Perfect quarter of a inch
03-09-2014, 03:53 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Guelph, On. -
Posts: 2,021
The CONSISTENT perfect 1/4 is elusive. I have all those markings on the needle plate of my machines, plus I can adjust my needle position.
Currently I'm leaning towards the philosophy " if I make the same error consistently it will work out."
MaryKAtherine
Currently I'm leaning towards the philosophy " if I make the same error consistently it will work out."
MaryKAtherine
03-09-2014, 05:09 AM
#12
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: central NJ
Posts: 143
pretty nifty tools!
i have the same setup done with an old gift card taped at 1/4". it gives me a little bump to butt up against. i use double sided tape that is easily removed for when i need a different seam.
now, i do love that purple sewing machine they have... pretty cool!
i have the same setup done with an old gift card taped at 1/4". it gives me a little bump to butt up against. i use double sided tape that is easily removed for when i need a different seam.
now, i do love that purple sewing machine they have... pretty cool!
03-09-2014, 05:17 AM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
If this helps you, that's great. The problem I see is that the scant 1/4 inch is dependent on your fabric. If you're sewing with heavier fabrics, you need to sew with a little less seam allowance. It's not the width of the seam that matters - it's the width of the fabric between the seams.
03-09-2014, 05:56 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Washington
Posts: 855
That's how I see it too. My other philosophy is "I have more fun when I don't care as much". And that one helps me enjoy quilting too. I just recently came back to quilting after a very long time away. The blocks I hated for whatever reason are a joy to me now because it's like someone else made them! They are beautiful and fun and they don't have to be perfect, but they are very close anyway! So I try and be as non-critical with my current work as I am with my old work, and enjoy the relaxation of quilting rather than working toward perfection.
03-09-2014, 06:12 AM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
So many variables! Fabric density affects the width of the pressed seam and so does the size of the thread. You get a far different outcome when you use 40 wt. or 50 wt. than when you use 60 wt. The most important thing is the finished size of each component piece in the block. That is why using the three strip method of measurement is so important. And, of course, how we cut is important. So, again, use whatever combination of techniques and tools to help you achieve the goal of the right size patch and block combination.
03-09-2014, 06:21 AM
#16
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: san diego, ca
Posts: 226
I have come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a perfect quarter inch... So whenever possible I cut my fabric bigger and square up. This seems to work best for me... I love Deb Tuckers Tucker trimmer, wing clipper and square up rulers.
03-09-2014, 09:57 AM
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 25,192
Actually, one is not able to get a " perefect" 0.25 inch seam because one can only achieve as much accuracy as one s tools and materials allow.
That said, it is good to do piecing that finishes within your level of tolerance.
That said, it is good to do piecing that finishes within your level of tolerance.
03-09-2014, 10:02 AM
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
If this helps you, that's great. The problem I see is that the scant 1/4 inch is dependent on your fabric. If you're sewing with heavier fabrics, you need to sew with a little less seam allowance. It's not the width of the seam that matters - it's the width of the fabric between the seams.
03-09-2014, 12:42 PM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 7,312
you all know how i have been laboring over getting a quarter of a inch. well i went to the quilt show in nj (which i thought was great this year), and came across steve & lu ann tippets and their new "ideal seam guide" & ruler. when i tell you great i loved it and couldnt wait to get home to try it. so at 11:00 last night i was playing with the ruler and seam guide on my machines. i love it. here is a link to their website. let me know what you think. i have no connection to them, i just think its a great product. the website does not show the ruler and how it works. after you find the scant quarter of a inch using the ideal seam guide, you get the ruler line it up and walla! perfect scant quarter or 1/8 up to 1 1/2".
www.sewverysmooth.com
www.sewverysmooth.com
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