Scant Verses 1/4-Inch Seams - Great Quilting Debate with Leah Day

Should you piece quilts with a scant seam or an accurate 1/4-inch seam allowance? Learn more about this confusing quilting term in this Great Quilting Debate with Leah Day. Read more here: leahday.com/ep...
Hello My Quilting Friends is a podcast created by Leah Day that is all about quilting, running a creative business, and finding balance between work, quilts, and life. Find all the episodes published so far right here: leahday.com/pa...
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[@sharondauz880]

I really like the video version of the podcast. Thank you for all you do to educate us all.

[@LeahDay]

You're super welcome Sharon! I really enjoy it!

[@johnrivers5003]

Love the podcasts. I listen if I'm sewing but sometimes watch on KZbin as an alternative to bedtime reading... lol.

[@LeahDay]

LOL! Does that mean I'm putting you to sleep???

[@marcialarson7617]

I like watching your podcast video’s, I’m a visual person and learn by watching! Thanks for all your video’s.

[@LeahDay]

That's great Marcia! I'll keep them coming!

[@charlottec7331]

I like watching on KZbin. I love watching people in their kitchen.

[@LeahDay]

Aw! Thank you!

[@cynthiahitchcock3633]

Hi Leah and family, great podcast, I have finely finished my rainbow quilt, and now I am starting on the prism quilt, I love how you show us on utube, I am visiusal

[@cynthiahitchcock3633]

Oops didn’t mean to press that button, as I was saying I like to watch and learn, I bought your iBook, I’ve read it, but I still understand it better when you show how it’s done. If you ever have a chance, I would like you to show us how a twisted bargello is put together. Love all your shows have learnt a lot about quilting and love all the podcasts. Happy Sewing to you and family.

[@LeahDay]

That's wonderful Cynthia! I'm so happy to hear you've joined in so many quilts! I'll have to think about a twisted Bargello! I don't think I've ever tried one!

[@taft7877]

I'm a self taught sewist/quilter so I really appreciate the information you have shared in this video. I have always known pressing was an issue for me but always thought seams had to be pressed to one side. I'm going to give your methods a try on my next project and see how I do. Thanks for another great video, Leah.

[@LeahDay]

You're very welcome. There's always more than one way to do everything. Just find what works best for you.

[@cindywhitsett8244]

I'm one of those that switches up when and how I listen to you. Sometimes on the weekends I will catch up and watch you. I prefer that. Other times, I'm on the road, and only get the audio version. Thanks for offering both!

[@LeahDay]

You're super welcome Cindy! I'm the same way with the podcasts I listen / watch.

[@robynhenderson7753]

I love listening and watching at the same time... love watching you on KZbin!

[@LeahDay]

Excellent Robyn! I'm so happy to hear that!

[@joannedonovan9489]

I love that comment ... starting on the right foot!! Too cute!!

[@LeahDay]

LOL! Sometimes I don't even catch it when I make a pun like that!

[@TheLadycopeck]

For me Tried many things to be able to make a good true 1/4 inch seam......but getting a 1/4 inch foot was the trick for me. Love your videos. Thanks for all you do for all us quilting friends! By the way, I even love BLT salad too..

[@LeahDay]

That's excellent June!

[@briteddy9759]

I watch your podcasts on KZbin. This is because of the show and tell aspect in the introduction of the podcasts. I do listen to regular podcasts also. The key for me is that it is an app that allows me to increase the speed. I use x2 unless the speaker is not clear. I enjoyed this debate. What I take away is that the focus is in the wrong place. It is not about scant or or exact 1/4” seam allowance, but what gets you accuracy and consistency. Thank you for an informative podcast.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Brit! You have it exactly right - size and finished shape is the important thing here. Measure and check just to be sure.

[@frankoverman9543]

Hi, you're one of the folks whose videos I queue up on KZbin to play for my wife and I to watch on Roku. We're a few weeks short of our 39th wedding anniversary. We've been a couple since Spring of our Jr year in highschool (knew each other since 4th grade. I'm learning to machine quilt. Over the 30 years she's been quilting, she's finished more tops than quilts. We have a lot of PIGs in the house for me to deal with! I've got a lot of catching up to do!

[@LeahDay]

Yes you do Frank!!! I do too so maybe we should quilt them all together?

[@mafisk67]

I spent 3 days trying to get a pieced block to come out to 9.5 inches and no matter what I tried it was always short. I heard about scant quarter, moved my needle over and got the right size every time. When dealing with many pieces in a block - scant made ALL the difference for me. Personally, I am sold on it. To each their own :)

[@LeahDay]

Absolutely! Do what works for you and stick with it!

