Someone was having trouble today with her blocks not being the correct size. I'm posting this tutorial to help anyone who is not sure how to tell if they are sewing accurate 1/4 inch seams. If this is hard to read, I have a version here:

http://www.andicraftsquilting.com/ac...-inch-seam.htm

Thank you, very good tute.

I'm always trying for my perfect 1/4". I like the graph paper idea. Thank you!

Thanks...That was very knowledgeable.

Thanks!

Thanks for the help! LOVE your store!

Thanks for the graph paper idea, doing it today!

Thank you very much. I always have trouble with that seam. Not that I have been quilting for a long time. Actually just started!

Thanks.I needed that!

How could it measure only one inch? Three strips - each 1-1/2" wide. Total width, before sewing, 4-1/2". Subtract 1/4" seam allowance from the two center pieces, total 1" in seam allowances. That leaves the width at 3-1/2".

What am I missing here?
Janet

Oh, I mis-read the tute. Only the center strip is measured. My bad!
Sorry,
Janet

Janet, I am measuring only the CENTER strip of fabric - the cream-colored one in my photo. THAT is what measures 1". You are correct that the entire piece of 3 strips would measure 3-1/2".

Oops, I was posting the same time you were! LOL

:-) Thank You "SEW" much

The graph paper idea is great - I'm going to try that. My 1/4 foot is a little wiggly and less than accurate!

Okay - I've got a dumb question here. I used the graph idea and found that the 1/4 inch on both of my sewing machines (good and cheaper) both miss covering the "right" feed dogs. So, Ideally I should adjust the needle so that the 1/4 inch includes that right set of feed dogs (for an even feed?) or don't worry about it feeding over the right feed dogs? (Told ya it was dumb) but I am a new quilter. Thanks.
Marysewfun

Thanks for the graph paper idea. Maybe I will have better luck now. :-)

Actually it's a good question, Mary. If you have the ability to move the needle so that the fabric will cover both feed dogs, I would do it that way. I think the fabric will feed in more evenly and you'll get a straighter seam. I have to move the needle when I'm using my walking foot and I want a 1/4"

Thanks. Learned a similar trick from John Flynn a few years back when I took a quilting class at a retreat, in Spearfish at the new lodge. new lodge.

thank you, I am working in my first quilt and was wondering about being accurate, thank you very much.

Thank you sooooo much. That is my biggest problem - even with a 1/4" foot. I need the guide. I have a tendency to let go of the fabric towards the end of the seam and it goes all wonky. Of course that's also the part that get sewn to the next block, thus throwing the whole project off. I need to find one 1/4" and stick with it!
Wonky in Washington

Thank you. Now I should have no excuse for inaccurate 1/4 " seams.

Thank you AndiR. I hope you don't mind my adding this note.
Here is also a 1/4 inch seam guide paper for quilters to print.I made a pile to keep near my sewing machine.
http://www.quiltdesignnw.com/PDF/Qua...ractice%20.pdf

thank you

thank you AndiR - that is a great tip (using the graph paper) - the people on this board are great

I learned the trick to place a piece of masking tape at the 1/4 inch mark on my machine. The tape stays in place for quite a while and gets replaced when needed. I sew much more accurately this way. Before my seams were always too big and my blocks always too small. :-)

Thank you, will be a help.

Thank you. I guess I made the mistake of making the blocks instead of making one and measuring it. I will have to keep mine for myself and join another swap later. But I don't want to waste anyones time, just to have them sent back.

Thanks for that seam guide paper, I will need it. I've always just trusted my 1/4" foot and been happy when the seams met !

Thanks for the tutorial

great tute

Thanks AndiR I will make a copy for my daughter as well as mine

I am tying my first block quilt made from leftover polyester squares and you would laugh at the variety of 1/4 inch seams.The ties help a lot in covering the mismatched seams. Just a learning experience. The quilt is for our local cancer center and they will not mind I am sure. Thanks for the tute, my machine is now marked.

Thank you so much! :lol:

Thank you!!

Great tutorial! Thanks for taking the time for putting this together, especially for a newbie like me.

Doing the sample with the three strips takes - what? - maybe ten minutes at the most.

It is so worth the time it takes. EVERY TIME one changes rulers, sewing machines, rotary cutters, thread, or pressing technique.

These are all places where one can get tiny differences - and the cumulative effect can be quite noticeable.

Thanks for the tutorial. I am having a hard time figuring my 1/4 inch on my new sewing machine. I have a 1/4 inch foot but I don't really like it. I have tried tape but it is still off. I will try using the graph paper. Thanks again.

Oh, I get it now. Thanks.

Just wish I could still use the single needle hold plate if I moved the needle enough to cover right feed dogs. Given the choice of one or the another, what would be best to do: use larger needle plate and cover right feed docs, or just use single needle plate and move needle a click or two (max allowed with plate)?

Thanks in advance!