Tips for Accurate 1/4" Seams

 One of the biggest things that quilters tell me that they struggle with  is the quarter inch seam.  In quilting, the standard is to sew 1/4" from the edge of the fabric.  Having an accurate seam is what allows quilters to create complicated geometric blocks.  If the seam allowance. isn't accurate, then they may struggle with getting the pieces to line up.  To me, this is the most important step that can be the most difficult to master.

Now, I don't want you to obsess over perfect seams.  Use these tips to increase your accuracy, but don't feel like you have to rip out every seam that isn't perfect.  Accurate seams save you a lot of time and headaches when piecing your blocks, but please don't let inaccurate seams keep you from enjoying your creative process.

Here is what I do to make sure my quarter inch seams are accurate.  

1. Measure the Seam Allowance 

I do this step when my machine is new because I want to see where my 1/4" line sews.  Youu don't want  to have to sew your lines and then constantly measure to make sure your quarter inch seam is accurate.  That can waste time and result in a lot of seam ripping.

Use a ruler to measure 1/4" from the edge of your fabric.  Simply line the 1/4" line on your sewn line and see if the edge of the fabric aligns with the edge of the ruler.

You can see how my grey thread is on the 1/4" link.  You can also use a measuring gauge.

2. Purchase a 1/4" foot

Most sewing machines come with a standard foot that is just a little bit bigger and wider than 1/4". The needle wil sew on that center line, but my 1/4" is the little purple line.

So I always purchase a 1/4" seam foot.  (Some machine maufacturers may call this by a different name)

With my Bernina, the 1/4" foot that has a little  guide on it, and that holds the fabric so that it doesn't shift over as I am sewing.  This has been my favorite foot and it has greatly increased my accuracy.

This is the foot for the brother machine. You can see that my needle will now go through the fabric 1/4" from the edge, but it does not have a guide. This can be a little bit of a struggle because there's nothing really keeping my fabric from shifting. I have to constantly pay attention and make sure my fabric stays along that edge.

3. Use Washi Tape

I have seem some quilters use washi tape to help guide thier fabric.  Simply place the tape 1/4" from the needle.  This thickness of the tape helps to hold that fabric in place as you're sewing.

4.  Other Seam Guide Options

There are also magnetic guides that will stick to the throat plate and and hold your fabric in place. I've also seen where some people have taken small Legos and attached the Legos next to their foot to help guide the fabric. 

So that is how I get accurate. Quarter inch seam.  Measure to make sure your seams are accurate, practice, get a 1/4" foot, and use a seam guide.  Use these tips to help with the accuracy, and in no time you'll be piecing perfect blocks with beautiful seams.