someguysquilt2

I am about to start a quilt using a pattern from Be Colourful. The individual pieces, when separated, do not include the seam allowance. The author says to cut the fabric, using the pattern, but being sure to leave a 1/4" seam allowance.

Other than possibly re-tracing the pattern with an extra 1/4", does anyone know of an easy, ACCURATE method of cutting this seam allowance?

I know it's not rocket science, but I don't want to reinvent the wheel.

Thanks!

woody

Is the pattern paper pieced??? If so make sure you cut the pieces quite generously especially if you are new to paper piecing to give yourself plenty of wriggle room. (I use around 1/2 an inch or more all round)
I also would not cut all the pieces before you start. Just do 1 part to see how it all goes and see how much wriggle room you will need.
I love her patterns and would love to do one, good luck with yours

someguysquilt2

Yes, most of it is paper-pieced. I've done a bit of paper-piecing, but am lazy when it comes to tracing I take my masters to the print shop to have them copied.

I'm afraid I didn't explain myself very clearly. I shouldn't have used the word "pieces" but rather "sections". Each section is paper-pieced (usually with multiple fabrics) and then trimmed, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance to be joined to adjacent sections. Making sure the seam allowance is cut accurately aids in aligning all the sections.

I realized what I'd neglected to say (the most important thing!) is that there are a lot of curved sections. These sections are what I'm concerned about cutting accurately. For straight edges I just use an add-a-quarter ruler.

woody

I saw a great tip for adding an accurate seam allowance to a curved seam. Use your 1/4" foot and when your piece is complete, sew around your piece keeping the paper aligned with edge of your foot (unless your foot measures the 1/4"on both sides, this might have to be on the right hand side) then cut where your stitches are, I hope this is as clear as mud, I am a visual person and have a hard time trying to describe things LOL

someguysquilt2

Thanks, Woody, that is a GREAT tip, and you did a wonderful job describing it I was a little apprehensive before but now I can't wait to get started!!!

LyndaOH

And you can do that sewing without thread in the needle; you just need the perforations.