1/4" Seam Allowance

Why do we use a 1/4-inch seam in quilting? Why not 1/2" or 5/8"? There are several reasons:

 1. Actually, you can use any seam allowance you wish -- 1/4", 1/2", or any other -- as long as you are consistent and use it for all the seams in your block and/or quilt, and as long as the blocks you are sewing will not form part of a group project where the other participants are using another measurement.

 2. I suggest, however, that you get used to using the 1/4" seam allowance, because this is the universal measurement. When you purchase patterns or quilting tools, you will find measurements are given in inches, and many of the tools on the market are based on that 1/4" measurement.

 3. In addition, if you are planning a quilt with a variety of blocks, or if you want to swap blocks with other quilters or want to contribute to a charity project where several quilters are involved, it is best to use this universal 1/4" measurement.