The elusive 1/4"
08-04-2011, 07:28 AM
#1
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I was having a problem with my blocks coming out too small. One reason was that my 1/4" foot was flared out at the end and the seams were too wide by about 1/32 of an inch. So I started stitching seams that were about 1/32 of an inch smaller than an actual 1/4" and that seemed to do the trick. I'm new so just wondering if you all find that most patterns require a seam of just under an actual 1/4". Thanks!
08-04-2011, 07:31 AM
#2
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most pieces loose a bit when the seam allowance is ironed to one side, if you have more than a fine thread it takes up even more room, so yes, most patterns need a scant 1/4" but don't always say that!
08-04-2011, 07:31 AM
#3
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Nope. I use a 1/4" foot and also have a blue tape marking it so I am always on the button. If the pattern says scant 1/4" I do 1/4" and it still comes out. LOL. That little "hit and miss" on the 1/4" can make a difference on a whole block. Been there done that.:)
08-04-2011, 07:40 AM
#4
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I'm glad you figured out what the problem was. Especially being new, you were very clever to realize what was going on. I did a post a while back on accurate 1/4" seams that may be useful to you:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-89997-1.htm
And I love your Pysanky - I used to do that many years ago!
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-89997-1.htm
And I love your Pysanky - I used to do that many years ago!
08-04-2011, 07:42 AM
#5
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Many patterns are made for a scant 1/4", a lot of us have found this to be true when using Quilters Cache's patterns LOL
It isn't a bad idea to make a sample block, ( you can use scraps :wink: ) to check the size of the finished block to see if a true 1/4" will work. The sample blocks will eventually make a great sampler quilt :D:D:D
It isn't a bad idea to make a sample block, ( you can use scraps :wink: ) to check the size of the finished block to see if a true 1/4" will work. The sample blocks will eventually make a great sampler quilt :D:D:D
08-04-2011, 08:03 AM
#6
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Originally Posted by amma
Many patterns are made for a scant 1/4", a lot of us have found this to be true when using Quilters Cache's patterns LOL
It isn't a bad idea to make a sample block, ( you can use scraps :wink: ) to check the size of the finished block to see if a true 1/4" will work. The sample blocks will eventually make a great sampler quilt :D:D:D
It isn't a bad idea to make a sample block, ( you can use scraps :wink: ) to check the size of the finished block to see if a true 1/4" will work. The sample blocks will eventually make a great sampler quilt :D:D:D
08-04-2011, 10:23 AM
#7
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Originally Posted by AndiR
I'm glad you figured out what the problem was. Especially being new, you were very clever to realize what was going on. I did a post a while back on accurate 1/4" seams that may be useful to you:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-89997-1.htm
And I love your Pysanky - I used to do that many years ago!
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-89997-1.htm
And I love your Pysanky - I used to do that many years ago!
08-04-2011, 11:29 AM
#8
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08-04-2011, 03:28 PM
#9
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Originally Posted by loves_2_quilt
08-05-2011, 06:41 AM
#10
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A true 1/4 inch has never worked for me, blocks always comes out to small.
Some smaller than others.
My machine even has a 1/4 inch setting but it dosnt work out either. Just have to move the needle a couple of notchs to the right.
If it is a pattern for a whole quilt it dosnt matter about the size. Just adjust the sashing etc to fit.
But if it is a block that is used with others who make blocks for a quilt, you must be exact.
Some smaller than others.
My machine even has a 1/4 inch setting but it dosnt work out either. Just have to move the needle a couple of notchs to the right.
If it is a pattern for a whole quilt it dosnt matter about the size. Just adjust the sashing etc to fit.
But if it is a block that is used with others who make blocks for a quilt, you must be exact.
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