How wide is your seam allowance?

[Margo]

If you are planning to do the Ruffled Roses BOM, you need to check your 1/4" seam allowance, and make sure that you can do it accurately. If you aren't sure whether or not your 1/4 is just right, you might want to take my simple "TEST" on Webshots. I promise you that it will make your BOM experience a whole lot more fun!

If yours isn't exactly right, find out what's not working. Have you cut your strips exactly right? Have you stitched 1/4"? Have you pressed the strips without any little tucks or curves? All of these are important for an accurate seam allowance, and accuracy really counts on a project with this many pieces that need to fit together!

While you are at it, you might want to try adding starch to your fabric BEFORE you cut your strips. In fact, do a second one without starch on pre-washed fabric and see what a difference it can make. Starch is not mandatory, but you might decide that you like the control it gives you.

Let me know how your test comes out!

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569415726bHNKHF

[Margo]

I know that the starch makes a huge positive difference, but because some of my projects may sit as UFOs for years, I am so afraid that the starch in them might attract bugs. I wouldn't want to launder an unfinished quilt top. So, how do you get around this?

[Margo]

Maybe I'm living in the right part of the world for that problem, because I've never had an issue with bugs in my fabric. :?

I try not to starch more fabric than I need for a project, so I don't have left over pieces to re-wash before I put it back in my stash, and I've never seen critters in my UFOs. But then again, maybe I need to look more carefully?

[eileenkny]

Margo,
I like your test! Isn't it crazy-how such a tiny discrepancy can start the domino effect till you're way, way off? With all the money we spend on these machines, you'd think the manufacturers would make triple sure their measurements are right!!

[Margo]

I know!!! But, I think the machines may be marked correctly, but as quilters we need to allow for something as small as the bulk of the thread when we press our 1/4" seam allowance to one side. If you do this test with a fine thread (like Superior's MasterPiece cotton) and repeat it with a thicker thread (like Superior's King Tut) you will see that even the thickness of the thread can make a tiny difference. With a quilt containing as many pieces as the TQS BOMs have, it really pays to know how to get the seams right.

And remember...the width of the seam allowance doesn't really matter!!! :shock: It's the size of the finished piece after the seams are pressed that counts! Measure each step of the way, and make corrections as needed!

[Margo]

Margo,

Thanks for the instructions. I just finished my sample and much to my surprise. Using the tape line I had a 3 1/2" piece but when I used my 1/4" foot for my designer one my piece measured 3 1/4". Thespot for the quareter inch was just to the left of the feed dog. I did find a foot for my machine that I could use the left edge of. I had thought of a seam guide but there is no hole in the bed of my machine to attach one and I don't know if I could use a magnetic one.
SueW
Upstate NY

[eileenkny]

Sue,
Can you attach some moleskin? I've used it by cutting a rectangle and stacking them where I need them. I have to do the test this week!

[SuperJudy]

We also need to remember that how directly we're seated in front of the sewing machine as well as how we tilt our heads can affect the width of the seam.
(The way you view the seam against the measuring guide.)

[SuperJudy]

I'm going to try the moleskin. I liked my 1/4" foot because it had the metal guide that I ran my fabric next to. I made a practice block today that was suppose to be 6 1/2 " when I was done and it is. In the past it would have been much smaller. Now all I have to do is wait until Saturday.
SueW
Upstate Ny

[eileenkny]

Wow, Sue! When you say upstate, you're not kidding are you? I live near West Point and my Yonkers in-laws tell me I live upstate! lol

[Scoopie]

My January is like December for most people! I go into full swing for my 2 daughters and one DIL, who have birthdays within a week of each other at the end of the month. While working on some very small Seminle book markers, I decided to work as precisely as possible, and do the seam allowence test. I cut four 1" strips and sewed them together using my 1/4" patchwork foot. It measured a perfect 2 and 1/2". Yipee!!!

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana