Checking your 1/4" seam allowance - IMPORTANT

[Angelia U.]

Even if you think your 1/4" is right on but your blocks are not coming out the right size, you need to take the SA Test that Margo tells us about at:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569415726bHNKHF

I really thought I was right on, but my blocks were too small. It was because my seam allowance was not correct. I did the test, adjusted 2 times and came out with perfect results. I am now sure that my blocks will turn out the correct size.
It takes only a little time and definitely saves you time and frustration in the long run.

take the test today!!!
becky

[Margo C.]

Good job, Becky! All your piecing will go together better now!

[Margo C.]

Another way to check you 1/4 inch seam allowance is to sew on the line of a 3x5 index card.

Turn it over to the unlined side and sew a second line at what you think is a quarter inch away....

turn it back to the line side.... If you are on the printed line you have an exact quarter inch.

[Margo C.]

LadyRags,
that is another way, but I measured my individual seam allowances with an engineers ruler and they were exactly 1/4". the problem was that the finished product was not ending up the right size. I think it really has to do with the fact the when the seam is pressed open, a tiny bit is lost in each turn of the fabric. with so many seams in quilt blocks, the end result is too small. I didn't believe it either until I did Margo's test.

my SA is actually a little bit less than 1/4" - but the finished product is exactly the right size.

try the test, it works.

[Mandella E.]

I can never get my seams that flat either, and I always make sure to use "thin" thread because that helps. Perhaps more starch is needed.

Having a sewing machine with adjustable needle positions is a boon too.

[Mandella E.]

BeckyA

The 3x5 trick is taught by AMI SIMMS in her home studio quilting classes in Flint MI. I do not think I explained the procedure completely. ( I was at work at the time and only had a few minutes)

Ami goes further and shows us how to adjust the seam allowance to get the scant quarter inch. I think she cover the material in her book... HOW NOT TO MAKE A PRIZE WINNING QUILT. I will repost the information when I find the book.

The other places you LOOSE SIZE OF YOUR BLOCK IS ....
Accurate cutting of the fabric at the start of the project...

Accurate sewing of the seam line.... SCANT QUARTER INCH is desirable because you loose the size when your seam allowances are inaccurate....wobbling or too big of a seam allowance shrinks your block size.... YOU might also loose the points on your blocks because of inaccurate sewing.

Accurate pressing is also needed to avoid ironing in tucks and pleats. You also need to avoid streaching.

You can try blocking the block to the correct size... that sometimes works but it makes it hard on everybody.

[Mandella E.]

oh yes,I see. I will check that also. another good tool for quilters!