Today we are going to delve into accurate seam allowance. The seam allowance is the area between the fabric edge and the line of stitches. Do you know the most accurate seam allowance? Read through our post to learn more.

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Accurate Seam Allowances

Super accurate seam allowances are extremely important. The most accurate seam allowance actually is less than ¼-inch. This is referred to as a scant ¼-inch seam allowance. This scant ¼-inch compensates for the fabric taken up in the fold and around the thread when you press your seams. Confirm that your stitching is a scant ¼-inch by doing the following.

First, in your kit are several 1 ½-inch squares cut on a laser cutter. Take five of these and sew them together. Then press the seams open. The finished set of five should measure EXACTLY 5 ½-inches.

If your set does not measure 5 ½-inch, adjust your seam allowance and try with another five pieces of fabric until it does. If you’ve adjusted your needle position, make a note of that position on the sewn fabrics and keep these with your machine (tuck it in with the accessories). If you adjusted where the fabrics are fed under the presser foot, use painter’s tape or an adhesive seam guide on your needle plate to mark this new seam allowance. Do all of your piecing using this guide, and your finished blocks should be much more accurate.

Sewing Machines and More at Jukebox Quilts

Do you feel ready to tackle more accurate seam allowances? We hope you can use our blog as a resource to help you learn more tools for creating an expert quilt.

Have you stopped by Jukebox Quilts in Fort Collins? We have everything you need to quilt, whether you’re just getting started or already an expert quilter, take a look at our selection of quilting supplies, including: batting, sewing machines, paper and digital quilting patterns, thread, and more!

To learn more about quilting, make sure you check out some of our other blog posts:

By: Kelly Gallagher-Abbott from Jukebox Quilts