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Make your quilt block seams accurate

Sewing an accurate seam allowance is just as important as cutting the quilt pieces accurately.  If you don't get both right then you won't be able to match up the seams when you sew the quilt blocks together.





The seam allowance used in quilting is virtually always 1/4" (6mm).  This is smaller than that used in dressmaking to reduce the bulk of fabric.
One way to obtain accuracy is to mark the seam line with fabric marker.  This can be quite time consuming!




On my own machine I use the zipper foot.  It means that I have to have the needle switched to the left hand position, but it is exactly 1/4" from the needle position to the right hand side of the foot, so all I have to do is line up the edge of the fabric with the right hand side of the foot.




Another method is to put a strip of tape on your machine exactly 1/4" to the right of the needle position and line up the edge of the fabric with the edge of the tape.






A very useful accessory is one that attaches to the machine foot and can be set to any width.  The long straight part fixes to the back of the foot and the curved bit guides the edge of the fabric.  The one I have allows me to choose up to 2" seam allowance.  Very versatile.


There are many more gadgets available for producing accurate seam allowances.  Have a browse in your local quilt shop and you are sure to find one that works for you.



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rose@ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk
www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk