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How to Sew an Accurate Quarter Inch Seam Allowance

By , About.com Guide

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Sew Together Strips to Test Your Seam Allowance

After sewing strips together, the center strip should measure exactly 1-1/2" wide along its entire length. The two outer strips should each measure 1-3/4" wide.

© Janet Wickell

Sew Fabric Strips Together

  1. Put the quarter-inch or standard presser foot on your sewing machine.

  2. Align a a 2" x 4" light strip with a 2" x 4" dark strip, right sides together and edges carefully matched.

  3. Sew the patches together lengthwise, feeding them through the machine with the presser foot's right edge aligned exactly with the right edge of the patches.

  4. Sew another light strip to the opposite edge of the dark strip.

  5. Press seams allowances toward the dark strip.

  6. Use a rotary ruler to measure the dark center strip. It should be exactly 1-1/2" wide along its entire length. The outer strips should be exactly 1-3/4" wide along their entire lengths.
If the dimensions of your pieced unit are accurate--congratulations! You're ready to sew a quilt. If the size is a bit off, move on to the next page for more help.

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