Blackberry

If you are just making a quilt, basically a scrappy, with no pattern and therefore no particular sizes of blocks, strips to follow does it really matter if you use a seam allowance that is a tad bit bigger than the standard 1/4 inch seam allowance. In other words could you just put the edge of the block against the edge of the foot and if the seam allowance is a tad bit bigger would that really matter so long as long as you use the same method for all blocks, strips, etc that you are sewing to make the quilt top.

Auntie V

1/4 is a standard but not a requirement. If you are consistent and your happy with the width go for it.

bearisgray

As long as it ends up they way you want it to - It doesn't really matter at all.

I think one is better off with a bit of a wider seam allowance than a too skimpy one.

Terri D.

If you're aiming for a specific finished size of your quilt, it might be an issue, as 1/16" or 1/8" across multiple blocks adds up. But if the final size isn't critical, focusing on consistency, as you mentioned, is the key.

Tartan

​You can make your seam allowance any size you want as long as the other components of the top don't have to match. Since you are not using a pattern and are designing as you go, it should not be a problem.

Grammahunt

In almost any pattern, consistency is much more important than size.

Onebyone

Most new quilters have never sewn clothes and the seam allowance for clothes is 5/8". When I first started quilting it was easier for me as a clothes sewist to use a 1/2" seam allowance. My quilt blocks were either smaller or larger then the pattern but that was okay with me. I just made fewer blocks or more blocks. I was comfortable with the 1/2" for a long time. I eventually found my way to the 1/4" seam. I don 't obsess over it, as long as the pieces fit together I'm happy.

Skittl1321

If you aren't using a pattern or aiming for a certain size, you don't even have to use the same seam allowance every time.

I don't like to go much narrower than 1/4" because I worry about fraying; but for scraps just being thrown together however they land- any seam will do!

Jeanne S

My thoughts exactly!! I recently made a free form bookcase quilt and used varying seam allowances to get the look I wanted. When you are not matching blocks, seams or points, it doesn't make any difference.

pokeygirl

I agree with all of these answers. When I first started quilting (one year ago) I stressed and stressed over that 1/4 inch. Well, after hearing Jenny Doan say just be consistent, I do not stress anymore. I'm a much happier quilter now.