How to add 1/4" allowance to irr. shape, curve, etc.?

[Eileen K.]

Hello, everyone,

I am working on some blocks, which I trace the finished blocks from the books onto freezer paper and then cut the fabrics adding 1/4" allowance. I have been having no problems for straight line shape, square, triangles, hexagon, etc. until today I am tracing something with curve and free line! It is hard to trace them already and I found it is hard to cut fabric too!

At first I just eye ball 1/4" and cut the fabric. However, I wasn't consistent. The inconsistent allowance brings much trouble now, very time consuming to pin a lot in order to align the inconsistent allowance.

Is there any tool or any thing I can use to add consistent allowance while working on curves and irregular shapes?

Thanks!!!

[Eileen K.]

Your best bet might be to mark the shape on the sewing line with fabric marking pen. that way if your 1/4 inch seam is not consistent it is not a big deal.

Jean

[Sandy F.]

I did a Drunkard Path type pattern that I cut with a rotary cutter using a template and I sewed that by machine with a quarter inch seam allowance and it turned out okay. Otherwise for curved seams I marked the seam line (not allowance line) and match seam line and sew on the seam line. That way if my cut line is not accurate I still sew accurate.

[Cheryl K.]

Here's a tip that I use. Buy a roll of 1/4" Quilters tape (it's masking tape in a small roll and found in any chain store, Hobby Lobby or quilt shop).

I take a small piece of it and tape it to my left thumb nail, from base to tip. I can place my thumb along the edge of my pattern and mark with a marking pen. Since I am brave, I usually take my scissors and just cut without marking. For cleaner edges, move the fabric as you slowly make a long, slow cut with the fabric scissors.

Back to the tape-on-the-thumb. I do this all the time when I need to eyeball 1/4". I use it when I need to pin at outside or inset seam lines on any shape. Just lay your thumb where you need to see the 1/4" and mark or pin. I don't have to pick up a tool or hold anothe object in one of my hands.

[Cheryl K.]

Use two mechanical pencils. Put them side by side placing small strips of card board between them until the leads are 1/4 inch apart. Wrap both pencils the full length with masking tape. When you follow the edge of the template with one pencil, the other one will mark the 1/4 inch line. Betty Ann

[Cheryl K.]

Thanks everyone for the tips!! My next block is Drunkard's path! I will use the tips here to cut the fabric! Thanks!!

[Cheryl K.]

Use two mechanical pencils. Put them side by side placing small strips of card board between them until the leads are 1/4 inch apart. Wrap both pencils the full length with masking tape. When you follow the edge of the template with one pencil, the other one will mark the 1/4 inch line. Betty Ann

This is what I do too. Works great!