I wil never get it right
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 757
I wil never get it right
the quarter inch seam, that is!
I have tried all the tips and ideas. I have fiddled with tension, top and bottom, changed needles, used a seam guide and all to no avail. I have tried lining up the fabric a smidgen inside the ruler, a smidgen outside to come up with perfect size cut units. I've used different rulers, different threads, used layers of masking tape on the machine bed.
When I make a 9 patch block, it will be a bit smaller or a bit larger than the correct size. If it's bigger, I can sliver off a bit from all sizes but that's a hassle and doesn't work with star points.
I now believe that I just can't sew a straight line!
I was thinking about joining a swap group but my blocks would never be good enough.
I have tried all the tips and ideas. I have fiddled with tension, top and bottom, changed needles, used a seam guide and all to no avail. I have tried lining up the fabric a smidgen inside the ruler, a smidgen outside to come up with perfect size cut units. I've used different rulers, different threads, used layers of masking tape on the machine bed.
When I make a 9 patch block, it will be a bit smaller or a bit larger than the correct size. If it's bigger, I can sliver off a bit from all sizes but that's a hassle and doesn't work with star points.
I now believe that I just can't sew a straight line!
I was thinking about joining a swap group but my blocks would never be good enough.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: The middle of an IL cornfield
Posts: 7,014
Tapper, I've been in several swaps on this board. It's for fun. Don't get freaked out by it all. I've received blocks that were less than perfect and I couldn't care less. Everyone does their best. If the blocks are way off, I just sew borders around them and set them wonky.
#6
I had the same problem and two things have helped me. First I changed my 1/4 inch foot. It turns out there are two different kinds, one with the little piece of metal hanging down so you can line it up with your fabric and one without. Surprisingly enough, the one without works way better for me. Second, my machine allows me to move my needle slightly to the right or left. If I move it slightly to the right, a scant 1/4 inch, I end up with a 1/4 inch.
To be honest, I don't think the way I press helps any. I am working on that too.
Like DebraK says, keep trying things. Something will click for you.
Dina
To be honest, I don't think the way I press helps any. I am working on that too.
Like DebraK says, keep trying things. Something will click for you.
Dina
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 757
Thanks.
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 757
I had the same problem and two things have helped me. First I changed my 1/4 inch foot. It turns out there are two different kinds, one with the little piece of metal hanging down so you can line it up with your fabric and one without. Surprisingly enough, the one without works way better for me. Second, my machine allows me to move my needle slightly to the right or left. If I move it slightly to the right, a scant 1/4 inch, I end up with a 1/4 inch.
To be honest, I don't think the way I press helps any. I am working on that too.
Like DebraK says, keep trying things. Something will click for you.
Dina
To be honest, I don't think the way I press helps any. I am working on that too.
Like DebraK says, keep trying things. Something will click for you.
Dina
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Posts: 1,397
I agree with Tartan - consistency is better than precision for the vast majority of situations. If you plan on putting your quilt with star points into a judged show, then you can worry more about the precise quarter inch...but you can also find other ways to make it work.
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