Take three pieces of fabric that measure 11⁄2" x 6". (make sure that
your cutting is accurate). Sew them together along the long side
with what you think is your scant 1⁄4". Press the seams well (that is
another story).
Top row – Stitch length of 3.0
Middle row – Stitch length of 2.5
Bottom row – Stitch length of 2.0
Lay a quilting ruler ON TOP of the sample. Does it measure 31⁄2"
wide? If not, what is wrong? If the sample is narrower than 31⁄2",
then the seam allowance is too big.
In the examples, you can see that the edge of the fabric extends
to the right of the Quilter’s 1⁄4" Piecing foot P (the front part of
the foot). This results in a seam allowance that is a bit too generous. You can see that when we place the ruler on top of the
sample, the piece is smaller than 31⁄2".
If the sample is too big, then the seam allowances are too small.
Now the seam allowance is too small resulting in the test piece
being too large once the ruler is placed on top of the sample.
Even when “stretched”, the end of the seam allowance is secure with 2.0 stitch length
Yet another sample here (using the Quilter’s 1⁄4" Piecing foot P),
the edge of the foot gives a nice scant 1⁄4" seam allowance. The
test piece is exactly 31⁄2".
Imagine you're making a block with a lot of seams. If that seam
allowance is not correct, you will end up with a very different
sized block than you’re supposed to have.
While there are numerous gadgets and guides on the market
to help with the scant quarter inch, I find that if you do a bit of
work up front and use the foot on the sewing machine, you will
have no problem with accuracy.
A few threads are taken as the fabric folds over the seam allowances, hence
the need for a SCANT 1⁄4", not an exact 1⁄4"
Depending on the 1⁄4" foot and settings on the sewing machine,
you may have to move the needle to get the scant 1⁄4" seam allowance. Alternatively, you may have to move the fabric slightly
away from the edge of the foot or flange. The key is to TEST so
you know what position your fabric needs to be in, in order to
get that accurate and consistent seam allowance.
Quilter’s 1/4" Piecing foot P
Because each sewing machine and/or foot can be very different,
it's important you sew the same project on the same machine
with the same foot. However I found that I started using several
different sewing machines and it became an issue to remember
which project had been started on which sewing machine and
with which foot.
Four different styles of 1⁄4" piecing feet for the Husqvarna Viking sewing machines
Seam allowance test sample is TOO SMALL
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issue 4
I found the Quilter’s 1⁄4" Piecing foot P and I fell in love with it.
There is a hole in the center of the foot which means that I do
NOT rely on the needle position or any setting on the sewing
machine for my scant 1⁄4" seam allowance. I use the EDGE of the
The fabric extends beyond the edge of the 1⁄4" foot