if a pattern doesn't tell you to use a scant ¼" seam allowance, should you do this anyways......I'm having trouble getting my blocks to measure the proper finished block size when squaring up.....I guess what I'm wondering is, should you always use a scant seam allowance

Yes, always use the scant 1/4".

Ditto! Yes, always use the scant 1/4".

just what is scant?? like a pinch of salt?? LOL
im having trouble too

Here is a link to a tutorial on this board:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-89997-1.htm
You need to recheck your seam allowance if you change machines or thread weight.

Yes.

I use my quarter inch foot and never have any problems as it is the same throughout my quilt. There are so many topics on the scant quarter inch but honestly I've never bothered because I just love my foot. If you use the same foot or scant quarter inch throughout your quilt you shouldn't have any problems. I know many people will disagree with this but this is what I do and never had any problems with my seams alligning perfectly.

I agree with quiltmaker. I never bother with scant ¼" seams. Don't see any reason to. As long as the seam allowance is consistant throughout the quilt, the only difference a scant seam will make is in the final overall dimensions.

Using the edge of my ¼" foot makes for extreme accuracy in the seams, dead-on matches, flat tops and squared corners. It is also stress-free, much easier to align, and more fun in the making. Having a final size that exactly matches the original design just doesn't matter to me. If it needs to be larger (it's never off by much more than an inch each way), I just increase the width of the outer border.

I strive for consistency. If I start with a scant 1/4" I try to maintain that. If I start with a 1/2" I stay with that size.

Same with me. I just use my 1/4" foot and have no problems.

Sybil

and check your seam allowances and accurate measurement after each two pieces are sewed together The probem may be at the beginning and nt the end of piecing a bock. Each section should be measured for accuracy and correct at that point.

If all your blocks are the same size then it doesn't matter if it is a scant 1/4". I see a lot of quilters try for the scant 1/4" and usually only some of the blocks end up with the same size seams as the next one. Whatever size between 1/8" and 1/4" that you can consistently sew then that's the size you want. I found the PERFECT scant 1/4" foot for my machine and it's worth it's weight in gold. Took me years to find the perfect one.