How to Get a Perfect Quarter Inch Seam Allowance Every Time with Rob Appell

[@patcorona5979]

Wow! As a beginner I’m trying to absorb all that I can. Blew me away that the seam size can be affected by the thread weight, size and fabric. Blew me away. It makes a lot of sense. So much sense. Thank you for sharing.

[@MareeMcCormack]

I love that you, as a male, have developed a passion for sewing, quilting and patchwork. I taught sewing for 30 + years to high school students, male and female. Often the males developed better skills than the females, but unfortunately, they did not follow through and continue sewing. Peer pressure? Anyway, as I said I love that you have taken to it wholeheartedly and show your love of the craft through your videos. Great job!

[@yevoonecreasey4594]

Thank You 🌻 Awsome lesson!! I always lear something new when I watch your videos.. All the way from Man Sewing !! Keep on teaching!!!

[@lauraparadis8190]

Thank you for this tutorial. This helped me find the perfect 1/4" for my sewing quilt blocks. I now get the perfect block!

[@sprklhair]

Hey Rob! I started quilting about 4 years ago, give or take. I subscribed to your "Man Sewing". learned a lot and very grateful. what happened to your Man sewing Chanel? I'm sure this is old news, and since my quilting journey has improved I have brached out to quite a few sewing chanels. There is only so much time in a day to spend on my computer. love your style. and yes, I will subscribe to your new site! Keep stitching!

[@cbubucsbasketball1510]

To set my edge guide, I use an index card. Draw a line 1/4” from the edge. Pierce with your needle directly on the line. Move your guide to the edge of the card and tighten. Perfect every time! I keep the card near my machine so I can quickly rest the guide whenever I need to.

[@vcollins5114]

This sounds so much simpler than what this gentleman just had to put himself thru!

[@wmarks34]

Thank you! As a beginner quilter I struggle with 1/4” seam allowance. This will certainly help me to be accurate 🤗

[@annmariecaparrotta6566]

I too use the tape marking (love it) and yes I have tried the sample sew out to verify my 1/4” seam. I am a seam open person and it definitely makes a difference - same setup with nesting seams I was off my 1/4” then opened my seam and it was perfect-

[@markwagner4909]

I learned this way when I first started quilting. The ladies at the quilt shop showed me

[@MapleNutDesigns]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been quilting for 3 months now, so this really helps!!

[@karoliyer4860]

Hi Rob…. So good to see you back on…… I’ve watched since man sewing…….thanks for the tip on 1/4” seams…..

[@Tanya99503]

That’s great…. Thank you, it’s been a struggle for me. Now will be part of my set-up!

[@lisabehun1696]

I did this today to make sure I was set up for my next quilt. I’m fairly new to quilting and can’t wait to see if it makes a difference with my elusive 1/4”.

[@KathleenGingles]

I like that you where willing to admit that you where wrong and that you learn how to correct your seam allowance. Your cool dude.

[@krisvanallen]

I think that accounting for the thread and the fold at the seam helps remind us why the "scant" 1/4 inch seam works best.

[@sandramichaud8033]

A good basic lesson never gets old. Liked and subscribed

[@madhavidharankar]

That was fantastic! Having personal quarter inch is so relevant!

[@kathykelley6937]

I’ve had a bernina 770 for almost 3 years I thought I had a scant figured out then when I learned how it’s amazing how much of a difference it makes thank you

[@pamkenniston2128]

Could you share hiw to measure ascant 1/4" seam? I usually just guess. Thanks

[@melgrazano]

I thought I was the only one who couldn't get 1/4 inch right. Changes all the time. Thanks I'll give a try.

[@carolynmills513]

You're not alone. And sewing a straight line...😢

[@WhirlyPearly]

Thanks for making me feel part of a club 🙄

[@bettyperry6978]

I just love your energy u always make me smile and I learn alot from u ty ty 4 being U😊❤

[@mrgarner4796]

Thanks Rob. It is important to keep the 1/4 inch seam allowance spot on. Appreciate your video.

[@joannecarlow2153]

I am not very good at precise 1/4” seams so thank you for this demonstration. I will give it a try.

[@vickiewilliams3259]

Yes, this is the only way to go if you need a perfect quarter inch. Your seam allowance can change from project to project just because of the material you're using and your thread. I will do it if I know it makes a difference to how the quilt will turn out - but I usually just measure the middle strip to see that it's an exact inch. Thanks for the video - really enjoy them!

[@paulahastings7865]

I just started quilting. I'm going to do this! Very helpful!

[@CootiePootieTootie]

That's neat! I always use the clear green needle ruler with the magnet 😊

[@sandi_SatinDoll]

Thank you Rod. I appreciate this lesson. Sandi in California ❤

[@lindamusgravebever4620]

That's a great idea! I have gone to workshops and been so frustrated I almost stopped quilting because it had to be an exact 6.5" block and mine were ALWAYS less. Thank you for this. That particular quilt is getting a "Linda's Close Enough Adjustment", but all others that are finicky will get this!.

