This is pretty much my position, too, Sewmary. I don't use patterns so I agree it could make a difference in that case. But being consistent seam to seam is what matters most, I think, and what I try to do, whether it's a true 1/4 or scant 1/4.

I think that the 1/4 inch seam really begins with the cutting.Always try to use the same rulers. One of the tricks that I like to use is to cut my fabric a little on the heavier side.I lay my fabric out[not too many layers]; then place my ruler on the fabric, the cutting line will be all the way to the edge of the fabric.It seems like the scant 1/4 inch is no longer something that I need to worry about. It was already taken care of in the cutting. Then each time that I cut; I'm using the same method over and over. My blocks come out quite nicely. It is my most favorite parts[ cutting and block making] of the quilt making process. Sure hope this also helps.

Oh Sew mary! I concur! I do what I want. I use a 1/4" foot and let the slips fall where they may. I think "scant" is just obnoxious. Trying to make something wonderful, creative, and restful into something stressful, tedious, and demanding.
Scant , Schmant! Just be as consistent as you can be! It will turn out ok.
I set challenges for myself, like trying a design I never tried or more intricate quilting or a new color combination because I love it, not to make a nuisance for myself. If I start on a quilt that irritates me, I leave it flat and return the pieces to the scrap heap. This is not the Quilting Olympics, but my hobby.
(Climbing down off soapbox now!)

I agree. The difference between the 1/4th and the scant 1/4th was probably someone elses mistake ages ago. Is it pertinent to the project? only you can say. If you are making adjustments to the overall size anyway, it matters that the blocks you make join up nicely. I learned that consistancy of the seam is more important than the size of the seam, as long as you realize that if you take a bigger seam, and yes, even one thread difference will be noticeable in the overall project.
Do your best to be consistant and you will happy with your work regardless of the size of seam. IMHO

I have written a newspaper column about scant 1/4 inch seams, but its content was not flattering to the person who thought up this complication. In the first place, no one can define the term. In the second, even if someone invented a foot that guided a scant 1/4 inch seam, it wouldn't be long before someone thought the seam should be one thread wider or one thread narrower. Since different fabrics tend to have threads that are thicker or thinner as the case may be, the people who are concerned about this matter are chasing mirages. Freddie's first sentence is a winner/keeper and the rest of her explanation is the same. Don't make what should be relatively simple--sewing a 1/4 inch seam using a guide of some kind on your sewing machine--turn into a bloomin' nightmare. froggyintexas

This is the BEST answer!!

Husq has a quarter inch foot but not the presser foot type. I ust finally FINALLY learned to "see the scant quarter inch'

I, have both of these feet too. On the quarter inch foot I move my needle 1 position over also. However, I find with the quarter inch foot that has the guide bar and a wider hole I select the 1/4" stitch and then move it over 1 more click.

I use my 1/4" sewing foot. I usually end up making a quilt my way. Even if it starts out with a pattern.
As long as my blocks measure the same I am good with that.

There always seems to be a bit of 'try it and see' when it comes to making quilts!