[@mafisk67]

It was my first ever quilt and I had spent hours designing 9 inch blocks to make up the Marshall Islands flag and decided to surround it with Ohio Stars... I had no choice but to make them 9” finished as they HAD to match the flag blocks I had spent so long creating. I was pulling my hair out (being such a newb). After constant resizing of the individual pieces I just could not get it right. I was glad (in my case) a friend mentioned scant and it took me a bit to figure out what it was but it did help. I wish I could get them the right size using a standard quarter, I can only assume there is some small item off on my machine..

[@kountrystitcher]

I know this video is old but you definitely have given me a lot to think about! I’m a complete newbie and have yet to make an entire quilt because I end up abandoning the one I’m so desperately trying to piece! I have been watching tons of videos and I’m getting tons of conflicting information it’s making my head hurt! One very reputable quilter says to throw the 1/4 inch foot away because it’s not accurate at all! I’m going to take all the things I’ve learned from you, even the pressing my seams open debate!, and do some practice piecing. You have given me renewed hope that I can actually make a quilt! 🤞🏻

[@LeahDay]

Yes, there are more opinions in the quilting world than leaves on the average tree and yes, everyone thinks they are RIGHT! LOL! The best thing to do is find what works for you with the least frustration. That might also include finding the right teachers too whose info and education makes the most sense to you. Not saying I have all the answers or am always right, but I do always try to explain the WHY behind my opinions, rather than just "This is the ONLY way to do it!" LOL!

[@stephpennell129]

Love both ways your so interesting to listen to and watch

[@LeahDay]

That's great Steph!

[@julieloaney-brown1975]

I have been trying to get a proper scant for weeks and it added to my anxiety level. I didn’t want to sew any more. This rant on scant has been therapy for me. Honest. Thank you from Down Under.

[@LeahDay]

LOL! I'm so happy to hear that. Never let anything stop you from enjoying this lovely craft. There is nothing to get anxious about. It's just fabric and thread after all!

[@koojiebear8464]

Scant! LOL! Love the video podcast - I'm more of a viewer than a listener. This was a very interesting debate - definitely something for me to try more still testing different ways. Have been taught not to open seams and recently I have done both ways as a test which isn't as good for accuracy having a mix but it definitely cuts down on bulk. The stitch length is a very interesting point because I didn't realise what a difference it makes. Must make more of an effort to remember to open seams with the next quilt!!! Cheers xx

[@LeahDay]

I'm so happy you found this helpful Kerry! Lots of different little things go into a quilt block, not just the seam. It's a lot to take in, but once you get used to changing your stitch length and prepping fabric it becomes a habit you don't even think about.

[@koojiebear8464]

I've already taken the starch on board thanks to one of your debates. Still working on the ratio that I prefer - and not like cardboard stiff! LOL but somewhere in between - I've made a note and using an old bathroom cleaner spray (washed!) it does a good job - for a fraction of the price. That also helps me with regard to accuracy. I'm getting there!

[@marykestrydom8358]

Thank you so much for this debate. I couldn't figure out what a scant 1/4inch was. I was so worried about my quilting would be wrong that I considered buying the Bernina foot #57 with guide. I also bake my Bacon. I like you tube can watch or listen depending on what I do

[@LeahDay]

I'm so glad you found this helpful Maryke! That's great!

[@carolynlewis1264]

I like to watch the pods.

[@LeahDay]

Awesome Carolyn!

[@debmetheral6596]

Thx Leah I am a visual person!

[@LeahDay]

You're very welcome deb!

[@stephanieburnett413]

Lmbo! Last part of the video is awesome! 😂😂 Love your videos. I'm a KZbin subscriber. :)

[@LeahDay]

LOL! I'm so glad you liked that!

[@timdiannedeller2663]

Hi Leah This is the first of your Podcasts I have seen and thoroughly enjoyed it. I aim for perfection when quilting but that is what I do. Having said that I dismiss the scant 1/4” rule and agree that you can work with any seam allowance as long as you are consistent. Another issue which comes to mind regarding accuracy is the placement of the ruler when cutting fabric for piecing. Where should you line up the edge of the ruler? If you are not consistent here you could get into trouble just as you could do with 1/4” seams or scant 1/4” seams. Should the markings on the ruler cover the fabric or should the fabric be slightly in front of the marking or slightly behind it. Placement of your rotary cutter blade could also make a difference by a ‘thread width’. I don’t worry about it but am consistent in the way I cut, but if friends were to share the cutting task there could be differences. Interesting?

