3 Tips for Sewing a 1/4" Seam Allowance

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In this video I share with you three tips to help you get more accurate patchwork pieces. Inconsistent seam allowances is a problem for many new quilters. Try these tips and see if you have better luck.
If you'd like to learn more about joining my 2019 online Quilt Club click here: bit.ly/2QaM467
thanks for watching!
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[@septemberbaby0903]

This video should be reposted every 6 months! LIFESAVING!!!

[@HRHDMKYT]

Thanks for the advice Vanessa. For your Tip#2, unfortunately not all sewists have computerized machines which allow the operator to move the needle by tiny increments. Those of us with older machines can still obtain accurate 1/4" seam allowances for our patchwork, but we need to do it another way i.e. measuring the [permanent[ needle position to the edge of where the fabric needs to be in order to get a scant 1/4" seam, and then marking the machine bed with something such as a piece of tape, a card, an old magnetic hotel key or membership card or credit card... you get the idea. There are several 'seam guides' out there, such as the one sold/branded by Bonnie Hunter which help with this measuring of needle position vs. fabric edge.

[@debrabisacchi4289]

Thank you soooo much. You explained why my patches were wonky. Now I can have fun sewing instead of being frustrated.

[@melaniesambilay425]

Thank you for helping me understand what a Scant 1/4” meant. It was like a light came on.

[@nightfallstarbright8294]

Thank you so much! I was being driven crazy always getting it wrong and not knowing why! Sanity saved x

[@louiselaforest6298]

Great teaching skills. Thank you. This elderly lady really appreciated it. So different than what was taught 60 yrs ago .

[@jeandevries652]

This was a great explanation for how to get 1/4 seam and the importance of it! Thank you!

[@sitrenawilliams766]

The best explanation on a scant 1/4" seam allowance. Thank you!

[@tamarakarlin2758]

Great tips Vanessa, thanks! The correct scant 1/4" seam allowance makes such a difference for nice points & consistent blocks.

[@lameth424]

Anybody else say DANNNNNGGG! when it measured exactly 5.5"? Lol, awesome video Vanessa - thank you!!

[@marykowalski7349]

YES!!!

[@lameth424]

@@marykowalski7349 glad I'm not the only one!! :)

[@RaiRojas]

So glad I saw this. You’re a natural-born teacher. Gracias!!!

[@safarichey]

Oh My Gosh!! All this time I was constantly having problems doing blocks not being correct. I have 3 different feet which all look the same as I kept buying new ones only to watch your video and it was like a lightbulb going on in my head.!! I am going to make my test 3 inch blocks tomorrow.. Thankyou SO much!!

[@veevee111]

Tip #3 is a game changer, Vanessa. Thanks for sharing, I will play around with my sewing feet and I hope to gain confidence from my findings. ❤️

[@tinageorge8759]

I’ve struggled what seems like forever get the right 1/4” seam, thank you Vanessa! 💚

[@grod0051]

Vanessa, you are such a wonderful instructor! Thank you. I had no idea about the 1/4 " seam. I am a newbie and will be checking mine.

[@Teresa-L.2024]

Excellent tutorial Vanessa! I know when I started quilting I didn't know that thread width and fabric fold-over affected the finished quilt block size. You demonstrate this perfectly.

[@scottcoleman2687]

What a great lesson. I learn something new every time I watch you tutorials. Thanks.

[@donitadacus5078]

OMgoodness Vanessa! Thank you SOOOO much for sharing this! I've struggled for years to get this right!

[@dianeperkins9294]

What a brilliant video and explanation of a 1/4” / scant 1/4” seam allowance..

[@susiebusch9250]

Oh my goodness. I have watched so many videos of how to do a scant 1/4 seam. I really never understood it until now. You explained this perfectly and I understand it completely. Thank you so very much!!!!!!!

[@deborahkelly1489]

You are soooooo easy to listen to. I absolutely love your instructions and this was much needed information. I am a total beginner quilter. I just subscribed to your channel . Thankyou !!

[@ivybichon8582]

I’m fairly new to quilting. I’ve had more inconsistent seams with the 1/4 foot. I just finished a small quilt using my regular foot and moving the needle as you did in this video. The blocks came out perfect

[@KitKat-wc1kn]

You are BRILLIANT! I have a computerized Singer. It offers TWO straight stitch options...middle and far left. I had heard I should move my needle to the right for an accurate 1/4" seam allowance, but I didn't think I had that option....until YOU! I never realized you could change the setting on the width until YOU did it (DUH!) AND you told me WHERE to set it (6.4). it never mattered how slow or how careful I sewed, I couldn't get it to finish accurately and didn't know how to make adjustments to fix it. Until NOW! How can I ever thank you for sharing your knowledge! Sincerely, all my appreciation!!!!!

