How to Consistently Get a 1/4" Seam Allowance |

[@sewbecca]

Want to pick up the Stilletto I used in this video? You can grab one here: shrsl.com/3qrdp

[@monicaclark9581]

Thank you Becca, I'm just started on sewing again after many years and you gave me some very helpful advice. I like your easy manner of speaking and your pace. If people talk too fast then I move on to elsewhere.

[@leizhang6862]

Thank you Becca. I know this is a video about sewing skills but when you said “ Finished is better than perfect”, I almost wanted to cry. That’s so true, to the sewing project and life as well. I will remember that. Thank you again for your video.

[@sewbecca]

Absolutely! Give yourself some grace - with your seam allowances and other areas of life! I think we tend to be a little more hard on ourselves than we would be with others!

[@lauraveechFMQ]

I love this video. People let perfection keep them from making beautiful things. Great video Becca!

[@sewbecca]

You know, I struggled with that for a LONG time. The thought of making things perfect prevented me from even starting...then, for a while, it prevented me from finishing things I started. So, I just keep reminding myself that 'finished is better than perfect'. And, the more I finish, the closer I'll get to being 'perfect'.

[@deniseb7078]

@@sewbecca "sew" true....makes me almost anxious....I appreciate hearing that others struggle with this as it gives me strength to go forward and start to sew!

[@susanlyle9044]

Great lesson for those just starting quilting but also for those of us who've been quilting a while but have been getting sloppy about the accuracy of our seams.

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello Susan

[@patfox6264]

This was one of the best videos on getting that 1/4” seam. Taking the time to do this is so worth it in the end! Thanks Becca! ❤

[@susanwalsh22]

I love this so much! Finished is better than perfect!

[@wendyjo139]

Another awesome and valueable video. Thank you Becca! You da best.

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome!

[@nancybello8549]

Thank you- this video will make a difference

[@barbarabaker346]

Becca, I gave a thumbs up and watched all of the commercials. ☺️ I wish you lived in my neighborhood - I would be at your house everyday! You are great and keep up these wonderful sewing lessons.

[@sewbecca]

Awww thanks!!!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hi, how are you doing my friend?

[@chefmum4096]

@@barbarabaker346 Me too wish she was my neighbour

[@sureshpatel3225]

Wow you got a scientific answer for the art works

[@kimanderson4266]

BEST VIDEO I'VE FOUND ON THIS! GREAT EXPLANATION FOR UNDERSTANDING EASILY!

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hi Kim

[@pennys8114]

Just found your KZbin. I am all in because you have answer my problem. I could not understand why my blocks was not measuring up right. I thought I was moving my fabric to much. It was that I was using half of the fee dogs, using the far left side not the right side. Now using the far right. Thank you so much.

[@sewbecca]

I'm so happy that helped!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hey Penny, how are you doing ?

[@Suzannetracymcbride]

Thank you so so much for making this video. The area I live has no basic sewing skills classes and I have been trying to teach myself with You Tube Videos,. Not easy finding videos that explain what & why your doing what your doing that makes sense. Trying to just find basic skills like getting a straight line and perfect seam allowances has been difficult. What you said made perfect sense to me and a light bulb went off. You explained it so well. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@gloriamarrs3273]

This was one of the best tutorials I have ever seen. Good job. Well done. Hip Hip Horray. 👍😀💖Miss Gloria.

[@andreamatthews3014]

Good Video, very clear. I think more important than perfect 1/4" - is consistent seam allowance. Use the tools available, like tape markings etc.... but just sew the same seam for each block and that will cause less trouble when trying to piece it all together. Yes its something you can practice, but cut those pinked edges off to start, otherwise that might through you off, draw a bunch of lines 1/4" apart on scrap fabric and sew as many times as you can, and you will get hand / eye co-ordination. I actually think that Just Get It Done Quilts has the best idea to build a tape ledge, then the edge of the fabric hits that ledge and can't go past it unless you go too fast, you will be spot on each time. Other flat markings with washi help but you can easily move over them, the ledge is the best option. Is your needle set to the side, it might be easier if you set your needle position to the center, so the stitch line sits in the gap in the foot, then your eyes won't be thrown off, as they would naturally line up with that center gap in the foot (even if you are trying not to look at the needle) our eyes just naturally are drawn to markings like that, then also the 1/4" marking on the throat plate will line up. For those who want to quilt a lot, I think the 1/4" is worth practicing, just makes it easier to put together, but I totally agree finished is better than perfect, no one is perfect ;)

[@ElvieMe]

Thank you for explaining it so clearly!

