bakermom

I sew a 1/4" seam. I find consistency is what is important.

NJ Quilter

I'm probably more consistent than I am accurate! Particularly with HST's as someone else mentioned. I do have a 'scant' 1/4" needle position on my main machine and this is what I most often use. However, just finished piecing a top with my FW while away from home. Seams ended up being 'true' 1/4" (or sometime close to that measuring with ruler and using a sticky note that sometimes moved). Top is done, blocks line up, so for me - it's all good.

Jan in VA

There you are, you hit the nail on the head! Unless you are exchanging blocks for a trade or round robin- where all blocks should be exactly the same size by all makers of them - your seam measurement is your own "personal, private measurement", aka PPM in early strip piecing lingo. Make it any size you want to consistently thru the whole quilt!!

For accuracy try this tip below.

I sew on a mechanical Bernina ca. 1974 with only 5 needle positions -- two each left and right of center. Some of my quilts are done with a scant 1/4 inch seam at #5 setting, some are made with #4 setting giving me a fuller 1/4 inch seam. Both of these are my PPM, depending on my mode at the beginning of a project.

Jan in VA

jmoore

It depends on the project at hand. I use a quarter inch foot for a lot of piecing but will move my needle to achieve scant quarter when necessary. Some projects require more precision than others... like the Allietare mystery quilt for example. : )

idoqlts

I seem to be among the few who use a scant quarter inch all the time. When I turn my machine on I immediately move the needle to the scant 1/4 position. I find my blocks come out to a perfect 12 1/2 rather 12 1/4 or 12 3/8.
I'm not a perfectionist, but it does feel good to have it come out right! Do whatever works for you.

Reba'squilts

I use the 1/4 inch stitch on my epic. It really is perfect. If I need scant I can move the needle. My problem happens when I forget to go to the quilt stitches and just start using the foot at what looks 1/4 inch. Then it is rip rip rip! I learn things the hard way. It is amazing how things do not go together when your seam is not perfect!

klswift

consistency is the most important thing. make one block and measure it. you may find that you are more accurate than you think. if not, adjust your sashing (if applicable) and your borders to your finished size. the most important thing is not to make yourself crazy over it. Quilting is a joy, not a job!

MargeD

I use my 1/4" pressure foot for all my piecing, and as long as you use the same machine your quilt will be fine. Mary Ellen Hopkins talked about your PPM, personal private measurement, meaning the 1/4" measurement on your sewing machine. As long as you are consistent, that's the most important thing.