Olivia's Grammy

What is a "scant" is that one thead or two less than a 1/4? Is there a "scant" foot? Why not when designing the pattern you make the blocks a "scant" bigger? I'm making a new block (for me) Double T and it calls for a "scant" seam. Wish me luck as I try to figure how big a "scant" is.

Marcia

I would say a "scant 1/4" is one to two threads less than a full quarter inch. Does that help?

RedGarnet222

Yes the scant quarter inch seam is a thread or two short of a quarter inch. It is a more accurate piecing seam. When you are making more detailed pieced blocks, it makes a difference when setting them all together. There are some quilter's that go to a eighth inch seam for some blocks, to eliminate the bulk.

sunkistmi

All I know is that it drives me nuts! I wish they would make a "scant 1/4" foot but I also realize there are other factors involved like where ones needle is positioned and each machines idoscincries. I use a small stack of post-it-notes as a sewing guide and position it after I put my ruler under the needle then line up the notes against it. I have to make sure I use the same ruler each time or it can be off.
Wendy

Olivia's Grammy

Here's my block. I did the scant by going one less thread. It was to big so I did the regular 1/4 and it worked. Actually when I did all the little blocks I had to trim down. I am doing this as a wedding gift for my DB. I'm getting ready to send him a the picture of the block. I'm not crazy about the color choice but SIL want light blue and white.

amma

How you measure your fabrics while rotary cutting can also make a difference between needing a scant or 1/4" seam. If I use the far side of my ruler lines I can usually go with a 1/4", if I use the top edge of the line, I mostly have to use a scant 1/4" :wink:
Also the position of your needle in regard to your presser foot can be a variable in the seam width. As can how you see your fabric moving under the presser foot. One of my friends always has a thread outside of the presser foot while she sews...she says that she can't "see" under the foot LOL but she does have perfect seams :D:D:D

I make one block and measure it as I go, adjust my needle position, my cutting, to get the end result that I am looking for :wink: then I cut out the rest of my fabrics and start sewing them.

amma

I forgot to say that your block is beautiful!!!! :D:D:D

littlehud

Your block is beautiful. I think you did a great job and I like the fabrics. It's going to be a beautiful quilt.

momto4

I love your block, you are doing a great job!!

I also use the ruler trick that wonderful amma is talking about. I could never figure out where the heck SCANT 1/4 was so I just said the heck with it and tried cutting the way she said and sewing what I know and it works wonderfully.

Oklahoma Suzie

pretty