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pjones5583]

Wonderful tips! I use an index card to line up my needle. Lots of 1/4" lines to go by.

[@sewbecca]

That's a great idea!

[@pjones5583]

@@sewbecca And you can poke holes into it and not hurt your needle.

[@sharonburns2699]

Great lesson. I’ve never thought about the feed dogs tip. Many thanks!

[@ragdollyally]

Thank you for this video Becca! You have a very engaging teaching style and I’m now off to learn some more from your other videos! I’m a n enthusiastic beginner learning to quilt on a 1935 machine!

[@heathermcdonald8853]

Thank you for “finished is better than perfect!!!!”

[@sewbecca]

You bet!

[@mjsews]

Excellent video Becca! I like how you anticipate the questions or issues a newbie might have. I think we all struggle with that elusive quarter inch and you gave some great tips, especially the one about trying to keep as much fabric as possible in contact with the feed dogs, that's something people don't always consider. I think you have a winner with this series! 👍👍

[@sewbecca]

Thanks, MJ!

[@bettyschulert2461]

Hi Becca, i think you are great n your style of teaching is wonderful... I m new at quilting n i m like a empty sponge just waiting to get better.... i also just joined your team i m searching for updated classes.... Can you please post when you are on a new series.... Again THANK YOU, Betty

[@rachaelmohler6344]

Thank you for the kindness. Finished is better than perfect. I REALLY needed that. ❤

[@sewbecca]

You got this!!

[@rachaelmohler6344]

Guess what I finished my 2nd of my 4 quilts I'm trying to get done b4 Christmas thanks to your finished is better than perfect

[@susanannmilikas6748]

Becca, you are a great teacher! Thank you!

[@sewbecca]

Oh thank you!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello Susan

[@isabellabovanvolkenburg]

I just learned how to quilt and this just changed the entire game. I have been sewing with a 10 mm seam allowance because I didn't know where a 1/4 was. Thank you for helping me!

[@rachaelb9164]

“Done is better than perfect because perfect is never done.” Thank you for the tips. I struggle with the 1/4” even with a presser foot with a guide on it. I’m now to the point of adding my sashing and I discovered my squares kept getting smaller and smaller as I went along lol. So either I’m pushing too hard against the guide or the guide has moved lol. I think I need to move my needle over just a tad.

[@sewbecca]

That should help some!

[@katrinaburton5122]

Thank you so much for this video. It was informative and encouraging. I sewed my first seam on my first quilt and the seam did not come out to be 1/4 in so I wanted to give up. So now I’m ready to get back the machine. You’re the bomb! Katrina

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lauramolen9453]

So glad I found you! I am a long time sewer & am learning new things. 😊

[@sewbecca]

Welcome!!

[@MsSluggoP]

Thank you Becca, you make me feel better and I want to get better. you are so smart and helpful!

[@sewbecca]

Happy to help!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hi Nancy

[@evansdebbie5953]

Truly excellent tutorial. I'm a beginning quilter and vacillate between requiring perfection of myself and trying to let go a bit. Your video showed a way to kind of be both! Thank you so much.

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RachelHunter-s9y]

This video was so helpful - I didn’t realize all the different 1/4” there are!!! Thanks so much for doing this video 😊

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Redrosie5123]

Thank you for showing me what I was doing wrong. I am about to start a new project so will set my machine up correctly.

[@sewbecca]

Glad I could help!

[@LL-qx2oi]

This was my first time watching and I enjoyed the turorial. Easy to understand and so helpful. Nicely done!

[@redrock0310]

I'm so happy I found you! You're a wonderful teacher!

[@donnarichey144]

Becca I like your hair longer. Thanks for sharing this video. Great tips for 1/4 inch seams. I tried the 1/4 pressure foot. Forget that I forgot I had it on there and tried to do a zig zag stitch. I broke my needle and I have numb hands and trying to put a new needle in and I took the plate off because I was having trouble it would not get under to get it put in. The needle fell inside. I took it to get it out with a repairman. He cleaned it and got it out and $100 later. He told me not to use the metal bobbins. Its a singer professional I have two singer machines and a hello kitty janome and they came with one of those machine, he said the make a groove in something.

