What exactly is a scant 1/4"??? I'm afraid to stitch my first seam on a new project just because I don't know where the needle should be. I always try to be as accurate as possible and this just doesn't sound like an accurate measurement.
Judy
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What is a scant 1/4 inch ?
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JudyWoo
- Posts: 1181
- Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:20 pm
Re: What is a scant 1/4 inch ?
I may have just answered my own question ... found this by googling:
*** Question: Why are my finished quilt blocks always smaller than they are suppose to be?
Answer: If it makes you feel any better, a lot of quilters have the same problem. The main reason why quilter's blocks are smaller than they are suppose to be is that they are using a "true" 1/4" seam allowance. Over the years I've found that I need to use a scant 1/4" seam allowance. When I say "scant", I mean your seam allowance needs to be one or two thread widths smaller than a true 1/4". ***
*** Question: Why are my finished quilt blocks always smaller than they are suppose to be?
Answer: If it makes you feel any better, a lot of quilters have the same problem. The main reason why quilter's blocks are smaller than they are suppose to be is that they are using a "true" 1/4" seam allowance. Over the years I've found that I need to use a scant 1/4" seam allowance. When I say "scant", I mean your seam allowance needs to be one or two thread widths smaller than a true 1/4". ***
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sunsup
- Posts: 3958
- Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2007 4:48 am
Re: What is a scant 1/4 inch ?
Yes Judy, you answered your own question, but it probably helped others. I know if I sew an exact 1/4" my blocks are off. On my machine, if I move the needle one click to the right, the blocks turn out right. I think everyone has to figure out what works on their own machine. Good luck.
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knitnoid
- Posts: 1901
- Joined: Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:16 pm
Re: What is a scant 1/4 inch ?
Fabric thickness plays a part in this as well. If I'm using a heavier fabric, sometimes I have to do 2 clicks instead of 1.
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JudyWoo
- Posts: 1181
- Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:20 pm
Re: What is a scant 1/4 inch ?
I've got to get out the manual for my machine cuz' I don't even know if I can click my needle. 
Judy
Judy
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naniyosie
- Posts: 996
- Joined: Sat May 05, 2007 2:00 pm
Re: What is a scant 1/4 inch ?
I am in the process of making a 'blended 9 patch'; which required a scant 1/4 inch.
I tested until I had a scant 1/4 inch - by moving the needle.
I then made a label with the correct number to go to - so I don't have to test each time. I placed the label right below my width button.
I tested until I had a scant 1/4 inch - by moving the needle.
I then made a label with the correct number to go to - so I don't have to test each time. I placed the label right below my width button.
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mamaw
- Posts: 885
- Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 3:47 am
Re: What is a scant 1/4 inch ?
The reason for the scant quarter...from my understanding...is to allow for the fabric being turned and pressed after stitching. Just stitch a tiny width inside your quarter and everything will be fine; as everyone doesn't have a needle adjuster on their machines.
It is a mystery to me, as to why they don't just do the patterns accordingly instead of making everyone do their own adjusting.
It is a mystery to me, as to why they don't just do the patterns accordingly instead of making everyone do their own adjusting.
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knitnoid
- Posts: 1901
- Joined: Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:16 pm
Re: What is a scant 1/4 inch ?
I've got two machines -- one I 'click' the needle. The other one has 3 positions far left - center - far right. On that machine, started with a 1/4 inch foot, but didn't like the resuls - the fabric 'flopped' around because the dog feeds weren't covered. So I switched back to my regular foot, and moved the needles to the far right. To mark the 1/4 seam, I have a stack of sticky notes on the bed.
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JudyWoo
- Posts: 1181
- Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:20 pm
Re: What is a scant 1/4 inch ?
I have to agree with you Mamaw ... the people who design and format the patterns could certainly do better than calling for a "scant quarter inch". That measurement leaves it entirely up to the person stitching, their machine, and their interpretation of the width.
Oh well ... I've thrown caution to the wind and am barging ahead and hoping my project comes out okay.
Judy
Oh well ... I've thrown caution to the wind and am barging ahead and hoping my project comes out okay.
Judy
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knitnoid
- Posts: 1901
- Joined: Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:16 pm
Re: What is a scant 1/4 inch ?
Judy - you have hit it on the nail again. That scant 1/4 inch is most definately a personal measurement based upon the piecer, how they cut the fabric, the fabric they used and their sewing machine. Due to all of those factors, there is no way to define in numeric terms the width of the seam.
Back before rotary cutting, there was no such thing as a scant 1/4 inch. Cutting and iecing simply wasn't as precise. Now that we have tools that allow us to cut accurately, then how do we sew accurately. I have only 1 ruler which has measurements smaller than 1/8 inch, and the markings are not the best. A while back I saw someone describe a scant 1/4" inch in precise terms-- something like 7/32 inch. I know I don't have anything that measures like that, but my husband might out in the garage.
But even if the designers redrew their blocks and we had measuring tools that could cut them so we could sew precisely 1/4", we would still not get our blocks right.
My batik block might be right on the money, but the block I make with Kansas Troubles Fabric will be slightly smaller, and the one I make in flannel even smaller due to the weight/thickness of the fabric.
So, what is a quilter to do.
1 - be consistant. So what that all of your blocks turned out to be 9 3/8" instead of 9 1/2".
2 - if you absolutely must make the block 9 1/2", then do a test with the fabric you are using. Take 3 strips that are 1 1/2" wide and sew them together with a 1/4" seam. The center piece should measure precisly 1", the outside pieces 1 1/4". If they are off, adjust accordingly.
Back before rotary cutting, there was no such thing as a scant 1/4 inch. Cutting and iecing simply wasn't as precise. Now that we have tools that allow us to cut accurately, then how do we sew accurately. I have only 1 ruler which has measurements smaller than 1/8 inch, and the markings are not the best. A while back I saw someone describe a scant 1/4" inch in precise terms-- something like 7/32 inch. I know I don't have anything that measures like that, but my husband might out in the garage.
But even if the designers redrew their blocks and we had measuring tools that could cut them so we could sew precisely 1/4", we would still not get our blocks right.
My batik block might be right on the money, but the block I make with Kansas Troubles Fabric will be slightly smaller, and the one I make in flannel even smaller due to the weight/thickness of the fabric.
So, what is a quilter to do.
1 - be consistant. So what that all of your blocks turned out to be 9 3/8" instead of 9 1/2".
2 - if you absolutely must make the block 9 1/2", then do a test with the fabric you are using. Take 3 strips that are 1 1/2" wide and sew them together with a 1/4" seam. The center piece should measure precisly 1", the outside pieces 1 1/4". If they are off, adjust accordingly.