When I started piecing, I thought it was all about the 1/4" seam. But then I found out that if I had a full 1/4" seam, my blocks were too small. That's when I found out the object of piecing is to have what you have sewn come out to be the size you want. That meant I had to sew slightly less than a 1/4" seam. It is called a scant 1/4" seam. It is usually 1 or 2 threads into your 1/4" seam allowance. That made some of my seams way too small. That's when I realized that to cut the fabric out, I had to have the full fabric under the ruler line when I lined it up before cutting. Finally, you will save much time and heartache if you measure each section after you sew and press it. I love steam, but it did distort and shrink some of my blocks, so I just press with a dry iron. Good luck and enjoy your results. If your quilt doesn't look exactly like you wanted, there's a good chance no one, except another quilter, will know.