Alex's 1/4 inch video

[Eileen K.]

Hi all,
I just viewed Alex's video on how to achieve a 1/4 inch. I have to say, I agree wholeheartedly! But my question is-how will this work with all those patterns that say we should use a "scant" 1/4 inch? Who started this "scant" thing anyway? Am I right in assuming it's used because the thread you're stitching with takes up room in the seam? I'd love to hear everyone's opinion on this. :idea:

[Paula D.]

Scant on account of the fabric. When it is folded over, you wind up with more than 1/4 inch. I think if you google this you will find better explanations.

[Margo C.]

Just keep in mind that the width of the seam allowance DOES NOT MATTER!!

What is most important is that after the seam is stitched, you are left with the exact measurement required for your block!!!

So...using Alex's method, if your resulting piecing does not measure EXACTLY 2", you need to make an adjustment. (Minute :44)
daily-blog/103-good-advice/17003-the-perfect-14

[Eileen K.]

Thanks to both of you ladies. What you're saying makes sense.

[Eileen K.]

I rarely have perfect 1/4" seams over an entire piece, and I don't care. I do care that the fronts of the pieces fit together and are the right sizes. since once it is quilted nobody is going to see the back, but they are going to see the front, so that is the bit that needs to look good.

[Margo C.]

I rarely have perfect 1/4" seams over an entire piece, and I don't care. I do care that the fronts of the pieces fit together and are the right sizes. since once it is quilted nobody is going to see the back, but they are going to see the front, so that is the bit that needs to look good.

Not only LOOK good....That's the part that needs to FIT TOGETHER in order to lay flat!!

[Norma H.]

Love you new profile photo, Margo

[E.M. T.]

[E.M. T.]

I rarely have perfect 1/4" seams over an entire piece, and I don't care. I do care that the fronts of the pieces fit together and are the right sizes. since once it is quilted nobody is going to see the back, but they are going to see the front, so that is the bit that needs to look good.

Not only LOOK good....That's the part that needs to FIT TOGETHER in order to lay flat!!

Duh! and there was me thinking that it could be quilted out.... :wink: :lol:

[Susan B.]

I rarely have perfect 1/4" seams over an entire piece, and I don't care. I do care that the fronts of the pieces fit together and are the right sizes. since once it is quilted nobody is going to see the back, but they are going to see the front, so that is the bit that needs to look good.

Not only LOOK good....That's the part that needs to FIT TOGETHER in order to lay flat!!

Duh! and there was me thinking that it could be quilted out.... :wink: :lol:

I agree, Rosemary, lots can be quilted out, unless the final product also needs to be square :? :? for that reason, I think getting a 1/4" consistently is easier than trying to square up and block, which I find to be a total PIA.

[Margo C.]

Just remember...the accurate 1/4" is only one step in a successful project.

If you don't measure accurately, and cut accurately, and press accurately, the accurate 1/4" seam allowance won't make any difference!! :shock:

[Marion D.]

I have discovered that when I use batiks, then I can use a 1/4 inch seam, since the fabric is so thin that there is very little bulk when it folds. Other fabrics can be comparatively thick, and if you have a block with lots of seams, you might run into a problem. When I make half square triangles, quarter square triangles, flying geese and similar pieces, I cut my pieces 1/8 inch larger than the directions say and then trim them to size when I am done. Many times I am trimming nothing on one side of the block.

[Norma H.]

Marion, I find that to be very true and if you have mixed fabrics it gets even more difficult

[Marion D.]

Norma, I mix them all the time! which is why I trim units. I do confess, however, that I have only successfully done the 1/4 inch seam for a Lone Star Quilt, and then only in class with Jan Krentz.

[Norma H.]

:lol: :lol: :lol: