Sewing an accurate quarter-inch seam

Quilting uses a quarter-inch (about 6mm) seam. Small errors add up across a block, so get the seam right first with a quarter-inch foot or a guide and test it.

Beginner20 minutes

ResearchedSewSift editorialChecked 1 Nov 2026

Pinny's tip

What you'll need

Quarter-inch foot: edge guide makes it easy.
Masking tape or seam guide: if you don't have the foot.
Ruler: to test.

Step by step

Fit a quarter-inch foot, or measure a quarter inch from the needle and stick tape on the plate.
Adjust the needle position or tape until it's spot on.
Keep the fabric edge against the guide and sew at steady speed.
Many quilters aim for a 'scant' quarter inch, a thread's width less, to allow for the fold when pressing.

Watch

How to sew a quarter inch seam for quilting with confidence (7:57)
By Pretty Simple Sara · Open on YouTube

The video this technique page has always pointed to, a 7-minute one from Pretty Simple Sara. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.

Common mistakes

Not testing. Your foot may not be exact.
Speeding. Accuracy drops.
Drifting at the start. Hold the thread tails as you begin.

Watch it done

How to sew a quarter inch seam for quilting with confidence by Pretty Simple Sara on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
How to Get a Perfect Quarter Inch Seam Allowance Every Time with Rob Appell by Stitchin’ Heaven on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
🧵👻 Achieve The Perfect Quarter Inch Seam With This Tutorial! by Just Get it Done Quilts on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.