AllPeopleQuilt.com 71learn more: accurate 1/
4" seamsSewing with consistent^1 / 4 " seams ensures that blocks will
finish at the correct size and rows will come together easily.TEST YOUR ¼ " SEAM
ALLOWANCES- Cut three strips 2½" wide. Sew
them together (Photo 1). - Press seam allowances away from
center strip. - Measure width of center strip; it
should be 2" wide (Photo 2). If it is
wider, your seams are too narrow.
If it is narrower, your seams are
too wide. A measuring gauge can
help you check the width of the
seam allowances (Photo 3).
USE A SPECIALTY FOOT- A ¼" presser foot takes much of
the guesswork out of sewing ¼"
seams. Run the edge of the fabric
along the right-hand edge of the
foot as you sew. Measure the seam
before beginning each project to
verify that it is an accurate ¼" seam.
Watch the guide and not the needle
as you sew.
ADJUST THE NEEDLE POSITION- Needles on many machines move
right or left. Move needle in
small increments and test seam
allowances. Jot down the needle
position for each seam size so you
can quickly set it as needed.
START AND END SEAMS
WITH A FABRIC SCRAP- To prevent puckering and
incomplete stitches at the
beginning or end of a seam, use
small scraps of fabric to begin and
end your seam. Feed the small
scrap in fi rst, followed by your
patchwork, and then another small
scrap. Snip off the attached scraps.
ADDITIONAL TIPS- Make a seam guide by stacking
several strips of painters tape or
using adhesive moleskin. To set
the guide, lower the needle, place
a quilting ruler against the front of
the needle, and position the guide
along the ¼" line. Align fabric
against the raised edge as you sew. - Use the same ruler and sewing
machine throughout your project.
Slight variances between tools
add up quickly. - Change your sewing machine
needle often. It helps prevent
many problems, such as nests
of thread appearing on the
underside of your seams.
1 2 3SIDE VIEWTOP VIEWSome^1 / 4 " presser feet
have a bumper to align
fabric against.A^1 / 4 " presser
foot is exactly(^1) / 4 " from needle
hole to right-
hand edge.
LM Seams.indd 71 FINAL 3/11/20 12:15 PM