The best way to get a perfect 1/4″ seam allowance is to take a few minutes to make sure your machine is set up just right.
But first, are you asking what we mean by “scant quarter inch seam allowance”? All this means is that for your fabric to actually measure 1/4″ smaller on each side of a seam you actually want your 1/4″ to be just a smidge (or scant) smaller than an actual 1/4″. That way when you press your fabric, the fold over the seam makes the measurement be a perfect 1/4″. Simply put, scant equals a needle width within 1/4″ to allow for the pressing your seams.
An accurate 1/4″ seam allowance really means you sew a “scant” 1/4″ seam allowance.
You can use scrap fabric to easily test your machine settings. For our example in the video, Julie uses 2″ by 2″ squares. Make sure your fabrics are starched and cut accurately. (Check out previous video tutorials for tips on both!)
Take a minute to watch Julie explain:
Now it is time for you to test your sewing machine settings.
- Gather your 2″ by 2″ scrap fabrics.
- Sew your 1/4″ seam. Note that a “perfect” quarter inch seam really is a needle width or two smaller than a quarter inch … it’s a scant quarter inch.
- Press your seam open. Looking at the wrong side of your fabric, at your seam itself, check if your entire seam measures a needle width or two smaller than half an inch. If it does, move onto the next step. If not, grab two more scraps and try again. If your seam is larger then move your needle to the right to make your seam smaller. If your seam is too small then move your needle to the left.
- Now measure your entire block. Two 2″ by 2″ squares sewn together with a perfect quarter inch seam allowance should measure exactly 3.5″ by 2″. If it does, move onto your real fabrics because you have your seam allowance all figured out! If not, grab two more scraps and try again. If your seam is larger then move your needle to the right to make your seam smaller. If your seam is too small then move your needle to the left.
We hope you enjoyed this video and these quick tips. Thank you so much for being a part of our quilting friends. Explore our YouTube Channel for more tips and we invite you to join in on the fun of our Stitches of Love Block of the Month Clubs!
Happy Seam Allowancing,
Julie and Brittany
The Mother Daughter Duo of Stitches of Love