To set my edge guide, I use an index card. Draw a line 1/4” from the edge. Pierce with your needle directly on the line. Move your guide to the edge of the card and tighten. Perfect every time! I keep the card near my machine so I can quickly rest the guide whenever I need to.
I love that you, as a male, have developed a passion for sewing, quilting and patchwork. I taught sewing for 30 + years to high school students, male and female. Often the males developed better skills than the females, but unfortunately, they did not follow through and continue sewing. Peer pressure? Anyway, as I said I love that you have taken to it wholeheartedly and show your love of the craft through your videos. Great job!
Yes, this is the only way to go if you need a perfect quarter inch. Your seam allowance can change from project to project just because of the material you're using and your thread. I will do it if I know it makes a difference to how the quilt will turn out - but I usually just measure the middle strip to see that it's an exact inch. Thanks for the video - really enjoy them!
Wow! As a beginner I’m trying to absorb all that I can. Blew me away that the seam size can be affected by the thread weight, size and fabric. Blew me away. It makes a lot of sense. So much sense. Thank you for sharing.
Hey Rob! I started quilting about 4 years ago, give or take. I subscribed to your "Man Sewing". learned a lot and very grateful. what happened to your Man sewing Chanel? I'm sure this is old news, and since my quilting journey has improved I have brached out to quite a few sewing chanels. There is only so much time in a day to spend on my computer. love your style. and yes, I will subscribe to your new site! Keep stitching!
I too use the tape marking (love it) and yes I have tried the sample sew out to verify my 1/4” seam. I am a seam open person and it definitely makes a difference - same setup with nesting seams I was off my 1/4” then opened my seam and it was perfect-
Bonnie Hunter has demoed this often throughout the years. It is good to know so many tried and true practices are passed on to the next gen of quilters even tho the gadgets change.
That's a great idea! I have gone to workshops and been so frustrated I almost stopped quilting because it had to be an exact 6.5" block and mine were ALWAYS less. Thank you for this. That particular quilt is getting a "Linda's Close Enough Adjustment", but all others that are finicky will get this!.
I’ve had a bernina 770 for almost 3 years I thought I had a scant figured out then when I learned how it’s amazing how much of a difference it makes thank you
This helps ALOT, thanks Rob🎉.....i have her Craftsy class but this part really frustrated me. NOOOW I get it. I'd like to learn accurate cutting of yards and dare I say it, 😳QUILT MATH😳
I also really struggle with cutting yardage and have a strict only precuts for that reason. So a good clear cut video would be amazing! Also, you mentioned our rulers being off…… 😮……. I never thought that was posssible. 😢
Wish i had seen this earlier. I'm piecing 3x5 and 3x10 strips around a 5" square. My seam ripper has gotten a workout in trying to get uniform sized blocks. Some of it was the strips i cut were a little wonky and the rest was inconsistent 1/4" seams. Doesnt take much to throw off a whole project. Thanks for the tips Rob!
You are actually doing a scant 1/4 inch if you are making a perfect 1/4 inch seam. If you were to measure his seams at this point, they would be scant also. The fabric and thread take up space, so that is why a scant 1/4 works. Try his method, but what I do is measure that middle piece. In his case, it should be exactly 1 inch finished. A 1/4 inch seam is vital when using a pattern. Good luck! It will be a game changer once you get it correct.
I have a habit of losing my points when quilting. I'm going to do this with my machine to see if my 1/4 inch setting is off. Thank you for this great lesson!!
This is excellent. I'm not a quilter, but this would still be so beneficial to garment and bag making. I've had patterns go wonky in the past and I would imagine it had a lot to do with not having a correctly set seam guide.
Great demo! I do this every time I have to remove the guide to clean under the throat plate or change the bobbin. It makes such a huge difference to the blocks and now my points aren’t cut off and the blocks are the right size🎉 worth the extra time it takes. I use a purple stick on strip called Sewing Edge which works great.
Thank you! My seams have always been slightly larger and I’ve always wondered why. I’m going to do some experimenting as you’ve shown here with my machine.
And show your granddaughter how to do it while you’re at the machine together. Thank you for being patient and eager to teach another generation the joys of sewing.
This is a great refresher for me. I have been doing improve quilts where accuracy is not important. A quilting cruise with you sounds like lots of fun.
That’s a much cheaper way to accurate 1/4 inch than mu spécial foot. Still reeling from its final cost after shipping and customs. I like Debbie’s way of measuring and cutting before I got my stripology X-Large 👌👌❤❤liked and subscribed
Great Video! I learned this several months ago and have always used it when switching machine, esp. from the cruise's to my home machine. Although I sometimes have had to change from 1/4 to be a little bigger because the one's from the cruise are not always the same as mine.
