Well, in my 20 years of piecing quilt tops, you are the first person on RU-vid or in a quilt class that I have ever seen clearly define and show with a steady camera up close so that you can clearly see what a scant 1/4 inch actually looks like. Those descriptions you listed are all I have ever heard with no demonstration of it . Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!😊
I can't tell you how many video's and blogs I've watched and read but still didn't get what they were saying about the scant quarter inch. I'm thrilled to have found you!!! Your video's are clear and easy to understand. Thank you!!!!
Oh thank you Caroline! I’m so glad to hear that!! When I was learning, I had such a hard time finding the info too, it was something everyone just “talked” about!
Your explanation and demonstration of the scant 1/4" seam was brilliant! I had listened and watched other videos on this but none have ever done it as well as you have.Thank you very much!!
I cannot thank you enough for such a good explanation of a scant 1/4" seam! I immediately hit the like button and subscribed. Your method of teaching resonates with me.
absolutely love your clear, concise, thorough, and no-nonsense way of teaching. You get right to the point and don't waste our time. You also generously share your knowledge and techniques. Very much appreciated!
Very detailed on the scant quarter inch...extreme important. You have nailed the teacing component & have allowed us the viewer to completely understand what is a scan quarter inch. Again big thanks 🇨🇦
I just found your site, you have taught me so much that I guess I have lost over the years, you teach me how to do some things again, I used to teach, now I donate to churches for the needy. I love paper piecing now, I am 76 and turned my small apartment into my sewing studio, I feel you’re bringing me back. I so thank you for bringing my artistry back.❤
I’m almost finished my long awaited scrap Quilt plus “passion fabric of wild flowers “ instead of a solid. My much loved scraps have gently followed I’m totes, for about 20 years. I’m happy I did, I had pretty good taste. You’re quite the inspirational person. If I can figure out how to send you a pic, I shall I. Thank you Tiffany!!
I’m relatively new to your channel; and after watching several of your videos, I’m now a subscriber. Your instruction style is so pleasant and easy to follow. You obviously enjoy piecing and making quilts, and your sincerity in sharing the knowledge you’ve gained comes across as genuine and unpretentious. 😊 I totally agree with you on the importance of sewing a scant 1/4” seam and especially how critical it is to test stitch prior to beginning each project. I also own a Juki TL series machine that’s straight stitch only, e.g. doesn’t have the ability to move the needle position to the right or left of center. However, some of your viewers might appreciate you demonstrating this option as another way to easily achieve a scant 1/4” seam. Of course, I’m assuming that you have another such machine available for this purpose! I’m 73 and been sewing and quilting for about 55 years now. I enjoy watching the younger generation of garment sewers and quilters because I remember my early years when I was learning all this for the first time. I have yet to see any new approaches being offered, but I love seeing the enthusiasm and all the beautiful fabric combinations used in the lovely quilts you all make. Thank you for your wonderful videos, Ms. Ledine!
I actually wrote about that ‘scant 1/4 inch’ on my sewing blog way back in 2014. I couldn’t seem to find any good info on it etc… and even asked a lady at my local sewing store about it. She, who had made many quilts, had no idea what I was talking about. I ended up buying their 1/4” foot for my machine and when I got home I had to laugh because right on the packaging, in small print, it stated that it was also capable of the scant 1/4 inch. My only problem was using it with precut fabric with those darn ‘pinked’ edges. Those pinked points weren’t always consistent, but then neither am I 😂.
Isn't it funny how it seems to be a mystery?? I am in the same boat as you with precuts and the pinked edges. I've always read that you should measure and find where the manufacturer has measured it, either in the "valley" of the cuts or the top tips. I've tried that but it never seems to work out for me that way, maybe I'm too impatient! LOL
Many computerised sewing machines advise you not to have magnetic items near them. An alternative way is to use a bright tape as a guide. Great tutorials.
An important addition for testing: Measure your sample pieces before and after sample seam. For example 2.5" piece sewn to 2.5" piece minus 1/4" means your finished test should measure at 4.5". That is how I verify my scant is as accurate as I can comfortably make it and that my finished pieces will end up true to size. Without this test, my "scant" can still be too much or too little and multiplied over an entire quilt that still makes quite a difference. Oh and don't be like me and have the beginning of each seam a nice scant 1/4 and by the end I'm over or under because I''m not paying attention! I LOVE your video - clear and straight forward and great closeups:)
Wow!!! I'm a visual learner and a beginner when it comes to quilting. Yours is the first video on scant 1/4 that actually made sense to me!!!! Thank you!!!
I have been watching many videos to learn as much as possible before beginning my very first quilt. Thank you for your quiet,patient and thorough manner in educating!! You give me confidence to begin what I thought was a daunting endeavor!!
I am a very new quilter and I’ve watched hundreds of videos about quilting but have never had anyone explain what a scant quarter inch was. Thanks for the detailed explanation.
