DJ

I've started using Sulky invisible thread which is very thin, and I think it solves the problem. It's pricey so I buy it with coupons. It seems to last forever, though, so the bobbin doesn't need to be filled nearly as often, and I don't have to worry about what color to use.

Wine Woman

I agree with DogHouseMom-it all depends what machine I'm using and the pattern. My Featherweights are a straight 1/4" ( I just follow the side of my foot) and they are fine everytime. When using my Bernina I use a scant. I usually use this machine for block swaps that have to be specific in size. Using a scant will give me enough extra so I can square it to the correct size.

Friendly Quilter

I use a scant 1/4", some people use a large 1/4" and they can not figure out why their blocks are not big enough. But whatever size 1/4" inch you use as long as you use it through out your intire quilt your quilt should be correct.

kapatt

It depends.... if I'm in a swap, I'll do a scant so that it will match everyone elses blocks.

If it for my own family, I consistently do a 1/4 inch depending on the pattern. If the pattern has a lot of points, then I stay with the scant.

Mitch's mom

I think I use a scant. I set all my machines with a Perkins Dry Goods 1/4" piecing guide. I do it this way because I never know which machine I'll be using and it eliminates the guess work.

foxxigrani

Yes I don't make anything but fun quilts either. As you can see I am not doing well so wouldn't do anything but fun quilts and my family loves them. I had thought cutting everything just a shade bigger might solve my problems. But I didn't want to do it if there was no way that would work, now I know, thank you all for the help. I can always come to this board and get answers and for that I am grateful.

Pete

How do you do a scant using a 1/4 inch foot???????

eimay

That's my method, tool

AndiR

Here's a reply I posted to a similar question last week:

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I believe the reason for doing a scant 1/4" is that if you were to sew EXACTLY on the 1/4" mark, your finished seam allowance will be slightly larger than 1/4" - which means the other part of the fabric, the part that's in the block, will be a little smaller than it should be.

This is due to the fact that the thread you are sewing with takes up a little bit of room, and when you press the seam to one side you lose another little bit.

If you are doing blocks with large pieces and just one or two seams it won't really matter. But if you have lots of little pieces and many seams, they all add up. For example, if you are off 1/32" on each seam, and you have 8 seams in a block, your block will end up 1/4" too small.
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And here's a link to a tute on testing your 1/4 seam for accuracy:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-89997-1.htm

majormom

I use the full 1/4 inch, unless one of my squares is off a little bit. I really don't like getting too close to the edge! :-D