So many other machines and measurements of all kinds need calibration, so it makes perfect sense that seam allowances would have to be also. I never thought of it before. >_
hi, just wondering if you would let me know where I could find a pattern for the quilt on the wall behind you, and whether you have done a video on it. All the best from Canada!
Hey Rob. What’s your opinion on pressing open? I do this on all my piecing now since doing one Block wonders soo much. I love the way things lay flat and I don’t have to think about which way to press them. Would love to know what you think?
Love this video. 😊 I learned a similar technique using three 2 1/2” squares. I have been “quilting” less than 5 years but sewing for many more. Great explanation of how many things factor into the 1/4” process. @Vickie Williams3259 left some great comments too.
Vanessa of The crafty Gemini did this demonstration many many many years ago. And it depends on the pattern because I was making a table runner and the instructions said scant quarter inch scene and I just did a regular quarter inch seam and the blocks did not match so if they say scant that’s what they mean and of course everybody should do a test block anyway.
I don't have trouble getting good quarter inch seams, but I do have issues with my pieced quilt tops that get used and laundered coming apart along seams. Especially on flannel, but also good quality quilting cotton. I'm considering to increase my allowances to 1/2 inch. Any thoughts?
I know this method, but do I use it like I should? Not often enough … I better get with it and remember to do the test whenever I start a new project. I know thread weight can make a difference in accuracy; but now my brain is adding other things … for instance - how some fabric is more substantial than others, size of needle?, etc.
I have sewn on the original Bernina 830 for 54 years and loved my machine every time I made a quilt, but the pedal broke and I couldn’t get it fixed, I’m now sewing on the 480 and can’t get a quarter inch seam to save my life. I am going to try this and see if I can fix that, Thank You and Debbie
I think that accounting for the thread and the fold at the seam helps remind us why the "scant" 1/4 inch seam works best.
To set my edge guide, I use an index card. Draw a line 1/4” from the edge. Pierce with your needle directly on the line. Move your guide to the edge of the card and tighten. Perfect every time! I keep the card near my machine so I can quickly rest the guide whenever I need to.
This sounds so much simpler than what this gentleman just had to put himself thru!
I love that you, as a male, have developed a passion for sewing, quilting and patchwork. I taught sewing for 30 + years to high school students, male and female. Often the males developed better skills than the females, but unfortunately, they did not follow through and continue sewing. Peer pressure? Anyway, as I said I love that you have taken to it wholeheartedly and show your love of the craft through your videos. Great job!
Thank You 🌻 Awsome lesson!! I always lear something new when I watch your videos.. All the way from Man Sewing !!
Keep on teaching!!!
Yes, this is the only way to go if you need a perfect quarter inch. Your seam allowance can change from project to project just because of the material you're using and your thread. I will do it if I know it makes a difference to how the quilt will turn out - but I usually just measure the middle strip to see that it's an exact inch. Thanks for the video - really enjoy them!
Thank you for this tutorial. This helped me find the perfect 1/4" for my sewing quilt blocks. I now get the perfect block!
Wow! As a beginner I’m trying to absorb all that I can. Blew me away that the seam size can be affected by the thread weight, size and fabric. Blew me away. It makes a lot of sense. So much sense. Thank you for sharing.
I am not very good at precise 1/4” seams so thank you for this demonstration. I will give it a try.
Thank you for this video! I’ve been quilting for 3 months now, so this really helps!!
A good basic lesson never gets old. Liked and subscribed
I learned this way when I first started quilting.
The ladies at the quilt shop showed me
Thank you! As a beginner quilter I struggle with 1/4” seam allowance. This will certainly help me to be accurate 🤗
I just love your energy u always make me smile and I learn alot from u ty ty 4 being U😊❤
That was fantastic!
Having personal quarter inch is so relevant!
Hi Rob…. So good to see you back on…… I’ve watched since man sewing…….thanks for the tip on 1/4” seams…..
Hey Rob! I started quilting about 4 years ago, give or take. I subscribed to your "Man Sewing". learned a lot and very grateful. what happened to your Man sewing Chanel? I'm sure this is old news, and since my quilting journey has improved I have brached out to quite a few sewing chanels. There is only so much time in a day to spend on my computer. love your style. and yes, I will subscribe to your new site! Keep stitching!
