How Important IS That Quarter Inch Seam Anyway

VERY!!

And, I must admit, I have trouble with keeping a quarter inch seam all the time.

I have seen various ways to set up your sewing machine to ensure an accurate quarter inch.
I have two sewing machines, a fairly new Janome (that I use when I'm home) and a 1951 Featherweight (which I use when I travel.)



On the Janome (her name is Jan) I have a "Quarter Inch Foot." When it is in place, move the fabric right along the "blade" the right side.  On my machine, it makes a "scant" quarter inch.  Which works for me.

On my Singer (her name is Miss Ellie) I use a magnetic seam guide.

I used this little ruler to get the placement just right, purchased from Bonnie Hunter's website.

 (Psssst....I'll tell you a little secret...I have no idea what you are supposed to do with this little ruler.  They are sold singly or in multi-packs.  The way I used it I can't imagine why you would want more than one, so obviously I'm missing something.  It has a sticky back ????? If you know, post a comment.  Thanks.)

Regardless of the method you use to get that PERFECT quarter inch seam, you need to test it.

There are lots of videos on You Tube regarding quarter inch seams.  Search for "Checking your quarter inch seam."  This one by Marti Michell seemed the easiest to understand.

And, while we're improving our skills, I watched this video from Shiny Happy World about nesting seams just this morning.   I thought it was VERY helpful.

Happy Sewing

!