Correct Seam Allowance

The seam allowance is the distance between the seam line (stitching line)

that joins 2 pieces of fabric together and the cut edge of the fabric.

Almost all piecing of quilt blocks use a ¼ inch seam allowance.

If you use exact ¼ inch seams, your block will probably come out

to small. The reason for this is that some fabric is lost in the turn of

the cloth when you press the block pieces open. You need to learn

to use a scant ¼ inch seam allowance.

To do this you will need to place a marker on the throat plate

of your machine. Don’t rely on the special ¼ inch sewing foot.

Always determine the scant ¼ inch for yourself.

The easiest way to determine this is to cut a strip of graph

paper about 5 squares wide. Be sure to cut directly on one of the

lines. Take the graph paper to your machine and insert your needle

just inside the first line on the paper. Then mark next to the edge of

the paper with a piece of tape. This will be your scant ¼ inch.

When you stitch block pieces together be sure and keep the edges

of the fabric next to the tape.

Those of you who have a machine that you can move the needle

Position on, can set your scant seam allowance by just moving the

needle to the farthest inside position. This will make a scant ¼ inch

seam allowance. See picture below.

Be sure and change to your zig zag foot before trying this.

Every type of machine is different. So, it’s hard to tell you which method

is best for your machine. You will just have to play with some scraps till

you find the method that works for you. One other thing that I want to

mention, it do not let go of the end of your fabric as it goes through the

needle, hold it in place with the point of your seam ripper, a tooth pick,

or what ever works for you. If you let go of it, it may widen the seam

allowance and the end of the pieces.