I too use the tape marking (love it) and yes I have tried the sample sew out to verify my 1/4” seam. I am a seam open person and it definitely makes a difference - same setup with nesting seams I was off my 1/4” then opened my seam and it was perfect-
Nice to find you again!
Thank you Rod. I appreciate this lesson. Sandi in California ❤
That's neat! I always use the clear green needle ruler with the magnet 😊
Debbie Caffrey would start every class with that technique!
That’s great…. Thank you, it’s been a struggle for me. Now will be part of my set-up!
I thought I was the only one who couldn't get 1/4 inch right. Changes all the time. Thanks I'll give a try.
You're not alone. And sewing a straight line...😢
Thanks for making me feel part of a club 🙄
My first visit to this site. I love the enthusiasm. What fun!!!
This is such a great video. Thank you for sharing this method. I will try it! I always appreciate your videos ❤
Bonnie Hunter has demoed this often throughout the years. It is good to know so many tried and true practices are passed on to the next gen of quilters even tho the gadgets change.
Yes! I’ve seen her do it several times too. Just have to remember to put it into practice.
Thanks Rob. It is important to keep the 1/4 inch seam allowance spot on. Appreciate your video.
I like that you where willing to admit that you where wrong and that you learn how to correct your seam allowance. Your cool dude.
That's for sharing how to test for your 1/4 inch seams. Have a great weekend!
New subscriber
I am ready to learn all you can share
Thanks
That's a great idea! I have gone to workshops and been so frustrated I almost stopped quilting because it had to be an exact 6.5" block and mine were ALWAYS less. Thank you for this. That particular quilt is getting a "Linda's Close Enough Adjustment", but all others that are finicky will get this!.
I’ve had a bernina 770 for almost 3 years I thought I had a scant figured out then when I learned how it’s amazing how much of a difference it makes thank you
Could you share hiw to measure ascant 1/4" seam? I usually just guess. Thanks
I just started quilting. I'm going to do this! Very helpful!
Awesome, I hvnt done this but guess what...
When I get back n the sewing room today or tomorrow, I'll b doing this!
I made a strip piece yesterday and it was right on! So I inadvertently used this method and it worked.
This helps ALOT, thanks Rob🎉.....i have her Craftsy class but this part really frustrated me. NOOOW I get it.
I'd like to learn accurate cutting of yards and dare I say it,
😳QUILT MATH😳
I also really struggle with cutting yardage and have a strict only precuts for that reason. So a good clear cut video would be amazing! Also, you mentioned our rulers being off…… 😮……. I never thought that was posssible. 😢
Wish i had seen this earlier. I'm piecing 3x5 and 3x10 strips around a 5" square. My seam ripper has gotten a workout in trying to get uniform sized blocks. Some of it was the strips i cut were a little wonky and the rest was inconsistent 1/4" seams. Doesnt take much to throw off a whole project. Thanks for the tips Rob!
Great technique. Thank you! I'm so not good at this 1/4 inch thing. And don't get me started on the "scant" quarter inch! Maybe a tutorial on THAT?
You are actually doing a scant 1/4 inch if you are making a perfect 1/4 inch seam. If you were to measure his seams at this point, they would be scant also. The fabric and thread take up space, so that is why a scant 1/4 works. Try his method, but what I do is measure that middle piece. In his case, it should be exactly 1 inch finished. A 1/4 inch seam is vital when using a pattern. Good luck! It will be a game changer once you get it correct.
I have a habit of losing my points when quilting. I'm going to do this with my machine to see if my 1/4 inch setting is off. Thank you for this great lesson!!
I am going to test my seams right now! Excellent video and explanation 🥰
This is excellent. I'm not a quilter, but this would still be so beneficial to garment and bag making. I've had patterns go wonky in the past and I would imagine it had a lot to do with not having a correctly set seam guide.
Thanks Rob. I'm a beginner and this has been very useful. Will calibrate tonight 😀
Great demo! I do this every time I have to remove the guide to clean under the throat plate or change the bobbin. It makes such a huge difference to the blocks and now my points aren’t cut off and the blocks are the right size🎉 worth the extra time it takes. I use a purple stick on strip called Sewing Edge which works great.
Thank you! My seams have always been slightly larger and I’ve always wondered why. I’m going to do some experimenting as you’ve shown here with my machine.
I don’t quilt but this is still so useful for so many other projects. Thanks!
Rob I have done this for years and it’s worth the time it takes to do it. Thanks for this video!!!!!
thank yo for the great tip, I am starting a new quilt with my grand daughter and I will definitely calibrate for my seam allowance.
