I do have a1/4" foot , but do have a speedy foot so I will slow down and also try to use a stilleto of some kind.Originally Posted by Geri B
Welcome to the Quilting Board!
I do have a1/4" foot , but do have a speedy foot so I will slow down and also try to use a stilleto of some kind.
I keep my finger on top of the fabric and hold my finger to the edge of the foot all the way to the end of the seam. Works for me.
This was how many instructors in a lot of workshops I have taken have said to do it. I put my finger on the left edge of the foot about an inch before the end and my seams never veer.
I love my life!
I use a stlleto, toothpick, long straight pin - whatever - to hold the fabric/ quide it - the last inch or so - the holder is almost under the needle as that last bit is sewn.
some say that using a single hole needlrplate also helps. the downside to using that is to straight stirch ONLY - otherwise one ends up with broken or bent needles.
So true, it is very easy (for me) to leave that straight stitch plate in and then proceed to use a zig zag or something else. Ugh! (I have even tried the leaving of a post it note on the machine to help me.)
I use a stlleto, toothpick, long straight pin - whatever - to hold the fabric/ quide it - the last inch or so - the holder is almost under the needle as that last bit is sewn.
some say that using a single hole needlrplate also helps. the downside to using that is to straight stirch ONLY - otherwise one ends up with broken or bent needles.
I have one straight stitch plate that goes on 6 or 7 of my machines. They are older mechanical machines. I use a small refrigerator magnet on the front of whatever machine has the ss plate on it so I don't forget and switch it to zz. I used to break a couple needles a week but haven't broken any since I started doing this.
Cari
Some machines are easier than others to sew a perfect 1/4" seam. I have a Pfaff, Bernina, Brother and Baby Lock. I really think it has to do with the feed dogs, to some degree.
Do you mind telling us what machine you are using?
I have found with my Baby Lock and Brother, I can get a more uniform, even, and consistent 1/4". I use a standard (J) foot, and set the needle to the 5.5 position for a scant 1/4", and 6.0 for a full 1/4". I have found that I sew much better on these machines.
I think using a full foot, and the feed dogs really do help. But this is only my opinion.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by Girlfriend; 12-16-2014 at 09:50 AM.
Creative clutter is better than idle neatness.
I have a Kenmore machine
I tend to do the same things. Try what Eisy suggest. I have multi layer of painter's tape and try to keep the fabric against the tape to keep it straight. It is amazing how little you can be off and it really does make a difference.
A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
This might help, along with using a stiletto to guide the last couple of inches of fabric toward the sticky note, as other suggested.
Jan in VA
Jan in VA
Living in the foothills
peacefully colors my world.
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