Have you ever checked your various measuring implements to see if they are all the same? If you haven't I can tell you that the most likely aren't. Let me show you.
I took 2 of my acrylic rulers and 2 tape measures and lined them up exactly on the 1" mark of my cutting table.
Now, look at where the 23" mark falls. The bottom ruler matches the table. The top ruler is just a hair shorter than the table and the 2 tape measures are markedly shorter than the table mark. Just imagine the difference at 60 or 80 inches when measuring a border!
So what do you do? Don't throw everything out. Just be sure to consistently use the same tool. For example, I never use my cutting mat for measuring anything. Ever. I use my Omnigrid rulers for cutting because I know they are consistent across the rulers. When I am doing borders I use my longest tape measure to measure both the quilt and the border fabric. By using the same tool I know I am getting the right fit. It doesn't matter if what I measure reads 64" or 64 1/2", all that matters is that I use the same tool to measure both pieces so that the length is right.
So before you blame your 1/4" foot for your measuring problem, check your measuring tools first.
Oh my - I never would have thought of this! I thought an inch was an inch - obviously I am wrong. Now I'm off to check my rulers!
Posted by: Mary Anne | July 12, 2012 at 04:33 PM
OY! THAT explains some wonky edges and borders :)
Posted by: arlee | July 12, 2012 at 04:51 PM
No wonder I can never cut anything the same size :)
Posted by: Ruth Lane | July 12, 2012 at 06:12 PM
So an inch really isn't an inch after all! Do we say an inch-ish? :o)
Posted by: Stephanie | July 12, 2012 at 06:43 PM
Tis True!
Posted by: elle | July 12, 2012 at 08:40 PM
Great advice! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jeanne | July 12, 2012 at 09:44 PM
Great post! You know the saying "We can send a man to the moon, but we can't ____(fill in the blank.) In this case we can't make measuring tools consistent!
Posted by: Sharon MLS | July 13, 2012 at 11:02 AM
Congratulations! I saw your piece in Quilters Newsletter -- sounds like a great guild!
Posted by: Cheri | July 13, 2012 at 12:34 PM
I am going home and check my tape measure against my rulers. Maybe I am not as chubby as I thought! Never thought to check my different rulers, but now I will. Thanks for the great post!
Posted by: patty | July 13, 2012 at 12:37 PM