sosew4fun

At a quilt class the instructor told us to take an ruled index
card and set the edge even with the right edge of the foot, set
the needle to sew perfectly down the line. This should measure
1/4 inch then set the needle one notch to the right. Works for
me. That way I keep the edge of the foot even with the
fabric.I sew pretty straight until my mind wonders......then its
time for ripping practice!

A1Lori

I think the scant 1/4" all stemmed from the featherweight - singer 221. It does make a scant quarter inch seam and has been the only time my pieced top turned out the size the pattern said! (Aurifil thread works great to - does not take up any bulk in the seam allowance) Good to hear all of this discussion though as I'm starting a business venture to make pre-cut quilt kits.

Carol J.

I agree, I make all my seams the same size and if they are one nth wider than scant 1/4, who cares. As long as they are all the same size and near 1/4, everything will fit and the designer isn't going to come and check your seams.

Carol J.

mjorgenson

If you have the 1/4 in foot just move the needle position to make it a scant 1/4 in. My machine will memorize that position in a memory bank for me. Consistancy is more important though to any width seam.

Deborah12687

I really don't like sewing a 1/4 inch seam and after having one of my quilts frayed really bad when I washed it I went to a half inch seam. I feel that the half inch seam is better and the quilt seems to be more stable when quilting it. My Mom always used 1/2 inch seams and my sister still has some of the quilts that my Grandma had and she used the 1/2 inch seam and the quilts are still around.

damaquilts

What kind of machine do you have? I would love to do that with my machine but I am not sure if it will make that slight of a movement. I have the Brother CS6000i[/quote]
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I checked and it says the cs6000 has the variable needle
http://www.brother-usa.com/homesewin...6000T&tab=spec
So yes you can move your needle. I have the QC1000 and it moves tiny adjustments.

Mkotch

I just try to be consistent in all my seams and that works for me. I eyeball my 1/4" and seem to reach "scant" without too much trouble.

matraina

I know. Whenever I see "scant" 1/4", I think "scant" is different for everyone. What's scant to me may not be to you. I just use 1/4". Of course, I'm a beginner and have not done anything intricate.

patdesign

If your machine is a low shank, there is a vintage foot called a gauge presser foot, it will adjust to what size you want, I got mine on ebay for about $40, worth every penny.

Betty Lee

My Bernina has a 1/4" foot #57 that has a guide on the
side for perfect 1/4" seams. Before I started using this
I always had to check with my ruler to make sure the seams
came out at 1/4". Now I no longer worry about this
problem. Hope this helps you. Betty Lee