One of the most important tasks when piecing a quilt is sewing ¼” seams that are consistent throughout the entire pieced quilt. It is imperative to have perfectly matched seams, creating blocks that are the desired finished size. What if I told you that the easiest way to do this is using your serger? Not only is it good for sewing ¼” seams, but it also leaves the wrong side of the quilt top nice and tidy with no raw edges.

serger piecing

Quarter Inch Seams

Piecing with a wide overlock 4-thread stitch (the strongest serger piecing stitch) is simple and the first thing to do is to set the overlock machine to sew a ¼” seam.

4 thread stitch

The cutting width setting is the key to serging a ¼” seam allowance. I sew on a BERNINA L860 overlock machine. My cutting width is set at 6mm. On most sergers, the cutting width, knob, dial, or lever is usually located near the needle/knife area. Increase or decrease the setting as needed until the left needle is ¼” from the knife. Serge a test seam to make sure the seam allowance measures a quarter inch wide.

cutting width dial

My latest video shows how to piece a Rail Fence quilt block using the 4-thread overlock stitch. Simple and quick to piece, the Rail Fence pattern is perfect for beginner quilters. Click here  or on the image below to watch.

As always,Happy Stitching 1000x300 W

 

 

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