Sewing an accurate quarter-inch seam

Quilting uses a quarter-inch (about 6mm (1/4 in)) 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.

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

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

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

1. YouTube: How to sew a quarter inch seam for quilting with confidence (Pretty Simple Sara)
2. YouTube: How to Get a Perfect Quarter Inch Seam Allowance Every Time with Rob Appell (Stitchin' Heaven)
3. YouTube: 🧵👻 Achieve The Perfect Quarter Inch Seam With This Tutorial! (Just Get it Done Quilts)