[@sewbecca]

Well good thing about hair is it can grow back after you chop it all off. 🤣

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello Donna

[@teresadejong3011]

Great lesson Becca. You're such a good teacher.

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! 😃

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hi Teresa

[@susansmith7909]

Thank you for your excellent, clear, easy to understand instructions! I am a new quilter and starting my first project. You have a great logo. It will become my mantra! Finished IS better than perfect! You are a great teacher! 😊

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pattygardner231]

Thank you for such a wonderful detailed explanation of how to get an accurate quarter inch seam.

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome!

[@omisfavorites1054]

This is the best tutorial on getting a consistent 1/4” seam that I’ve found. Thank you, Becca!

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gigiontube]

Great video ! My comments: - It is not always about “knowing your machine”; the seam allowance size depends also on the thickness of the fabric, the size of the needle and the thickness of the thread used. - Sometimes the patchwork size changes a little bit based on how it was pressed/ironed because the stretch of the fabric. - Even the seam allowance is not a perfect 1/4 inch, as long as is consistent throughout the whole quilt blocks it won’t create a problem; at the end, everything will match. Happy Quilting 🤗❤️😀

[@sewbecca]

All good points!!!

[@cindywest1943]

I have enjoyed watching this and now, I will go and practice this method. I think I will draw lines for awhile until I get use to my machine. Thanks for the great advice. Glad that I found your channel.

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hi Cindy

[@gracepatane9384]

Great content in this video, Becca! Thank You!

[@dianekelsay3072]

thank you, this is great info. I'm going to do the test as soon as I am done watching. I'm at odds with an instructor over this. I like adjusting the needle, she likes the 1/4 foot. And I always wondered which side of the "pinked edge" was the actual edge.

[@patriciawatts7157]

Great video.

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello, how are you doing my friend

[@jamescirillo1918]

You are a FABULOUS TEACHER!! Thank you!!

[@sewbecca]

Wow, thank you!

[@marionbartley214]

Great video for someone just learning. Or otherwise, Also great explanations on marking quarter-inch seams. I argee at the end of the project.A finished piece is so worth all of the work. put into making something rather than perfection. something we all strive to have. But not necessary, a completed project is more important. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@sewbecca]

Thanks for watching, Marion!

[@conniejungovich9160]

Great job Becca. It took me while to get that 1/4 inch on my machine your tips were great.

[@sewbecca]

Thanks, Connie!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello, how are you doing my friend

[@lindapucillo3493]

Your tips here are great. I use a tiny ruler made for figuring out where the needle needs to be for a 1/4” seam. I have 1/4” presser feet with guides for all my machines, but none of them are really accurate. I still have to adjust my needle position. Thanks for reminding me to do it again on my next project! Just found your site, and look forward to more tutorials.

[@sewbecca]

I'm glad this was helpful! As a new Quilter, I kept measuring one 1/4" away from the raw edge of my fabric and never understood why my blocks would end up short. The more seams I had to take to get the block, the worse it was. This method taught me where the needled needed to be to compensate for the threads I'm adding to the quilt block!

[@suzijohnson3157]

This video helped me so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@marshaturner9935]

Another excellent teaching video. Your instructions are so simple and easy to understand. Thanks for all the help for us newbies

[@sewbecca]

Aww, thanks! I love making these!

[@ronfabel]

Thanks for the great tips. Very informative and very insightful! Thanks

[@sherryebridwell8663]

Love the video, and very helpful, my 1/4 in seams are always a struggle!

[@sewbecca]

I’m glad you found it helpful!!

[@margaretderen2082]

I JUST realized why I always nail the 1/4” on my single stitch Baby Lock and always struggle on my Bernina…it’s the FEED DOG CONNECTION! I never moved my Bernina foot to the right to get better contact with all the feed dogs, but of course, on the Baby Lock, it’s just made that way. Thank you for solving a 20’ish year-old puzzle.

[@valeriehofmann2615]

Hmm I struggle with 1/4 inch because the fabric shifts left and end up with 1/8 inch at the bottom. Im using an old kenmore. Was that your problem?

[@marisolkohlway7251]

Hola love the way you explain the 1/4 “ Seam allowance and new quilting.

[@sewbecca]

Wonderful! I’m glad this was helpful!!!

