressed, the block measures correct.

bearisgray

The seam allowance is only one factor in getting a block to "finish" at the intended size.

Irishrose2

What else? Straightness of stitching, for sure. Thickness of thread, though for the quilts I make that doesn't seem to be an issue. I rarely use squares or strips cut under 2 1/2".