Take the 1/4″ Seam Test
Achieve Precise Quarter-Inch Seams for Easier Piecing!
Have you ever had problems fitting quilt blocks together? Chances are you’re not achieving a perfect 1/4″ seam.
When you’re piecing a quilt top you’re actually putting a puzzle together. The seam width is so important, because if you’re off by even a little bit that will multiple across a pieced top and cause problems with everything fitting together nicely.
If you’re piecing squares, then an exact 1/4″ seam is not as important, as long as all the seams are the same. However, once you add rectangles or triangles the frustration begins. You’ll be a much happier quilter if your seams are accurate.
Eliminate piecing frustration by testing your 1/4″ seam. The two following videos show you how to do that and provide tips for achieving accurate seams.
They both cover the concept of a “scant” 1/4″ seam, explaining why it’s better than an exact 1/4″ seam.
Click here to view the video at YouTube if it doesn’t play on your device.
Click here to view the video at YouTube if it doesn’t play on your device.
Once you have determined where to stitch to get consistent scant quarter-inch seams you can mark that place on your machine with tape. Use a few layers to build up a ridge to guide the fabric against.
You’ll find more seam guide ideas and learn everything you need to know about achieving a perfect quarter-inch seam in an excellent article from New Quilters (link below).