[@ms.hendersonslifeskillscla9482]

It's GEMINI season! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!🦋💃

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Thank you!!

[@SEWMINIThings]

Great job Vanessa! We know this will help so many quilters. Also, happy that you are enjoying your JUKI!

[@josisko6619]

Great tips!!! Thx again for the DX-5 tute. Every time I sew, I love this machine more and more!!!! Heavenly!!!!!!!

[@lindadaniels6055]

Great tips, I never realized how much of a difference thread could make in the overall outcome of your blocks finished size! 👍

[@gingerlynn6968]

Thank you so very much for this video along with all your other videos. I came across you one day as I was looking to refresh some skills after losing my husband 6 years ago and having lost my motivation for sewing. I'm back and am so very enjoying it all again and LOVE LOVE your teaching skills and style, and of course, your crafting skills! Your videos and blog are my go to! And I have my eye on a Juki F-600! Cheers!

[@maggiesands7625]

Thank you so much for this video. I had been struggling with a new machine. Tried this and problem solved. 🙏

[@carlalissa7693]

OMG this is an awakening video. Thank you Vanessa.... one of the best videos ever!!!!

[@Keetoful]

Great tip Vanessa, will be making my sample piece this morning 👍

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Awesome! Have fun!

[@gabriellapettit7655]

Still the best quilt instructor out there. Thanks, gal!

[@africanviolet7817]

Thanks, Vanessa! Clear, easy to follow tutorial with great tips.😊

[@deborahbrady7885]

The lightbulb just lit! I've been trying to figure out how to adjust the position of my needle. It's not even mentioned in the manual. Now I know how to adjust to get accurate squares, especially when each square has a different number of seams! Thank you

[@megegert861]

You are amazing! You are my favorite teacher.

[@Melissa-sews]

VANESSA!!!!!!!! So scantily specific!!! THANK YOU!!!!! I am sold on your teaching!!!

[@daveleeannheier5648]

My 1/4" foot allows me to move my needle over but still ensures a straight, consistent seam with the little "edge guide". Best of both ideas.

[@lauriemartin5450]

wow!! been quilting for some time. the way you explained everything was GREAT..ive been using a 1/4" foot with guide. now I have to make some samples to be sure it's exact. thanks again. glad I notification for your video. haven't seen you for awhile. THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO.

[@apriltaylor5689]

fantastic info and explained so well, never had it explained this way before. it makes so much sense . thanks Vanessa.

[@feyannheim7790]

Wow, I had no idea about thread thickness! As always, good tips.

[@lamoe11]

Great information and very well explained. Thank you!

[@Matty06001]

Whaaaaat??!! Omg, this is so logical! Fabric has thickness! Wow, this is life changing! Thank you!!

[@eviedun]

Thank you. Explained well. You have come such a long way since I first watched you. Congratulations ♥

[@susieodell2637]

From this crafty Gemini to The Crafty Gemini, I thank you. Now I get it. Finally. This was very informative!

[@gialicegarcia]

Excellent tips. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@floridastitcher1]

Boy am I glad I watched this before I start my first quilt tomorrow! Thanks for the video

[@barbaraganoe7324]

I now understand WHAT went wrong on a quilt I made that had many pieces! GREAT VISUAL & LESSON!

[@alisonlee4723]

Excellent Vanessa, thank you for this, so clear in what to do, I have a Pfaff sewing machine with a very good 1/4" foot but it is not scant ! now I know what to do with another foot. xx

[@redmarilynn]

So neat and precise. Thank you so very much.

[@kathieastle8473]

You are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your talent! Your tips are so helpful! Thank you again!

[@ritabrassfield4296]

Thank you for the tip! I wish I had known this years ago 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@QLT812]

Got it😃. Yesssssss works like a charm Vanessa😍 Thank you as always for making things on point🤩😍

[@cindygreselin7139]

Thank you so much. I’m learning and this makes so much more sense. 🤯. Never thought about the thread width, I was only measuring the seam. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@Joannewithane]

Your block looks perfect! Great tutorial.

[@candykuettel4586]

I’ve been quilting several years... and never heard these tips! 😊 Tks!

[@CraftEngineer]

Nice tips Sis...Looks awesome.....Thanks for sharing these great ideas

[@maplelassuk]

Wow! That is SO helpful! Here's me thinking I need the 1/4" foot, I will try without . You forget about thread and fold! Thanks Vanessa.

[@angelazuniga-jones9539]

This is so helpful!!!!! Works great for all types of sewing ☺️ thank you 🙏

[@MAC35REM]

Excellent information, Vanessa.Thank you! 🌷

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

On my vintage straight stitch only machines moving the needle is not an option. But your detailed explanation of the factors that affect the finished width will make it easy to compensate for them on my machines.

[@KennetteBryant]

What a great video! thank you! I will follow your instructions today!

