A scant 1/4".....I thought all quarter inches were the same but I have seen a few patterns requiring a "scant" 1/4". I use a 1/4 in foot so please what is the difference?

It's a thread or two smaller - allows for the rollover when pressing.

a scant 1/4" is about 1 or two threads toward the outside of the seam (toward the outer edge).

You know, that's something that I just can't be bothered with. Maybe I'm wrong but I just do the regular quarter inch.

Maybe the reason for saying "scant" is that some sewers use a "generous" 1/4 inch - and then the block ends up being too small.

One or two threads. Not something to be too concerned about :-). BTW, you are not dumb; just learning (smile).

Just wish I could get consistent seams... but do like the the scant 1/4" best..

All of the above answers with one addtional thought. Some patterns demand such high accuracy, and usually specify a scant 1/4", that it's best to follow their instructions. Other patterns, it's not all that critical.

Me too. I tried scant once and none of the blocks fit exact and I'm picky about fitting exactly. I;m sure cause my scants weren't all the same.

I just use quarter inch and not bother with a couple of threads.

boy, I cannot see a thread or two with my eyes.....I just do my best to keep the l/4 inch.

I cant make a STRAIGHT 1/4 in seam- so a scant 1/4 inch is definite not favorable in my lifetime.. !! So scrappy Here I come!!

Ty...I just ignored using scant and carried on with my reg 1/4" and so far so good lol fingers crossed.

Here's a tutorial on this board that is very informative.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-89997-1.htm

I say consistency is more important.

As long as you are consistent through out the project and you are not matching someone elses blocks you are fine with 1 plain 1/4" seam.

I use my 1/4 inch foot and move the needle position over 1 notch on my Bernina for a scant quarter. The Bernina 1/4 inch foot does do a beautiful, very consistant 1/4 inch seam.

Consistent throughout the project. Only way I can get it to work. If I start scant, I finish scant. It doesn't say scant, I line up the 1/4" on the presser foot and keep the seams at 1/4".

As long as all your blocks sew to the same size it doesn't matter what seam allowance you use. It's better to be consistent so seams will match up.
Sewing a full 1/4" and then a scant 1/4" and then something in the middle, nothing will match up that way.

When I see "scant", I scram! :)

Consistency is great too but if you work in a swap for example, the blocks need to be 12.5" - some blocks WILL NOT come out to be that size if you use a regular 1/4" seam, no matter how consistent you are.

Other blocks may lose part of a point if you use regular 1/4" too. There is enough wiggle room to end up with a mess.

That's why I generally make a practice block and measure before committing to a whole layout.

And I don't do swaps that call for scant 1/4" :)

I usually do a scant 1/4" automatically. After each step, I measure to make sure the pieces are the right size and if not I adjust. It keeps the quilt in square so there is less to do at the end.

This is my feeling as well.

I just achieved the 1/4" and I just can't be bothered with a scant 1/4" either. I am confident that if I achieve the scant 1/4" seam, someone will change that as well. If 1/4" is used throughout then what is the point, all seams will be the same.

Even though it generally means that you do a couple of threads under the quarter inch, I think what the designer is trying to tell you is to be very careful/accurate with your piecing. This can be useful if your fabric is a bit thicker than the usual thread count as well.

Me too,1/4 inch is fine with me,I have tried the scant but sometimes forget to set my machine

I just don't like the 1/4 inch seam as some times the fabric will wonder and have to redo it. I use a half inch seam and cut it back to a 1/4 inch or just sew it a half inch and make sure the blocks are the right size.

I'm like you guys. Good gracious, how can you even see "one or two threads"...? sounds like measuring "almost" a pound. Not sure who came up with that but I'm not too crazy about instructions that say "scant" 1/4 inch. We may be "learning" but it still sounds dumb!

You are so right! Why in the world do people want to make what ought to be a joy a pain by introducing one or two threads toward the outer edge? froggyintexas

When I first started quilting I made sure I had an exact 1/4", but depending on the thread I used it wasn't coming out as a 1/4". The thread was a little heavy and therefore the blocks weren't pressing out to what I needed. In learning more as going along I found that using a finer thread and setting the machine needle to just a shy 1/4" was the way to go. Your points are not sewn into the seams etc. After awhile it will become automatic. My personnel preference for thread is aurifil 50wt. makes my piecing so much easier.

Good Luck

Suzy

That is not a dumb question and certainly you are not dumb for asking! I learned a long time ago that the only dumb questions were the ones you don't ask!

If you are making all the blocks for yourself, then you can use any size seam you like BUT if you are swapping blocks, PLEASE use a scant quarter inch seam. I have participated in swaps where some of the blocks were unusable because they were much too small. Sewing that scant quarter inch was a real challenge for me but I am happy that I have come closer to mastering it.

:thumbup:

I too use a 1/4" foot and have found that many of the quilterscache.com patterns say use a SCANT 1/4"....it is very hard to do, so my 12 1/2" blocks always end up a perfect 12 1/4"....that bugs me...

I hate that quarter scant why couldn't they just make the pattern a little bigger to allow for the turnover. I can't get them exactly right I will not do a pattern with a scant that's what my quarter foot is for and if I can't use it then I pass on it.....

I am still trying to get a consistent 1/4 inch. Keep wondering about all the quilters who preceded us...no rotary cutters and rulers for straight cuts, no seam guides, no fancy equipment and they turned out fabulous quilts...hmmmmm I am a sissy lol.

It's frustrating, that's what it is.

LOL..your not dumb..this has always been an issue with me..I have designed and quilted for years..also teach some classes for a LQS ..personally ..mathematically..a 1/4 inch is a 1/4 inch..if someone wants me to do a scant..then they need to tell me to do 3/16 or something..lol..it still drives me crazy !! I know all the excuses they use for why they do it..but I find if u do exact 1/4 it works out fine !!

I totally agree with this!!

Yes, the thread we use can make a difference! But ones 'style of sewing can also make a difference. One of my quilting buddies (newbie, she is on her third quilt) was complaining about her blocks not coming out the correct size. After looking at her seams, that was her problem. She was using her 1/4" foot (Janome with a 'guard') BUT she was pushing her fabric so it rolled against the guard. We went through the process of 'testing' her machine for a 1/4" seam. For her she just want the fabric to 'feather' touch the guard. Her next blocks came out wonderful. :)

Every machine, even if it is the same manufacture, will be different. Plus making sure our 1/4" foot is a 1/4". And of course the thread. Then we get into pressing. ALL will make a difference for your 1/4" seams. Once we get them figured out, things will be more rewarding.

With the above taken care of, seeing patterns that say 'scant' (a thread or two) will not be so daunting.