[@LeahDay]

Yes! So much goes into the accuracy of your seam. How I was taught was to INCLUDE the line on the ruler when you make your cut, UNLESS the lines are really wide with a line marked in the middle (some rulers are marked super weird). I've intentionally only purchased rulers with very thin lines in black and I include that black line with the cut. And yes, consistency is the key to this. Use one brand of rulers only and that will save you some headaches too.

[@susiekaiser1]

Yea! Potatoes fried in bacon grease are the BEST! I'm from the south, too.But now we live in Seattle so people will look at us like we are crazy when they hear this.

[@LeahDay]

LOL! I rendered two huge jars of lard from fat back last week for frying pancakes and hushpuppies. How many people would scream in horror at that idea? I love it!

[@martylittle5540]

I used a scant quarter on a quilt that was supposed to turn out into 32 inch x 32 inch. I ended up with 33 x 33

[@martylittle5540]

Also I forgot to change my needle position at start up and portions were scant and portions were not. All my blocks were supposed to be on point. Didn't happen that way tho 😅

[@LeahDay]

Yeah, scant is tricky! The best way to learn precise piecing is to measure each seam as you stitch them. Then you can see if you're getting off and make adjustments, or redo the seams if they are way too big or way too small.

[@chrisburdick9665]

It helps when the 1/4" Patchwork foot is accurate. I've had many generic feet that made too wide a seam or too slim so I would have to fudge the needle to the left or right a click or two, but the #37 Bernina foot is the most accurate I've ever had. Using this, I can almost piece with my eyes closed and get a very accurate seam. It's so satisfying.

[@LeahDay]

I know, I love that about it! Now I'm playing around with a new machine and hunting for a good piecing foot. It's a challenge!

[@winterzee]

Getting a consistent scant quarter inch seam is very hard for me. So I went to the quarter inch one and ending up with blocks a tad smaller than the pattern expects.

[@LeahDay]

That's the best thing! Find what works and go with it!

[@sidmelucci3675]

Bacon grease (or lard) has ONE-THIRD the cholesterol of butter. Yes, 1/3. Yes, butter has three times the cholesterol of lard (or bacon grease). You don't believe it? I'm not surprised. I didn't believe it at first--not until I had looked it up in three different places.

[@LeahDay]

Trust me, I'm a bacon grease fanatic, but you wouldn't believe how many people have been convinced it's bad for them. If my grandma cooked with it and fried fish with it and lived to be 88 (and hardly took care of herself a bit) then it's good enough for me!

[@deborahoskwarek1059]

Leah, Can you purchase an acrylic see-thru quilting foot for your machine? I have one for my Viking and couldn't sew without it. It's easier to see if your fabric isn't running "perfectly" under the foot at the edge. Thanks for all your tips on accuracy, it's really making me feel in control and very happy with my work! Deborah

[@christiegilmore8494]

You can get a quarter inch foot for your Juki on Amazon it is a quarter inch foot for a Janome 1600 p but it fits the Juki I have a TL 2000 that I just bought and it's perfect just thought I'd let you know

[@LeahDay]

Awesome Christie! Thank you for sharing!

[@nancypollard4531]

SCANT! yes. I hear it that way too. LOL Thanks for giving me permission to stop obsessing over something that seemed silly to me but I thought I HAD to master it. Love your podcasts. What are your thoughts on rotary cutting vs die cutting? Is anything considered cheating? Precuts vs yardage? Having a quilt sent out for quilting and binding vs doing it yourself? I have opinions on all these things. I'm curious about what others think.

[@jennanimmo9934]

nancy pollard I agree. I am currently making an extremely complex paper pieced quilt and never considered this method as "cheating". I would be interested in hearing what is and is not considered to be "cheating" as opposed to different methods.

[@LeahDay]

LOL! I love that I'm not the only one that hears it that way! I love your suggestions too. No, I don't consider anything cheating, but I'm sure that could spark a lot of debate. I'll add these to my list!

[@LeahDay]

What about machine embroidery? I used to consider that cheating until I tried it, then I just thought it was plain awesome amazing. Hmm...this is a really good topic!

[@nancypollard4531]

I have an embroidery machine and yes I have used it to label my quilts. It's pretty darn amazing. I do believe that whatever tool one uses to complete their vision is not a cheat. After all there is definitely skill involved in machine embroidery and die cutting for that matter. I imagine there are some that believe machine quilting isn't authentic. Oh dear I'm starting the debate already. ;)

[@junecleary4449]

Hi Leah, I have never attempted patchwork and my sewing skills are almost non existent but have decided to learn. This debate intrigues me. What if you had one block that consisted of a lot of pieces and one with only a few and you sewed a scant quarter inch on both, would the unfinished blocks line up accurately? How would it differ if you didn't sew a scant quarter inch?

