Sewing an accurate seam allowance is the number one thing I believe quilters need to get right. It’s not about being picky and perfect points. You guys know that I am not about that. But this is my number one for a reason. If your seam allowance is too shallow, your seam can come apart. If they are too deep, you will start getting bulky seams and losing block size. An accurate seam allowance equals a strong quilt and makes sure they will stand the test of time. This tutorial will show you how to sew a perfect 1/4″ seam.

Read on for the tutorial on how sew a perfect 1/4″ seam

I’ve mostly been dressmaking and free motion quilting lately so haven’t had to pay much attention to my ¼” seam allowance. Last week while I was sewing my first and second Project 48 blocks (which by the way is so much fun – I love this group so much. If you haven’t joined us yet, you totally should) and I noticed that my seam allowances were out. These blocks required accuracy and so I set about to reseting my seam allowance guide.

How to set your seam allowance guide

Materials  required

[1] 6½” square of fabric
[1] 1″ x 6½” strip of fabric in a contrasting print or colour
Washi tape (or a coloured masking/quilters/painters tape)
General sewing supplies, including a square ruler, rotary cutter and mat.

Instructions

Step one: check out the seam allowance guides on your plate. This is our starting point. Now, place a ruler with ¼” markings under your foot, lower it to secure the ruler in place and set your needle straight on down to the first ¼” line. You can see in my picture that there is a little bit of a difference in these two. And that my foot is fluffy – remind me to clean that later!

Step two: place a length of washi tape down against the ruler to create your guide. You might be wondering why there is a difference between the guide and the ruler. It’s because we are going to create a ¼” seam allowance which includes the thread. This is what’s called a scant ¼” seam allowance and can make all the difference to your seams. That teeny tiny little bit of a difference adds up over 400 squares and seams.

Step three: cut your 6½” square in half with a rotary cutter to create two rectangles. Insert the contrasting strip by sewing each side of the strip to each rectangle. Press your seams inwards. They should just meet in the middle.

Step four: check your seam allowance is accurate by measuring your block. If you have it right, it will measure 6½” square and your strip will be exactly ½” wide. If your block is short, simply move your guide closer to the needle. If your block is too big, move your guide further away from the needle.

Three other tips on how to sew a perfect 1/4″ seam

• Cutting your fabric: when you slice your fabric with a rotary cutter and ruler, you should always line it up against the ruler and not your mat. Where possible cut with the grain of your fabric to avoid warping when handling the fabric.
• Thread weight: your thread is included in the quarter inch seam. Depending on if you are using a thick or thin thread you may need to adjust your guide.
• Pressing: whether you press your seams to the side or open, you should have a hot iron, press seams as you go and press carefully to avoid puckers and pleats. When pressing, you will need to do it firmly, but not so much that you warp the fabric. A spray of your favourite starch (I love Mary Ellen’s Best Press) will assist you to get lovely flat seams.

I hope this technique helps you sew a perfect ¼” seam allowance. Let me know in the comments if this works for you or if you have any tips to add.