How important is a 1/4" seam?

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Originally Posted by Denis

Cathryn,

Most standard presser feet that come with sewing machines when you buy them are NOT 1/4" quilting feet. More times than not, this is a foot you have to buy seperately. Sometimes a dealer may include one with the deal, most times, as I said, they don't. You're dealer should have them in stock or you can look around on Ebay or sewing machine parts suppliers for a foot that is "specific" for your machine. "Specifis" is a key word as a lot of feet are not interchangeable between different brands. I have a Janome, and I need to buy Janome feet only; possibly Kenmore may work for me.

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I have a pfaff, it did come with a few feet but no designated quilting foot.

There is a definite 1/4" spot on my universal presser foot. I don't think I'd buy a special foot since it's not too hard to line up with that spot. Now that I KNOW where I need to line up to make it 1/4".

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Originally Posted by Cat n bull

I made some neckties tonight for a birthday party, so I checked and my 1/4" universal foot is DEFINITELY more than 1/4"! I am going to use the lines on paper method to see where the 1/4" is.

I have spools and spools and spools of serger thread, not the greatest stuff for quilting!

I still plan to start SIMPLE with many similar sized pieces. And I plan to use starch before I cut. Still can't imagine cutting out EVERY single piece first!

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I would go for consistency on the seam widths first- accuracy comes with practice. I always cut one block and make it first. Then I measure, and if it's the correct size, I cut the rest ,all at one time. If it doesn't measure out right, I've only wasted fabric for that one block.
It becomes really important to have an accurate 1/4" seam when you begin to swap with other quilters. Then everyone's blocks need to be the same size so they all fit together. Just remember, practice makes perfect. Don't stress, it's your quilt, you can make it any way that you want to! Main thing is- Just enjoy. There are no quilt police.

Whew - my quilting teacher said - if you can, fudge it to make it work. So far I like her philosophy! This is a hobby of mine and I can be a perfectionist (as in my seams must line up good enough for me to proceed and that means they have to be almost perfect). But if I gotta do a little stretching... so be it. That being said, I have ripped out quite a few in my day. Some times stretching it won't let the fabric lay flat enough for fudging.

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Originally Posted by KatiesQuiltingCorner

Even 1/4" quilting feet can be off! You still have to check them. If I want a scant 1/4 I have to nudge my needle over even using my 1/4" foot.

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I am constantly forgetting to nudge my needle over. I should put a sticky note up!!