Call me dumb, but what is?

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08-31-2011, 06:09 AM

#31

Tudey

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Chehalis, WA

Posts: 806

That is not a dumb question and certainly you are not dumb for asking! I learned a long time ago that the only dumb questions were the ones you don't ask!

08-31-2011, 06:19 AM

#32

crazyrvquilter

Member

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: Arcadia,LA

Posts: 49

If you are making all the blocks for yourself, then you can use any size seam you like BUT if you are swapping blocks, PLEASE use a scant quarter inch seam. I have participated in swaps where some of the blocks were unusable because they were much too small. Sewing that scant quarter inch was a real challenge for me but I am happy that I have come closer to mastering it.

08-31-2011, 06:42 AM

#33

bizzyquilter

Junior Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Posts: 106

Quote:

Originally Posted by sueisallaboutquilts

You know, that's something that I just can't be bothered with. Maybe I'm wrong but I just do the regular quarter inch.

:thumbup:

08-31-2011, 06:49 AM

#34

jaciqltznok

Banned

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Enid, OK

Posts: 8,273

I too use a 1/4" foot and have found that many of the quilterscache.com patterns say use a SCANT 1/4"....it is very hard to do, so my 12 1/2" blocks always end up a perfect 12 1/4"....that bugs me...

08-31-2011, 06:52 AM

#35

crazyquilter56

Junior Member

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: Windsor On. Canada

Posts: 143

I hate that quarter scant why couldn't they just make the pattern a little bigger to allow for the turnover. I can't get them exactly right I will not do a pattern with a scant that's what my quarter foot is for and if I can't use it then I pass on it.....

08-31-2011, 06:55 AM

#36

Margie

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Murrysville, PA

Posts: 3,007

I am still trying to get a consistent 1/4 inch. Keep wondering about all the quilters who preceded us...no rotary cutters and rulers for straight cuts, no seam guides, no fancy equipment and they turned out fabulous quilts...hmmmmm I am a sissy lol.

08-31-2011, 07:01 AM

#37

Veronica

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania

Posts: 1,467

It's frustrating, that's what it is.

08-31-2011, 07:04 AM

#38

MelodyWB

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Mesa,Az

Posts: 1,274

LOL..your not dumb..this has always been an issue with me..I have designed and quilted for years..also teach some classes for a LQS ..personally ..mathematically..a 1/4 inch is a 1/4 inch..if someone wants me to do a scant..then they need to tell me to do 3/16 or something..lol..it still drives me crazy !! I know all the excuses they use for why they do it..but I find if u do exact 1/4 it works out fine !!

08-31-2011, 07:10 AM

#39

joysewer

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Pennsylvania

Posts: 1,416

Quote:

Originally Posted by dd

I say consistency is more important.

I totally agree with this!!

08-31-2011, 07:17 AM

#40

grammy Dwynn

Super Member

Join Date: May 2007

Location: Oregon

Posts: 2,042

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzy

When I first started quilting I made sure I had an exact 1/4", but depending on the thread I used it wasn't coming out as a 1/4". The thread was a little heavy and therefore the blocks weren't pressing out to what I needed. In learning more as going along I found that using a finer thread and setting the machine needle to just a shy 1/4" was the way to go. Your points are not sewn into the seams etc. After awhile it will become automatic. My personnel preference for thread is aurifil 50wt. makes my piecing so much easier.

Good Luck

Suzy

Yes, the thread we use can make a difference! But ones 'style of sewing can also make a difference. One of my quilting buddies (newbie, she is on her third quilt) was complaining about her blocks not coming out the correct size. After looking at her seams, that was her problem. She was using her 1/4" foot (Janome with a 'guard') BUT she was pushing her fabric so it rolled against the guard. We went through the process of 'testing' her machine for a 1/4" seam. For her she just want the fabric to 'feather' touch the guard. Her next blocks came out wonderful. :)

Every machine, even if it is the same manufacture, will be different. Plus making sure our 1/4" foot is a 1/4". And of course the thread. Then we get into pressing. ALL will make a difference for your 1/4" seams. Once we get them figured out, things will be more rewarding.

With the above taken care of, seeing patterns that say 'scant' (a thread or two) will not be so daunting.