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-   -   1/4 inch seams (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/1-4-inch-seams-t136986.html)

danlynmartin 07-12-2011 04:09 AM

I have a quilting problem that I would like some suggestions from other quilters. I have been out of quilting for a few months and have forgotten this important technique.
I can sew a consistent 1/4 inch seam when piecing. However when I come to the end of the seam it moves over on the last 2/3 stitches so it is less than 1/4 by just a smidge. This is not good when you are doing miniatures. Can anyone help?

Jennifer22206 07-12-2011 04:11 AM

try putting a small "ender" piece of fabric before the seam if you're chain piecing. doesn't have to be a big piece, and you can throw it out when you're done.

dakotamaid 07-12-2011 04:16 AM

Good advice above. Another tip is to use your straight stitch throat plate rather than the zig zag one. Another one is to use a thin point of something, like a skewer, to help keep the fabric going straight.:)

SparkMonkey 07-12-2011 04:23 AM

Starch can help make things behave, too.

bstock 07-12-2011 04:45 AM

1/4 foot on your sewing machine would help also.

sparkys_mom 07-12-2011 04:57 AM


Originally Posted by bstock
1/4 foot on your sewing machine would help also.

I use a 1/4 foot but I have the same problem she is having. I like the idea of an "ender" and am going to try it.

PaperPrincess 07-12-2011 04:59 AM

I use a stiletto to hold the ends of the piece & guide them thru can't sew without it! I have also seen videos where they use long, thin tweezers to hold the very ends, especially in curved piecing.

yolanda 07-12-2011 05:03 AM

I used to have that problem because I was going too fast

frarose 07-12-2011 05:03 AM

The stiletto works great for me.

Ripped on Scotch 07-12-2011 05:06 AM

i found chain piecing helped me with that issue... and I also slow down more now near the ends and it helps too.

auntpiggylpn 07-12-2011 07:51 AM


Originally Posted by yolanda
I used to have that problem because I was going too fast

I STILL have that problem because I go too fast!!!! LOL

JUNEC 07-12-2011 07:54 AM


Originally Posted by SparkMonkey
Starch can help make things behave, too.

I am a true believe in starch - great to use when PP as well

Although I don't get the show on TV any more, I believe I saw Kaye Woods use a scrap piece of fabric when she started and finished chaining pieces together.

I am really getting sick of remodeling shows & home buying shows on tv. The craft & quilt shows are being shown less and less - UGH

rivka 07-12-2011 09:14 AM

I have this problem as well, so am curious to see any solutions.


I am really getting sick of remodeling shows & home buying shows on tv. The craft & quilt shows are being shown less and less - UGH
I don't get ANY sewing or quilting shows :( Our PBS station says it shows them, but when I go to watch, it's always something different.


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