[@LeahDay]

Nope, the seams would definitely not line up. As you stitch each seam you will piece 1 thread width less on the scant seams and exactly 1/4 inch on the accurate seams. So it might not be a problem for the center of the block, but as you add more pieces and more seams, the more they will become off. Example - If your seams are off by 1/16 of an inch and you have 16 pieces forming the width of your block, your block will finish 1 inch smaller than it should. It doesn't sound like a lot - 1 thread width at a time - but it adds up quickly!

[@junecleary4449]

Thank you for replying. You must be the only one that acknowledges everyone. Wow! So in other words, if I don't mind my block or indeed the whole quilt being smaller I can just sew a regular quarter right through each block? Is that the only side effect?

[@jc4food]

I have a question a bit off topic of the subject line for your video. Do you have an opinion on how to accoint for the width of the quilting ruler markings when measuring to cut fabric? So far as I have figured is to just be consistent with where on the marking lines I line up the fabric (i hope i said all that in an understandable way.)

[@LeahDay]

I always include the line with the cut. Some rulers are designed to have the line in the middle and I simply don't use those rulers because they are not clear and therefor not accurate in my opinion. I really like the Quilter's Select rulers because the lines are very thin and obviously designed so the entire thickness of the line is included with the piece you're cutting.

[@jc4food]

@@LeahDay Thanks!

[@carolelucielortie8679]

One day i looked at all the videos about 1/4 inch..it drove me nuts..I had to go sleep a few hrs to cure my headache..lol..now the scant 1/4 ohh my god...I will stick to 1/4 inch i found on Amazon a Dritz Quilting measuring Gauge tool this is wonderful..

[@LeahDay]

LOL! Yeah, stick with 1/4 inch and just work one quilt at a time. It gets easier to understand with every quilt you create.

[@mellymb4131]

I have a 1/4” foot for my Brother, but I hate it. The fabric isn’t fully over the right feed dog when I use it. So I use the edge of my regular multi-purpose foot & move the needle to 5.5. ☺️

[@LeahDay]

If it works, stick with it! Thank you for sharing Melissa.

[@Last_Green_Man]

That ending, though: 36:22

[@kathyvalentine1543]

Thank you for this video. I am a beginner, I bought a quarter inch foot and then I kept hearing about the scant thing! I drove myself nuts thinking y do they sell quarter inch feet if u are supposed to use a scant ? I bought a triangle template from Missouri star quilt co. I watched the video on how to make a Christmas tree table runner. they said use a quarter inch seam, I cut all my fabric , pieced with my quarter inch foot and none of the pieces between the trees lined up. I measured the set of guide lines on the triangle and it was less than a quarter inch! It was a template with a scant quarter inch. I have to start over. Maddening! If I was an experienced quilter I would have measured the inside lines on the ruler and set my machine up prior to sewing.

[@LeahDay]

I'm sorry to hear this Kathy! A lot more goes into the seam than just the seam allowance though. How you prep the fabric first and cut it is important too and I have no idea what was going on with that template! The best thing to do is try lots of different things and find what works for you. Templates are not all created equally. I've found Marti Mitchell's templates to be excellent (From Marti) so please check out hers if you're looking for a very accurate set for just about any shape imaginable.

[@linmac9697]

I like to see and hear you, I don't really understand the whole thing, I like to do the quarter inch seam

[@HWolfe]

linda pattison Me too...that scant stuff drives me batty, well I am anyway. It's either 1/4 inch or its not...lol...

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for letting me know Linda. I still don't even understand it!

[@edwardhugus2772]

I understand it"s consistency that counts, but I have always been told the scant 1/4 inch was for piecing where you had a triangle involved so the point wouldn't get flattened off. Do you still get perfect triangles with a true 1/4 ? (I am thinking od flying geese, quarter square and half square triangles)

[@LeahDay]

Yep, no problem with triangles, but do keep in mind I'm very particular about fabric prep and cutting first. There are a lot of steps to an accurate seam and pointy points. The best bet is measuring your finished piece and measure where the tip of the triangle has ended up along that edge. The tip should be exactly 1/4 inch away from the edge or it will be lopped off.

[@janethomas4885]

1/4” seam all the way! I cook bacon in the oven 400 degrees, 10 minutes then flip and cook another 5-10 minutes. I line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper; it makes cleanup super easy!

