Call me dumb, but what is?

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08-31-2011, 11:07 AM

#51

Kappy

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Minnesota

Posts: 1,284

Quote:

Originally Posted by QBeth

All of the above answers with one addtional thought. Some patterns demand such high accuracy, and usually specify a scant 1/4", that it's best to follow their instructions. Other patterns, it's not all that critical.

I know about the scant 1/4", but what I'd like to know is why didn't they make the original pattern keeping the plain old regular 1/4" in mind when designing the block. Seems it would have been easier...atleast for me! ;)

08-31-2011, 11:09 AM

#52

FroggyinTexas

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Here and there

Posts: 1,669

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kappy

Quote:

Originally Posted by QBeth

Now why would anyone want to keep anything simple when they can make it hard? froggyintexas

08-31-2011, 11:10 AM

#53

QuiltswithConvicts

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Texas

Posts: 2,811

To make sure I am getting a perfect 1/4" seam, I cut 3 pieces of fabric at 1 1/2" wide by whatever length - 6" or so. Set your machine for the 1/4" seam you usually use & stitch all three pieces together on the longer sides. Press the seam allowances all toward the same direction. Now take your ruler and measure the middle section. If it is exactly 1" side, you've got your perfect 1/4" seam. If it is too narrow, you need to move your needle to the right. If it is less than 1/4", move it to the left. Repeat sewing 3 1" wide srips together until you've got that 1" middle sction. Write down what your machine's settings for this are & put it where you can see it!

I have the Janome 6600P & you'd think that after spending $2000 for it, I would get a perfect 1/4" with their 1/4" foot. Well, of course not! The default setting for needle placement is 3.5. I have to move the needle to 4.1 for a normal 1/4" seam & 4.2 for a scant 1/4" seam. I love my Janome so I don't mind moving it round.

08-31-2011, 11:29 AM

#54

Homespun

Power Poster

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: McLoud, OK

Posts: 13,264

Quote:

Originally Posted by dd

I say consistency is more important.

I think so too.

08-31-2011, 11:47 AM

#55

wildyard

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Upstate NY, north of Syracuse Area

Posts: 6,003

Quote:

Originally Posted by dd

I say consistency is more important.

I have the quarter inch foot, and that is what I go by. I figure if I am consistent with that, all my pieces will fit together fine. So far so good.

08-31-2011, 11:48 AM

#56

benjafroo

Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Washington State

Posts: 76

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.

I stick with a normal 1/4 inch too. My blocks sometimes turn out a little smaller but if all of my seams are this way, I don't generally have an issue matching seams later.

08-31-2011, 12:16 PM

#57

Beebonnet

Junior Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Oregon Coast

Posts: 286

That's because you are sewing for yourself and consistent. But, if you try to make a Quilt Block of the Month for someone else, you will have trouble with the size.