How to Make Quilt Seams

Sewing accurate quilt seams is one of the most important steps in quilting. Quilting seams are usually 1/4"; if all your seams are the same you'll end up with a quilt with crisp corners and sharp points.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing machine
• Cut fabric
• Post-it notes or tape
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Quilting ruler

1. Examine your sewing machine. Many machines have a 1/4" foot that will guide you in making a perfect 1/4" seam. See if your machine has this feature.

2. Mark the spot for your 1/4" seam on your machine if you do not have a 1/4" foot. Take your ruler and place it under the needle and sewing foot. Measure 1/4" from the needle to a spot on its right.

3. Place a piece of tape on the spot. Other quilters recommend a small stack (about five or six) Post-It notes that sit 1/4" from the needle. The advantage of this method is that the thickness of the Post-It notes will help keep your fabric in place.

4. Sew your pieces of fabric together, being careful to use the guide so that your seam is 1/4".

5. Press your seams open. Many quilters recommend sewing the seams to one side if you are hand quilting, but machine quilted seams are strong enough to hold up to an open seam.

Tips & Warnings

• Accuracy is key when quilting. Take the time to make sure that your sewing machine is set up correctly to sew 1/4" seams. This will save you a lot of time as you move along through your project.