And show your granddaughter how to do it while you’re at the machine together. Thank you for being patient and eager to teach another generation the joys of sewing.
Thank you Rob. I’m still learning.❤
Never have done but am going to try!
Thanks for sha🙂ring. Blessings to you and yours.
This is a great refresher for me. I have been doing improve quilts where accuracy is not important.
A quilting cruise with you sounds like lots of fun.
I'm making Bird of Paradise! Yes I like that technique...
I have done this works wonders when using different threads and machines.
Thank you so much for this information. I have struggled with quarter inch seams for years. Makes perfect sense.
Hey Rob, another great video! Do you ever do an edge to edge quilting. Any chance you might make a video of that? Thank you!❤️
Thanks for all your tips !!!
I have a new to me sewing machine and I am nervous to sew with it cause I don't to get the 1/4 inch marked, thank you for sharing.
That’s a much cheaper way to accurate 1/4 inch than mu spécial foot. Still reeling from its final cost after shipping and customs. I like Debbie’s way of measuring and cutting before I got my stripology X-Large 👌👌❤❤liked and subscribed
Great Video! I learned this several months ago and have always used it when switching machine, esp. from the cruise's to my home machine. Although I sometimes have had to change from 1/4 to be a little bigger because the one's from the cruise are not always the same as mine.
Thank you. I will try this.
Great idea
Love the quilt in the background! What pattern is it?????
Great 👍🏻 thanks Rob
I had no idea that that hole was for securing an edge guide!!!!!!!!!!!
What is that stand up tool holder behind Rob on the shelf?
I find I need to do this with each project, thank you for sharing.
Great learning video. I would love to learn how to work with directional fabrics- flying geese, HST’s and QST’s. Thank you!
Wonderful tip! I've tried piecing and am always frustrated by my lack of true quarter-inch seams.
So many other machines and measurements of all kinds need calibration, so it makes perfect sense that seam allowances would have to be also. I never thought of it before. >_
WoW ! Thank you for this Video.
Great video!!
Thanks for sharing!
I need a t- shirt like yours.❤❤
Thanks Rob
Thanks this is great
love this - your quilters select mats ... they are loveland heavy however how do you securer them to your table?
Great video
Thank you ❤
I liked this video!!!
Great tip ..,
Your such a cool dude 😍
I’m on this. Interesting
Ouch…. My head hurts..Lol New Quilter
I was taught to measure the middle section which shoild be 1 inch.
Thanks for sharing
hi, just wondering if you would let me know where I could find a pattern for the quilt on the wall behind you, and whether you have done a video on it. All the best from Canada!
I have done this exercise but was told to move my needle to from the center to achieve the desired outcome.
Hey Rob. What’s your opinion on pressing open? I do this on all my piecing now since doing one Block wonders soo much. I love the way things lay flat and I don’t have to think about which way to press them. Would love to know what you think?
Love this video. 😊 I learned a similar technique using three
2 1/2” squares. I have been “quilting” less than 5 years but sewing for many more. Great explanation of how many things factor into the 1/4” process. @Vickie Williams3259 left some great comments too.
Thank you for this hint
You have such great shows can you tell us about the quilt behind you? Is there a pattern?
thank you
Vanessa of The crafty Gemini did this demonstration many many many years ago. And it depends on the pattern because I was making a table runner and the instructions said scant quarter inch scene and I just did a regular quarter inch seam and the blocks did not match so if they say scant that’s what they mean and of course everybody should do a test block anyway.
Where were you when I was putting together a bargello quilt. This would have gone a long way in keeping the fabric from waving.
I don't have trouble getting good quarter inch seams, but I do have issues with my pieced quilt tops that get used and laundered coming apart along seams. Especially on flannel, but also good quality quilting cotton. I'm considering to increase my allowances to 1/2 inch. Any thoughts?
I know this method, but do I use it like I should? Not often enough … I better get with it and remember to do the test whenever I start a new project. I know thread weight can make a difference in accuracy; but now my brain is adding other things … for instance - how some fabric is more substantial than others, size of needle?, etc.
is there a pattern for that awesome quilt behind you?
I was taught to measure the inside piece after pressing, and if it's one inch, then your 1/4" is good.
I would like to learn how to piece blocks together, square it and have it be the size pattern calls for
I see the little unders and overs add up in the end.
I have sewn on the original Bernina 830 for 54 years and loved my machine every time I made a quilt, but the pedal broke and I couldn’t get it fixed, I’m now sewing on the 480 and can’t get a quarter inch seam to save my life. I am going to try this and see if I can fix that, Thank You and Debbie