I had a magnet like that 40 years ago when I was sewing curtains. I just purchased another and glad to see you suggesting it. My sewing teacher at the time said it was a "crutch". It sure helped me get straight seams on 90" curtain panels
Bought my sewing machine during the pandemic and decided I would learn how to quilt. I also purchased tons of fabric online some turned out to be excellent quality, while some fabrics seemed like cheesecloth. It has been a journey. Thanks for explaining a scant quarter inch seam, I had it completely wrong.
I loved the visual off you showing the seam on a clear ruler. It made so much more sense. I always thought scans meant that the thread was on the quarter inch line. Your seam is even more scant than what I've been doing. I will have to try it to see if it improves my piecing because I can never make a block to the size of a pattern. I always end up off by a quarter to half an inch sometimes. I know that it adds up the further along in the project you go. Thank you.
Your video is well done. You have clear and concise diction which really makes this video easy to listen to. Your background is well placed and staged. The use of color is pretty to see. No clutter or distracting décor. Your use of close ups was clear (mostly) and easy to watch. The use of the close-up on the ruler was hard to watch; maybe next time get a bit closer to the presser foot; not so close to you. Also, a scant 1/4" seam is a thread "width" smaller than a 1/4" (not a "thread length"). Thanks for the video. I'm looking forward to more.
Thank you so very much for your video. I am a self taught quilter via RU-vid and have always had trouble with the scant 1/4” seam. The close ups really help as well. SIDE NOTE: I would love to see a video on how to accurately cut fabric with close up views. After I initially cut my fabric to create a straight edge, I’m not sure where to place my ruler for my next cut. Say I want to cut a 5” strip by WOF, do I line my fabric up to the outer or inside edge of the 5” line? Or a 6” square or a 6”x7” rectangle etc. Sometimes my cuts are off by a scant or so. To avoid this, I usually verify the placement of my ruler using my tape measure before I make my cut just to make sure I am getting the size of fabric I want which is way too much work. Thanks and Happy Sewing!
Glad you enjoyed the video Shel! That's a great idea for a future video. Cutting yardage can certainly be confusing sometimes, I'll definitely put that on the list for future video ideas! So watch out for it! Thank you!!
Outstanding video. Like other comments I’ve watched many videos looking for help to understand what a “scant” 1/4 inch is. I’m not a quilter but helping a friend with a quilt kit and the instructions speaks about a scant 1/4. Both confused when her blocks didn’t match up. So glad mystery solved. Thank you.
So agree with others comments, Love that you drop the needle before feeding fabric through to stitch; I began doing this and it makes a difference. Am new to quilting but have been sewing for decades and always checked seam allowances for accuracy but your explanations and demonstrations are so reinforcing and encouraging my method of madness. Thank you for sharing your time and talent. Merry Christmas.
I love using a scant 1/4 it always creates better blocks without losing the thread width on multiple pieces. I have two machines and one of them has a foot that gives a perfect scant quarter inch
I just sent you a comment about 15min. ago asking about your guide, I was scrolling your videos, looking for very easy first time quiting videos, and I found were you explained the type of Magnetic guide you use, also you explained about a scant 1/4" yard, which I thought when I heard it for the first time they were just messing with me because I really don't know what I'm doing. I definitely don't know how to Sew with a Pattern, I just look at something and wing it. I learn by hands on and someone patient enough to show or tell me what to do. Thanks again for your great videos and help.
I did actually figure out the “scant” measurement when garment sewing. It can make a big difference in your finished project. Thanks for bringing it in to the piecing directions :)
I have sewn blocks together but have not had instruction on this quality of explanation. I want to watch every video you have done. Thank you so much. ❤
Thank you thank you! During sewing classes that I have taken I have mentioned how much the fabric and thread used impact our seam and finished project size but most are unaware. I have done a sample with different fabric and thread and I know that fact is true.
I have a mystery quilt to do. It's from a few yrs ago. It's has a 1)4 scant. I got the fabric,had a rough time. Put everything up and actually used most of to doing something else. Now I may try and work on it at some point. Thank you.
Thank you so much! I've been quilting for 30 years and I just love your videos. You have a very calming voice and instruct beautifully. I'm so glad to have found your channel. I'll be watching for more videos. Subscribing now.
I use a little stack of post-it notes taped to my machine. I also have used an old credit card taped to my machine, but no matter what I use as a guide I still measure with a ruler as you to double check the 1/4 “
Your explanations are so accurate and professional. I have enjoyed several and will find all you have done. Beginners and experienced sewists can learn some new things! Thank you.
Thank you! I have a Juki also and the needle doesn't move, as my quilt instructions suggested. I do have a magnetic seam guide, and I am able to get the scant 1/4 inch just like you showed.