[@cindyfollmar4515]

Thank you for the great tip on needle adjustment. I have tried the tape, etc. This is just what I need. 😊

[@sewbecca]

Glad it helped!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hi cinf

[@karenolson2532]

Best informative video I have seen on the quarter inch. I'm going to try this today. As I cut exact but sew together don't work now I try this. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@teresaallen4933]

Great video. I learned quite a bit from this today. Thank you ❤

[@rebeccamcdonald7146]

Thank you! You are a wonderful instructor. Teaching seems so natural for you and I really enjoyed your video/tutorial.

[@sewbecca]

Thank you so much!

[@jillachen7217]

Thank you!! And God bless! ❤

[@alfredm9763]

Thank your for such a wonderful tutorial! You have explained that beautifully.

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful

[@karenwescott2615]

I ❤️ finished is better than perfect rule!!!

[@lisasaxton7666]

This video was so simple and easy for me to understand! Being a novice sewer I make plenty of mistakes and trying to sew a consistently straight edge has been hard for me to do. Thanks for using that little pointer tool also to show us exactly where/what you were referring to. :)

[@sewbecca]

You're quite welcome - glad it helped!!

[@marygeorge9688]

This is a great tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@florenfroe23]

First time watching. You are great teaching. Thank you.

[@sewbecca]

Thanks for watching!

[@jackiekaas4102]

Thank you . This really helps

[@sewbecca]

Glad it helped!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello Jackie

[@psjjkelly]

Great video! I’m a newbie and found this very helpful.

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angelastoutenger7944]

Thanks for your tips Becca. I know when sewing I tend to veer off at the end so I have to be aware of that. Sometimes I sew a quarter inch and sometimes I don't but as long as I'm consistent in a project it tends to work out. I do wish the needle on my machine moved over but on my newer machine it doesn't. Drives me crazy!

[@sewbecca]

Right! I have a couple machines where I can’t move the needle and it makes me soooo sad!

[@lindasikorski6254]

Angela Stoutenger Suggestion - Use an Ender which is nothing but two scrap pieces of fabric. It will help to keep you from veering off

[@angelastoutenger7944]

Linda Sikorski Thanks for the tip. I usually use a leader but will have to try that with an ender too. Great tip!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello Angela

[@carolmorgano7158]

This was a great tutorial thank you so much 😊

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hi carol

[@joadams3192]

I loved your lessons. Thank you!

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome!

[@martibarnes1364]

Great video Becca. Your Explanation is so clear and very professional. Thank you.

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!

[@gloriamonell1919]

Love your lessons. Enjoy sewing, is my thinking.

[@sewbecca]

Thank you, Gloria!

[@sureshpatel3225]

Great tip

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@suebloom116]

Very clear. I really liked this video!

[@sewbecca]

Glad to hear it!

[@Roberta0321]

Thank you! This makes sense!

[@paulinewhite2826]

All makes since thank you

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hi Pauline

[@TexasChance58]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@janiscasey8500]

Thank you for the great tips on a quarter inch seams. I never knew there was so much to it. With you and YvetteRene I have two reasons to come out with a great first quilt. Just to let you know I love your videos.🙃❤️🥰🥀

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! ❤️🥰

[@cmjmom1]

Omgosh! Thank you so much. This video helped immensely. I found out I needed to adjust my needle. I just couldn't figure out what was wrong with ME! Why couldn't I see a 1/4". I'm trying to learn to follow patterns and had just about decided to give up. Thank you so much 💓

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome!

[@reneecpkrapp6247]

I can get a true and good quarter inch when I'm sewing until I reach the end of whatever piece I'm sewing together and suddenly it becomes like 3/4 of an inch on the last piece of that material probably using a stiletto would stop that

[@LawandaFinch]

Same here it just goes wonky at the end of the seam.

[@incanada83]

You know...this should be so obvious and yet, not so! Thank you very much for great explanation and visuals! I kept getting different size "squares" at the end (when sewing little squares together) and couldn't figure out why they didn't match!? I made wider seam allowances, narrower seam allowance and still... the results were not "square". NOW I know why. Thanks again :-)

[@sewbecca]

I’m glad this was helpful!!

[@kathleenmeaney4130]

Becca THANK YOU so much for taking the time to help explain that was my problem now I think I've got it x

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello, how are you doing my friend?

