Judy Martin takes the Scant 1/4 inch seam allowance to the extreme test.
She uses 9 pieces stitched together as a test to confirm they she has the correct Scant 1/4 inch seam allowance.
If you have the patience and discipline to do the test with the thread and fabric you’re going to use on your quilt it may save you a lot of time.
This helps insure your Points will line up with Points, he triangles will line up with the squares, and your blocks will line up with blocks. Taking the time to do this test really saves time and frustration later.
Below this Video on the Next Page watch how adding a simple tool to the bed of your sewing machine might help you sew perfect 1/4 inch seams.
Next Page Below a Video Sewing with Sew Easy Guide Video 2 of 3
20 Responses to “Discover WHY it Might Matter to YOU to use a SCANT 1/4 inch Quilt seam allowance. 3 videos”
Gay Reeder
Mar 04. 2015
Thanks for the 4 videos about the scant 1/4″ seam. I think I just learned what my problem is! I’m ready to try some of the video options. Thanks. Gay Reeder
I have a 1/4″ foot, but now a scant 1/4″ is called for. Exactly what is a scant amount. Is it 2 threads widths and some air or what? When did quilting get so unscientific and vague. Is there a scant foot that one can buy or must we keep on guessing. And while I’m up here on this soapbox, I’ll just gripe about the sew and flip blocks. They tell you to draw a diagonal line on the square, then sew on the line and flip up, right. Everybody knows you can’t sew on the line. You must sew a little inside the line (in other words – guess). Anyway, thanks for listening. I don’t mind if my blocks are not the right size. I’m using my 1/4″ foot. I can a little extra with borders etc.
Agree that consistency is the key. You lose space when pressing the Seams hence the need for the scant when sewing so that the finished piece isn’t short. Setting the seams helps too. In the grand scheme of things what matters is that when the blocks are assembled they are the same size. So squaring down the blocks to a consistent size is more important. To me anyway….
Gay Reeder
Mar 04. 2015
Thanks for the 4 videos about the scant 1/4″ seam. I think I just learned what my problem is! I’m ready to try some of the video options. Thanks. Gay Reeder
Renee Harrison
Apr 07. 2015
it is called tape and eyesight as I spent 89 cents on a singer featherweight and still have so much sewing
Rose Belof
Feb 26. 2016
Dislike that word scant
Rebecca Syester
Feb 26. 2016
So is there a foot that does the scant? I haven’t found one
Luz
Mar 29. 2016
There is no foot for a ¼” scant. There is a setting on some sewing machine ( ¼” setting) that when you select it, it will do a ¼” scant.
Laura V Bohac
Feb 26. 2016
Move your needle.
Betty-anne Hart
Feb 27. 2016
Sue Hooper, look at this!
Sue Hooper
Feb 27. 2016
Thanks very interesting and sounds simple. I bought a 1/4 inch foot recently and that is good. Cheers
Tina Morton Shanks
Feb 27. 2016
What is it?
Nicole Nearman MacAfee
Mar 29. 2016
Kim — interesting
Judy Howard
May 04. 2016
Seems to me if you use 1/4″ seam allowance all seams it would be as good as a scant 1/4″. Unless you are being judged for a finished 1/4″ seam.
Kathleen Cox Vaughan
May 04. 2016
Well, doesn’t matter if it’s a true 1/4 or a scant 1/4 – I still struggle to do a CONSISTENT one!
Nancy Garn Rollins
May 04. 2016
I think consistent is the key, too.
Karen Pringle
May 04. 2016
A scant 1/4″ or a full 1/4″ can be the difference in the size your finished square…..so yes, it does really make a big difference over all.
Elaine Walrath
May 04. 2016
Following
Jeanne Ryan Brandon
May 04. 2016
This concept of a quarter inch seam vs. a scant quarter inch seam is a big deal. Take great care to be consistent.
Jacqueline B Holt
May 04. 2016
I have to agree with Judy Howard…What matters most is to be consistent…..
Patricia Walsh Priddy
May 04. 2016
I have a 1/4″ foot, but now a scant 1/4″ is called for. Exactly what is a scant amount. Is it 2 threads widths and some air or what? When did quilting get so unscientific and vague. Is there a scant foot that one can buy or must we keep on guessing. And while I’m up here on this soapbox, I’ll just gripe about the sew and flip blocks. They tell you to draw a diagonal line on the square, then sew on the line and flip up, right. Everybody knows you can’t sew on the line. You must sew a little inside the line (in other words – guess). Anyway, thanks for listening. I don’t mind if my blocks are not the right size. I’m using my 1/4″ foot. I can a little extra with borders etc.
Verna McPhail
May 05. 2016
Patricia Walsh Priddy. I agree with you my foot is 1/4″ and I use it to be consistent the quilt may be a little smaller but every thing fits together
Abby Fitzpatrick
May 05. 2016
Agree that consistency is the key. You lose space when pressing the Seams hence the need for the scant when sewing so that the finished piece isn’t short. Setting the seams helps too. In the grand scheme of things what matters is that when the blocks are assembled they are the same size. So squaring down the blocks to a consistent size is more important. To me anyway….