A perfect 1/4" seam is possible
Sewing a precise 1/4” seam is the most important tool a quilter can have.
To save time and avoid frustration be sure you are always sewing accurate 1/4 seams. While many machines come with specialty 1/4” feet, or the bobbin plate may be marked with a 1/4th line, these also need to be tried and tested to be sure they are accurate.
To test your seam allowance sew and then measuring the width of the seam with an acrylic ruler.
Another way to do this is to measure the sewn piece size rather than the seam. To do this, cut three 1 1/2” strips of fabric. Sew them together with your 1/4” seam. Press the seams and measure the width of the middle strip on the right side of the fabric. The middle strip should measure exactly 1” wide. If this measurement is not correct, cut new strips and continue to make adjustments until your seams are 1/4”.
Some machines allow the needle to be moved to the right or the left, and often it’s possible to make an adjustment by simply moving the needle.
Thread thickness and needle size may change your measurement. Therefore, when changing types of thread used, or when you change your needle, remember to recheck your 1/4th seam.
One final tip. A lady I know props her machine with rubber door stops to tilt the machine up in the back, making her viewing angle more comfortable, and making it possible for her to sew a straight 1/4th seam following the guide on her bobbin plate.
😀
To save time and avoid frustration be sure you are always sewing accurate 1/4 seams. While many machines come with specialty 1/4” feet, or the bobbin plate may be marked with a 1/4th line, these also need to be tried and tested to be sure they are accurate.
To test your seam allowance sew and then measuring the width of the seam with an acrylic ruler.
Another way to do this is to measure the sewn piece size rather than the seam. To do this, cut three 1 1/2” strips of fabric. Sew them together with your 1/4” seam. Press the seams and measure the width of the middle strip on the right side of the fabric. The middle strip should measure exactly 1” wide. If this measurement is not correct, cut new strips and continue to make adjustments until your seams are 1/4”.
Some machines allow the needle to be moved to the right or the left, and often it’s possible to make an adjustment by simply moving the needle.
Thread thickness and needle size may change your measurement. Therefore, when changing types of thread used, or when you change your needle, remember to recheck your 1/4th seam.
One final tip. A lady I know props her machine with rubber door stops to tilt the machine up in the back, making her viewing angle more comfortable, and making it possible for her to sew a straight 1/4th seam following the guide on her bobbin plate.
😀
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