[@conniehatcher1973]

Thank you.

[@busybeejordan]

Love your videos. I always learn so much!

[@sewbecca]

Glad you like them!

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thank you!

[@sewbecca]

You're welcome!

[@ThePalewarrior]

I'm having trouble with this very small doll clothes? Any tips? Help with be greatly appreciated 😢

[@margm4]

My problem occurs when using précuts are pinked. Some manufacturers measure from the outside peaks, others from inside valleys. I like jordan fabrics as they are always straight edged. Cutting strips myself is not always accurate. Thanks for telling me to watch where the needle is going and keeping the fabric straight. You gave great tips.

[@sewbecca]

For cutting strips - I've heard marvelous things about the Stripology ruler! Helps with exactly this issue. :)

[@lauramolen9453]

This is excellent!! My trouble with precuts is knowing which point of the pinked edges to use - the outside or inside of the points. Anyone??

[@sewbecca]

It depends on the manufacturer, sadly. My best advice is to measure one piece in the pack to know if the outside of the edges are directly at the pre-cut size, or if it's the inside of the pinked edges. :(

[@lauramolen9453]

@@sewbecca Thanks!!

[@lucyscott2853]

Thank you

[@sewbecca]

Welcome!!

[@kristinemason5435]

Thank you ,thank you, thank you!! I just got my machine and it does not have a marking for 1/4 inch. I was trying yo figure out what I needed to do. I am new to sewing, and your explanation of this was incredible! I have it now and I am so happy I found your video! I am definitely subscribing to your channel!!

[@sewbecca]

Glad I could help!

[@gailtipps834]

This is great information

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donnarichey144]

Thank you Becca. You think you should make it a scant 1/4 to make it work for exact measurement?

[@sewbecca]

Yes. A scant amount 1/4” works best

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello Donna

[@conniehatcher1973]

How do you adjust the needle? I'm a newbie. Great video. Repetition helps believe me.

[@sewbecca]

Only some machines allow you to shift the position of your needle. If you have an older machine, a straight stitch only machine, or a more economical machine - you may not be able to reposition it. I'd reference your user manual to see how to do this on your own machine!

[@dianekovar3618]

Becca can you share where you got that awesome stiletto!!

[@sewbecca]

I believe it was a gift, you can buy one here: shrsl.com/3qrdp

[@donnaprince7160]

Hi Becca it looks like your thread wraps around your needle? That happens on my Janome S7 and I don't know why? Do you know why it might be happening? Love your videos, very informative and easy to understand. Thank you 💜

[@sewbecca]

It happens to me sometimes when I cut my thread. Not sure why that happens, but I usually just put it back where it needs to go and I’m all good.

[@redellwright1890]

Thanks

[@suzannehubert8005]

I use painters blue masking tape, and mark off the quarter inch on my machine. What machine do you sew on? I am looking at upgrading mine. Also, looking at changing out my iron, any recommendations?

[@sewbecca]

For sewing machine, my work horse is a Babylock Aria. I love it! Irons: I’ve heard Rowenta is good, I’ve used them in the past. My current favorite is the Oliso Pro, and I use the Oliso Mini for small projects like blocks

[@suzannehubert8005]

I was just at a Babylock dealer on Tuesday, played a little on the Soprana, looked at the Aria, but I didn't have time to play on it. I am also looking at a Bernina 570qe. Thanks for mentioning some iron brands for me!!!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello, how are you doing my friend

[@katharinehertenstein139]

Great info I use seam tape. Kathy Hertenstein

[@sewbecca]

Wonderful!

[@carolf5922]

Hi Becca! Have just recently found your channel and I love your videos! Great advice given very clearly that I can understand and benefit from. I love your sewing chair! Have one just like it! LOL. I am thinking of buying a new machine. What kind do you have?🥰

[@sewbecca]

Hi Carol! Thanks SO much for the compliments! I have a few Babylock machines - my workhorse is a Babylock Aria, and I love it. Although, I'm not a brand snob - you have to find a machine that works for you that you can understand! My best advice is to TEST DRIVE the machine before you buy it! Any machine dealer will be able to help you do that. :)

[@carolf5922]

Thanks Becca!

[@lamoredavidson7007]

Hello Carol

[@carolinesmercantile4290]

May want to mention that when you press your fabric, that you do not introduce water, steam or starch, which could shrink your fabric.