[@LeahDay]

Yep, I'm not sure what I said in the video. I was a bit distracted trying to do too many things at once. 375 and usually goes for 12 minutes per side. You don't save your bacon grease? It's the best!

[@shirleyporter7107]

Hi Leah, can you answer this question for me please. If you measure the seam allowance is it suppose to measure 1/4 inch INCLUDING the thread with as well. This is where I get confused in try to find the perfect quarter inch. Thank you

[@LeahDay]

I find that confusing too! I measure the finished size of the piece after the seam has been sewn. It doesn't matter what the seam allowance is so long as the finished piece comes out at the correct size.

[@markwilson1377]

I agree with you 200%, Leah! And I'd like to put in my plug, that if these OCD folks really gave a rat's patoot about PRECISION, then metric sys. measurement should've taken over quilting AGES ago!

[@carolelucielortie8679]

I am still debating guilting to go to a full lenght quilting..some how i feel the quilting to go won't hold as long as a full lenght..

[@LeahDay]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean Carole. What do you mean by full length?

[@GypsyWomanWindy]

I agree!! Bacon makes everything better haha and I bake mine as well.

[@LeahDay]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing!

[@theresamorgan1033]

When I sew I like just listening.....

[@LeahDay]

That makes sense to me. I love making both versions of the show just in case.

[@darlenefarmer5921]

I actually program my sewing machine to do a scant seam...works better for me.

[@LeahDay]

That's great Darlene! Do what works best for you!

[@craftsglidersandthings3395]

I like the videos to see all the pretties.

[@LeahDay]

Yeah, I really have been turning it into a show and tell haven't I? LOL!

[@joannedonovan9489]

I have learned that if you sew a 2" square to another 2" square, after sewing & pressing (I press open, too), it should be 3 1/2". If not, your quarter inch seam is off.

[@LeahDay]

That's exactly right! Add the numbers together, then subtract 1/2 inch to get what it should be after piecing.

[@maryannmcnees2464]

I like to see you, I don't seem to follow along as well. So I want to see what you are talking about!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you MaryAnn! That's good to know!

[@lindafowler1738]

I also bake bacon in the oven but 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Also I cut 3 pieces in half then weave them into a square, place a small wire rack over them, bake for 20 minutes which makes it perfect for BLTs. No scant 1/4 inch for me. I just use my 1/4 inch foot.

[@LeahDay]

Ooo - woven BLT! Perfect!

[@taft7877]

The bacon square...genius!

[@lindafowler1738]

Taft I saw it on the internet somewhere last year. Only way we do blts now

[@Saucyakld]

My foot on my Elna is a generous 1/4", my Pfaff a scant so can't change sewing machines. You are making my mouth water, love bacon. But we had a power cut for 48 hours and the fridge stuff had to be grown out. If I had an inkling would've chucked all in the freezer. Arghhh!!!!

[@LeahDay]

I never though of that issue, but you're right - that would definitely make it impossible to change machines. Sorry about the bacon cravings! I hope you got power restored and your fridge restocked. On the bright side - fresh condiments!

[@gypsysmom7096]

Yes Leah, pork fat rules !

[@LeahDay]

Oh yeah! Give me some fish and I'll fry it up any day!

[@lounastars224]

I do listen on KZbin. I listen my 3 year old watches.

[@LeahDay]

Aw! That's great! I remember James at that age.

[@kayewiishart6750]

As I hate cooking I zap my bacon in the microwave between kitchen paper.

[@LeahDay]

Hey, if it works, it works!

[@carolelucielortie8679]

I just saw a video of a Lady explaining the scant 1/4 like spare me.for god sake it is by a point.I could not be bothered..just take your rules and cut of that skimpy part of material if you have to to even it out..

[@LeahDay]

It's really down to what you want to obsess about! LOL! For some, it's 1 thread width of fabric!

[@carolelucielortie8679]

Well i sure wont obsess about it..to stressing and time consuming as it is..thank you Leah for your debates..and answering..cause it helps our headaches..LOL!!!

[@johnm6972]

Scant = sew can't or so can't get it.

[@LeahDay]

LMAO! I LOVE that!

[@doyoder2776]

KZbin

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Jo!

[@denisepineda1788]

I hate the whole scant quarter inch thing. It is ridiculous.

[@LeahDay]

I'm in complete agreement Denise!

[@marianvanmeter6824]

Scant should be a 4 letter word😱

[@LeahDay]

It is to me!!!