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-   -   How to measure 1/4" seam??? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/how-measure-1-4-seam-t267952.html)

KenmoreGal2 07-24-2015 02:21 PM
Thanks everyone. I've just spent some "quality time" with my seam ripper. I'll do some test runs before I sew on the actual fabric this time.

Bree123 07-24-2015 02:57 PM
If you are piecing something that is supposed to end up with points, you probably want to sew a scant 1/4", to accommodate the width of your thread after pressing (i.e., the width of the thread would be included in the 1/4" measurement). Otherwise, it probably doesn't matter as long as you're consistent throughout the whole quilt.

KenmoreGal2 07-24-2015 02:57 PM
Ok, got it!!! I did the test sample exactly as suggested ( the 3 - 2.5" pieces). I found the sweet spot on my machine. Then I sewed my actual fabric and it came out great. Thanks for all the advice. You guys are the best!

Bree123 07-24-2015 02:58 PM
Yea! Congrats!

Latrinka 07-24-2015 03:04 PM
Originally Posted by KenmoreGal2 (Post 7266558)
Do I measure including the thread? Or do I measure from the side of the thread to the edge of the fabric?

I'm thinking based on how my blocks are coming out...it's the former.
I'm sew glad I'm not the only one! LOL! I finally just call it close enough for me, I don't do any of those really intricate patterns anyway, in fact, don't ever use a pattern, just see something, and do it MY way. Not being sarcastic, as some will take it, but they say really to sew 3 strips (2 and 1/2) wide together, and it should measure 6 and 1/2.

bearisgray 07-24-2015 03:15 PM
Originally Posted by KenmoreGal2 (Post 7266665)
Ok, got it!!! I did the test sample exactly as suggested ( the 3 - 2.5" pieces). I found the sweet spot on my machine. Then I sewed my actual fabric and it came out great. Thanks for all the advice. You guys are the best!
glAd you got it,

There are things besides the seam allowances that affect the size of the finished unit.

k_jupiter 07-24-2015 03:28 PM
Originally Posted by Latrinka (Post 7266680)
I'm sew glad I'm not the only one! LOL! I finally just call it close enough for me, I don't do any of those really intricate patterns anyway, in fact, don't ever use a pattern, just see something, and do it MY way. Not being sarcastic, as some will take it, but they say really to sew 3 strips (2 and 1/2) wide together, and it should measure 6 and 1/2.
We don't call you sarcastic, Just Frank Sinatra.

tim in san jose

PaperPrincess 07-24-2015 04:40 PM
Originally Posted by KenmoreGal2 (Post 7266665)
Ok, got it!!! I did the test sample exactly as suggested ( the 3 - 2.5" pieces). I found the sweet spot on my machine. Then I sewed my actual fabric and it came out great. Thanks for all the advice. You guys are the best!
Now just remember that if you change fabric (like using flannel) or a different thread weight (because it matches), you need to recheck & adjust if necessary. I got into the habit of doing a check at the beginning of each project. It only takes a minute.

KenmoreGal2 07-24-2015 04:53 PM
Yes Princess, I will definitely test every time now. I've written down the specific measurements that I used for this test and I'll keep them in my quilting notebook for future reference.

NJ Quilter 07-25-2015 08:56 AM
Originally Posted by dunster (Post 7266589)
The size of the finished piece is what matters, not necessarily the size of the seam allowance. It's just that if you cut accurately and sew with a scant 1/4", the finished piece SHOULD be the right size. Instead of trying to measure the seam, try sewing together 3 fairly short strips that are 2.5" wide. Now measure. The center strip should measure 2" (because 1/4" was taken away on each side) and the outer two pieces should each measure 2.25", for a total of 6.5". If the measurement is less, try sewing with a slightly smaller seam allowance; if more, then increase your seam allowance. If you change your thread you may have to repeat this process to find your perfect spot for sewing.
What Dunster said.


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