Machine Tip - how sew a scant 1/4" seam allowance - how do I shift my needle?

Many projects call for sewing with a "scant 1/4" seam allowance.  

A scant seam allowance means the seam is slightly less than a 1/4" from the edge of your fabric.  It sounds funny, but just a tiny bit more or less in your seam allowance can make a big difference in your finished project.

Example:  When you sew quilt blocks, are they always a little small?  Or a little too big?  This can be caused by your seam allowance.  If your seam is a little bigger than a 1/4" your blocks will be too small.  If your seam is slightly smaller than a 1/4" your blocks will be a little too big.

Too big - you can trim down, too small is a problem.

So, if you sew with a scant 1/4" (slightly less than 1/4") your blocks will be closer to exact size or slightly larger which is what you want.

Sewing a scant 1/4" inch seam can be done 2 ways.  

• If you are using a 1/4" foot sew just slightly short of the 1/4" edge of your foot. 
• Or, keep your fabric lined up with the edge of your 1/4" foot and shift your needle a click or two to the right.  This will produce a "scant 1/4" seam allowance.

On most machines if you are on a straight stitch the needle will be centered.  You can shift your needle using the stitch width selector.  Since a straight stitch doesn't have stitch width (like a zig zag stitch that has different widths) using that feature will move the needle left and right.  Moving the needle a click or two to the right, closer to the fabric edge, will create a "scant 1/4" seam allowance.