[@TheJAG1357]

This is such a great video. Thank you for sharing this method. I will try it! I always appreciate your videos ❤

[@juliegray7658]

My first visit to this site. I love the enthusiasm. What fun!!!

[@amybigbee9425]

Debbie Caffrey would start every class with that technique!

[@dianakranning9843]

That's for sharing how to test for your 1/4 inch seams. Have a great weekend!

[@gomezpnp]

I made a strip piece yesterday and it was right on! So I inadvertently used this method and it worked.

[@HellenaHanbasquet]

This is excellent. I'm not a quilter, but this would still be so beneficial to garment and bag making. I've had patterns go wonky in the past and I would imagine it had a lot to do with not having a correctly set seam guide.

[@carold1280]

Great demo! I do this every time I have to remove the guide to clean under the throat plate or change the bobbin. It makes such a huge difference to the blocks and now my points aren’t cut off and the blocks are the right size🎉 worth the extra time it takes. I use a purple stick on strip called Sewing Edge which works great.

[@MimisQuest]

Thanks Rob. I'm a beginner and this has been very useful. Will calibrate tonight 😀

[@susanlatulippe-k2g]

thank yo for the great tip, I am starting a new quilt with my grand daughter and I will definitely calibrate for my seam allowance.

[@hollywaddell6727]

And show your granddaughter how to do it while you’re at the machine together. Thank you for being patient and eager to teach another generation the joys of sewing.

[@frontofficed.burnell-power6288]

Bonnie Hunter has demoed this often throughout the years. It is good to know so many tried and true practices are passed on to the next gen of quilters even tho the gadgets change.

[@fransak2723]

Yes! I’ve seen her do it several times too. Just have to remember to put it into practice.

[@JustCallMeCB]

I don’t quilt but this is still so useful for so many other projects. Thanks!

[@CootiePootieTootie]

Nice to find you again!

[@nitababcock3977]

Awesome, I hvnt done this but guess what... When I get back n the sewing room today or tomorrow, I'll b doing this!

[@SundaysChild100]

Rob I have done this for years and it’s worth the time it takes to do it. Thanks for this video!!!!!

[@pamkenniston2128]

Wish i had seen this earlier. I'm piecing 3x5 and 3x10 strips around a 5" square. My seam ripper has gotten a workout in trying to get uniform sized blocks. Some of it was the strips i cut were a little wonky and the rest was inconsistent 1/4" seams. Doesnt take much to throw off a whole project. Thanks for the tips Rob!

[@lauriedutcher5676]

I am going to test my seams right now! Excellent video and explanation 🥰

[@ElizabethMoses-jy1js]

Thank you! My seams have always been slightly larger and I’ve always wondered why. I’m going to do some experimenting as you’ve shown here with my machine.

[@deewinston5651]

Thank you Rob. I’m still learning.❤

[@michelletothill8551]

This is a great refresher for me. I have been doing improve quilts where accuracy is not important. A quilting cruise with you sounds like lots of fun.

[@marymccumber9084]

Thank you so much for this information. I have struggled with quarter inch seams for years. Makes perfect sense.

[@petrag.4092]

Thanks for sha🙂ring. Blessings to you and yours.

[@wannabe0001]

Great technique. Thank you! I'm so not good at this 1/4 inch thing. And don't get me started on the "scant" quarter inch! Maybe a tutorial on THAT?

[@lw7967]

You are actually doing a scant 1/4 inch if you are making a perfect 1/4 inch seam. If you were to measure his seams at this point, they would be scant also. The fabric and thread take up space, so that is why a scant 1/4 works. Try his method, but what I do is measure that middle piece. In his case, it should be exactly 1 inch finished. A 1/4 inch seam is vital when using a pattern. Good luck! It will be a game changer once you get it correct.

[@happystitcher1895]

What is that stand up tool holder behind Rob on the shelf? I find I need to do this with each project, thank you for sharing.

[@rnfruita6793]

I have done this works wonders when using different threads and machines.

[@sonyiawinfield3020]

New subscriber I am ready to learn all you can share Thanks

[@ped869xe]

Great Video! I learned this several months ago and have always used it when switching machine, esp. from the cruise's to my home machine. Although I sometimes have had to change from 1/4 to be a little bigger because the one's from the cruise are not always the same as mine.

[@dottyhope7349]

Hey Rob, another great video! Do you ever do an edge to edge quilting. Any chance you might make a video of that? Thank you!❤️

[@D9P323]

This helps ALOT, thanks Rob🎉.....i have her Craftsy class but this part really frustrated me. NOOOW I get it. I'd like to learn accurate cutting of yards and dare I say it, 😳QUILT MATH😳

[@aphillips3602]

I also really struggle with cutting yardage and have a strict only precuts for that reason. So a good clear cut video would be amazing! Also, you mentioned our rulers being off…… 😮……. I never thought that was posssible. 😢

[@jeancornelius6099]

I have a habit of losing my points when quilting. I'm going to do this with my machine to see if my 1/4 inch setting is off. Thank you for this great lesson!!

[@user-rk1ie8lh4l]

Love the quilt in the background! What pattern is it?????

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Thanks for all your tips !!!

[@maureenbaron2288]

I'm making Bird of Paradise! Yes I like that technique...

[@sewingqueen11]

Thank you. I will try this.

[@kyleneary8007]

Never have done but am going to try!

[@Tobiquer1]

love this - your quilters select mats ... they are loveland heavy however how do you securer them to your table?

[@tobidavidge4274]

hi, just wondering if you would let me know where I could find a pattern for the quilt on the wall behind you, and whether you have done a video on it. All the best from Canada!

[@EQHL2005]

I have a new to me sewing machine and I am nervous to sew with it cause I don't to get the 1/4 inch marked, thank you for sharing.

[@kathygannonOBWQF]

Hey Rob. What’s your opinion on pressing open? I do this on all my piecing now since doing one Block wonders soo much. I love the way things lay flat and I don’t have to think about which way to press them. Would love to know what you think?

[@jpowley2691]

Great learning video. I would love to learn how to work with directional fabrics- flying geese, HST’s and QST’s. Thank you!

[@SuperBettyboop23]

Thanks Rob

[@gillianalderson148]

Great 👍🏻 thanks Rob

[@debbiewhite3270]

Great idea

[@rebeccamorris7671]

WoW ! Thank you for this Video.

[@audreynims4940]

I don't have trouble getting good quarter inch seams, but I do have issues with my pieced quilt tops that get used and laundered coming apart along seams. Especially on flannel, but also good quality quilting cotton. I'm considering to increase my allowances to 1/2 inch. Any thoughts?

[@sandragalpin654]

Thanks for sharing!

[@GK-vt4ux]

Do you use double-sided tape for your zippers? And if you do and mistakenly get a bit inside the machine, how do you get it out?

[@deborahsuekenyonweller837]

Do different rulers affect accuracy too? I think olfa lines are fatter so maybe my cuts are a rad bigger, whereby quilters select lines are thinner . Ugh. What do you guys say?

[@lynnelawrence7991]

I was taught to measure the middle section which shoild be 1 inch.

[@suecallen2160]

Wonderful tip! I've tried piecing and am always frustrated by my lack of true quarter-inch seams.

[@marlaatml]

I need a t- shirt like yours.❤❤

[@SusieMonk-jh8tj]

That’s a much cheaper way to accurate 1/4 inch than mu spécial foot. Still reeling from its final cost after shipping and customs. I like Debbie’s way of measuring and cutting before I got my stripology X-Large 👌👌❤❤liked and subscribed

[@susiea8116]

Great video!!

[@joanspiegelman143]

What difference would it make if you were consistent and used the same, albeit slightly off, measurement?

[@MamaShawn-yy5mp]

is there a pattern for that awesome quilt behind you?

[@aprilblood1854]

You have such great shows can you tell us about the quilt behind you? Is there a pattern?

[@catthefabriclover]

I saw this years ago but with a nine patch, this way is better and quicker. Sew, what is a "scant" 1/4 inch seam? Is it just a perfect 1/4 inch? Or less than a 1/4 inch?

[@mickeyoconnell9166]

Great tip ..,

[@amandakirk9765]

I had no idea that that hole was for securing an edge guide!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mphipps9062]

Thanks this is great

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thank you ❤

[@gaylewest7140]

Thanks for sharing

[@marilynlight1427]

How to cut strips of fabric accurate . Is it my ruler and cutting mat ?

[@sharonstacy3371]

I liked this video!!!

[@marthafast4583]

Great video

[@sharonjones6399]

I’m on this. Interesting

[@penelopesummersby5718]

thank you

[@ruthgreenleaves1735]

Your such a cool dude 😍

[@biggarbotanics2574]

what is the quilt in the background called, I have been looking for the pattern, I watched the tutorial on it, and now I cant find it

[@barbaramunoz9217]

I would like to learn how to piece blocks together, square it and have it be the size pattern calls for

[@MossyMozart]

So many other machines and measurements of all kinds need calibration, so it makes perfect sense that seam allowances would have to be also. I never thought of it before. >_

[@rbebut1]

Where were you when I was putting together a bargello quilt. This would have gone a long way in keeping the fabric from waving.

[@elsafischer3247]

Thank you for this hint

[@izziey17]

How do make sure that the tape is even in the first place?