[@cindymoreno6333]

Thanks so much. I am learning to quilt. That too will be very helpful. Can't wait to do a test on my machine.

[@lindagear9014]

Great video, thank you. I have been so frustrated that although my seams are 1/4 in. the blocks turn out to be wrong. Glad to know I'm not as incompetent as I thought ( at least on this issue lol ). Thanks again sanity saver.

[@gmorgerpmorger8035]

Wonderful presentation, and SO helpful!

[@nanastevens4094]

Wonderful tutorial. Very well explained.

[@PattymacMakes]

This explains SOOOOOOO much. Thank you Vanessa! I'm just starting with some simple quilting patterns and pieces, and this is extremely helpful.

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethbrickhouse4834]

That is the best lesson ever! Thank you so much 💓.

[@KL-ix1ks]

Thank you soooo much for this video tutorial. Very helpful for me.

[@janetruiz3372]

great tips! perfect for beginners.

[@stanwoodgrammy]

Amazing!!! I never knew this and always have issues. THANK YOU!!!!

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Glad to help!

[@treezza2817]

Excellent explanation of how to do this correctly! Thanks!

[@maryscott8153]

Vanessa thanks so much for this video I did this today and for the first time my blocks were correct

[@maryoconnor2222]

Thanks for the concise explanation on the 1/4” scant allowance “fix!”

[@marionoldham6253]

Thank you so much for such a valuable video.

[@suem5213]

Excellent teaching. Thank you.

[@roselinedugas5666]

Again this video was awesome, thank you very much. Roseline, Québec

[@jacklynschorn5293]

Thank you! You are a GREAT TEACHER!!

[@kathyeubanks5524]

Mischief managed! Great explanation, Vanessa. Wish i’d known this when i started, i could have saved a couple of projects.

[@ruthbrightman5912]

Wow, those are some awesome tips!

[@barbaraquiltinggardening5261]

Thank you for these tips.

[@loraineleuschke4186]

Excellent, tfs. Everyone needs to view this.

[@carolynrines746]

Thank you. I have so much problem getting my blocks to match. Will try this💕

[@Gamer-Crafts]

These days, I'm making a project with FPP. One night I got bored, and decided to play with my feet, and did the same test. I have a 1/4" foot similar to those that come with The Brother/Babylock machine. I tested them against the 1/4" line on the machine . My jaw dropped because of the results. The samples using the foot were a 4MM shorter than the ones using lines. That's was before I even moved the needle. I always suspect that these specific foot isn't accurate, but never to that extent. I wrote this to say Thank you for posting this video, and showing that these feet can be nothing but a waste of time and money. Your 1/4" foot is actually one of the better quality ones, and still the sample wasn't accurate. It is truly a mind breaking moment....

[@Gamer-Crafts]

BTW, I have a Juki G 110, and I press my seams open with a dry iron...

[@sandraengstrand2784]

Great video! 💡

[@jacquiebonnell9713]

Thank you for this video. I actually just tried and figured out my 1/4 seam was a little off as your video shows. Thank you for this tip.

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Glad it helped you! Happy quilting!

[@sunandasunanda5731]

Really it works!!! thanks for your tips😊👍

[@lovelyls1]

Best explanation I've seen/heard! TFS

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@susanbosher2492]

Great tips! Thank you!!

[@sheilacarroll7143]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now I can quit beating myself up because I'm not getting my seams to match up. 😊🌹

[@yc70jade]

My first quilt was made on the 1/4" foot. It was so off! I've ditched the foot & prefer the edge of my normal foot instead. Thank you for all your tips!

[@debralathan1524]

Perfect explanation!

[@jeretta1000]

Thanks a lot for sharing. Good information.

[@kathyvalentine1543]

Thank you! I just purchased the juki f 600 . I was not getting accurate seams with the piecing foot. Thanks for this great tutorial

[@jksilvio]

Great Information. Thanks.

[@cathypalmer1365]

Great Tips 😀

[@kaif1360]

Thank you so much Vanessa

[@beverleypotter3456]

Thanks for this so informative and now know where I have been going wrong

[@pamelaleitman9200]

Great info!

[@Biggirlbritches]

Thanks for showing this, I was just about to buy a 1/4 inch foot.

[@darlenefrederick8444]

Another informative tutorial! Like many, I have and use a 1/4" foot. But I've discovered on my particular foot that I can adjust the needle position slightly to achieve a scant seam. My foot also has a wider portion that is 3/8". Again, I can adjust the needle position if I need a scant 3/8" seam. Your tip to jot down machine settings is great! If I'm working on a project with a specific setting, I often take a photo (cell phone) of my settings for easy reference. Once satisfied with settings for a project, I might also make note on the pattern... usually with a sticky note or in pencil. I don't recommend marking a pattern in ink. If you change machines or loan your pattern to a friend, your notes may change.