You are so right, the needle position can't be adjusted on several models of Juki (mine included), so this is a great solution to get a scant 1/4" seam!
Thank you for showing this and IT does make a difference with the thread as well I found that out the hard way because I didn’t test first 😳 good video really helpful 👍👍👍
I love that you used the ruler to measure after you had sewn what you thought was your scant 1/4”. On a sidenote… binding, when it comes to finding I’m happy to sew on the front with the sewing machine. But I always hand sew the backside. The reason is I’m a perfectionist I don’t like the way it lines up on the front side when I see the backside. Tips or tricks?
When using a scant 1/4" seam, what is your test block suppose to measure? As long as you use the same seam allowance throughout your project, it should allow your piecing to match up, right?
A test block is to measure whether your finished size is accurate or not. Yes using the same seam allowance throughout an entire may not always be a problem, BUT many quilters struggle with consistency as well. So setting yourself up to learn the proper seam allowance is a better approach...in my opinion of course :-)
I am taking a quilting class and my 1/4 seam allowance is always scant, and I am not getting a passing grade at school. Does a pattern say when to use the scant 1/4" , not a full 1/4 " seam? We are not piecing from patterns, lessons with instructions are hand outs from the teacher. Thank you for the thoughtful tutorials.
Hi ! I am a beginner quilter and I never understood the scant 1/4” But , now I do ! Thank you so much ! So this should be used all the time when piecing blocks ?
I'm glad this helped! I now use a scant in all of my piecing but it took me a while to get used to that. If you are setting yourself up with an accurate scant then I would make that your goal. But regularly check to make sure your seams are lining up and that your blocks are the proper size. Then you can adjust accordingly! Hope this helps!
I have a magnetic guide but it says not to use them with digital machines. Also I always wonder why ppl keep on about 1/4 inch seams I literally just line my fabric with the edge of the foot and that's my seam allowance. I'm very very new to quilting and sewing I'm advanced with crochet can even do my own patterns or make items seen just in a picture online and I also advance in card crafting too so sewing was new to me just over a month away I've made baby blankets a double quilt for my daughter a king size quilt for me and hubby and nearly finished a single quilt for my granddaughter's birthday in 2 weeks. I think I'm finally getting the hang of cutting the fabric right as well as really struggled with that to begin with
I just got a sewing machine and found your channel. I can't wait to dive into your content. Do you use a scant 1/4 inch instead of a 1/4 inch, which is what I would have guessed, to save fabric? Does it have to do with piecing? Thanks for sharing .💗👀 (the link for the white thread is broken. thx.)
Thank you so much and I'm glad to have you here! The advantage to using the scant 1/4" is that because it is accounting for the width of fabric, thread and the pressing of the seams, it should make your blocks the accurate size. So a true 1/4" may be too large (wide) when not accounting for the fibers. Does that make sense? Good luck in your journey!
Hi Ledine. My Name is Susan Smith from Texas. I am working on a wall hanging and it called for a Scant 1/4" seam. Your video was very helpful.!!! I have a 1/4" foot for my machine and could not figure out how to make it a scant. Could you tell me where you purchased the Magnetic Guide you use? That sounds exactly what I need. Thank you so much. Susan
I am very new at quilting, so new that I am trying to figure out what machine I want to purchase. (If you have a suggestion, I would love to hear it). I love your video’s, you explain everything very clearly and love that you do the close up of your material and everything. I just have one question, when do you use the scant 1/4 seam? Thank you for all your videos.
It’s best to test 1/4” with your fabric and thread first and see how things measure after pressing. I tend to use a scant all the time. With certain techniques it’s a good idea too. But measuring first will save you every time!
Baby Lock presser feet are different than the ones I have here with my Juki, but they have comparable ones, including a 1/4" foot. Just make sure you measure and set yourself up well if you get one!
Thanks for this video. I’d like to ask you about your pink lamp shown in front of the window. I’m looking for a good bright lamp for my quilting station.
Any kind of piecing should you use a scant 1/4 Inch here my theory I made a bunch of these blocks called Potato chip blocks and I added sashing in between ran into a mess where I had to ripp out the sashing and trim one of the blocks on both sides to get the row to fit at the end very frustrating I only been quilting now for 3 years so in future I'm saying should I go with a scant 1/4 inch to get everything to fit nice especially if I add sashing in between each of my blocks hope you can direct me thanks again for the video
HI, SUGAR I have several 5" charm blocks. When I find them I will HAPPILY use them. Meanwhile in think I'll use my 2 1/2" strips and give it a Go. Any thoughts folks Ty
You do what you like!! I have PLENTY of 2.5” squares and strips. They are great to sew with too! This just happens to be a way of making 4 patches with charm packs!
It’s the standard holder on my machine which is a Juki TL2010Q. I have seen separate stands/holders that you can place next to or behind your machine, good luck!
