Thread: Perfect Scant 1/4" Seam :-(

Tonight, I achieved the perfect scant 1/4" seam, without even trying. How? By forgetting to switch back to the proper presser foot. Beautiful, straight, even stitches. Straight seam. Only problem was that I needed a FULL 1/4"!!!! Seems that other foot has a little groove, which moved my raw edge over, just enough to make the difference. What are the chances of a repeat performance, when I actually want a scant 1/4"? Grrrrrrr!

Gonna check the latest QB "news" and then commence stitch ripping.

I feel your pain- when I need the scant it is never to be found write notes to keep with the machine to remind you so you will be ready next time

Originally Posted by katier825

If I am planning on pressing to the side, I just restitch rather than rip it out when my first try is too narrow.

Unfortunately, I needed to press the seams open. I was adding two rows to a Warm Wishes lap quilt top, to make it a bit longer. The offending blocks are the 3-pieced (striped) ones. Trust me, I did NOT want to rip! Tried pressing to the side but then the topography didn't match the other blocks. Nothing to do but rippit. Law & Order (NetFlix) kept me company.

I have some little post-it pads by my machine for just moments like this....because by tomorrow....its gone

Originally Posted by Skittl1321

Well, since you know how to get a perfect scant seam, can you use all the same settings and just nudge your needle over one position? I guess it depends how many needle positions you have.

If I use my "normal" presser foot, a 1/4" seam is no problem. I just need to remember to either change the foot back to "normal", after I use a different one . . . and/or check my foot, before sewing. Of course, this had to be one of those times, when my bobbin was full and my needle was threaded!

I can get a pretty consistent scant 1/4" using a lined 3x5 note card. The lines are 1/4" apart -- if you put the needle inside one of the lines and line up the line with the edge of the foot, you get a scant 1/4" for some fabric. I more frequently line up the needle on the inside of one line and the edge of the foot on the inside of the line immediately to the right. I like this better than using a plastic ruler as I don't accidently "ouch" my needle or ruler.

As always, take the time to make a test with your fabric to see what works the best.

Originally Posted by QuiltnLady1

I can get a pretty consistent scant 1/4" using a lined 3x5 note card. The lines are 1/4" apart -- if you put the needle inside one of the lines and line up the line with the edge of the foot, you get a scant 1/4" for some fabric. I more frequently line up the needle on the inside of one line and the edge of the foot on the inside of the line immediately to the right. I like this better than using a plastic ruler as I don't accidently "ouch" my needle or ruler.

As always, take the time to make a test with your fabric to see what works the best.

Thanks; good to know. Problem was, I was using the wrong presser foot, which has a slightly raised area under it (for bulkier, decorative stitches). The seam's raw edge was getting caught in that little space, which moved it over, just before it passed under the needle. The edge of that little space is just a few threads shy of 1/4". I was guiding the fabric, a bit ahead of the foot, where it was right on the 1/4" line.

I have "The Angler 2" on my machine, which makes 1/4" very easy to follow. It's a plastic template, you tape onto your machine. I found this item in one of my "misc. sewing stuff" drawers, about a month or so ago. I got it, several years ago, but put it away because I used my older machine mostly for garment sewing. Then I forgot about it, until digging through that drawer. It's SO much easier on the eyes, than trying to stay focused on the machine's guide!

Note: I do not sell The Angler 2, nor do I have any stock in the company . . . but I wish I did!

why rip the stitches if they are scant and you need a full 1/4" just stitch a new line along side the first one- at the 1/4" ...it will just ensure you have good secure seams with 2 lines of stitching.