1/4 seam
 

I am working of a patter that requires a scant 1/4" seam, and there is no fudging here, it has to be perfect. It is a twisty Bargello. Since I rarely use the real 1/4" seam I decided to help mysel a little by placing some markers such as 3M tape for holding up hooks. The tape works great BUT to get a SCANT 1/4" I would have to put the tape so close that it would interfere with the regular sewing foot I have. I ordered the 1/4" but they sent me a wrong one! Just my luck. I have two options - one is to move my needle to the rightmost position mark my distance and hope for the best, and the other option is to use regular needle position with a walking foot. I prefer not to use walking foot for piecing. The reason I usually do not use 1/4" is because I always create my own patterns and I just use the width of my regular sewing foot. My seams are always very consistent width. If I did it the same with the pattern, do you think it would distort it? All the seams would be the same size but a tad wider? Please help! Thank you!

There is no "legal" definition of a scant quarter. I've heard it described as a "few threads" short of a quarter inch. HUH? So I use my quarter inch foot, which has flange that you run the cut edge of the fabric against, and just make sure I don't push the fabric up tight against the flange. I make sure I can see some space between the cut edge of the fabric and the flange. Here's my bottom line - as long as I'm consistent then things work out. I often say "if you're going to be wrong, be consistently wrong!" I doubt the bargello has any blocks that you can measure to ensure you are at the right measurement. That works for traditional blocks - make a sample and then measure to ensure you have the right size - but maybe not in bargello. Just be consistent!

I just move my needle one notch to the right, when I need to use a scant 1/4 in. seam. That works perfectly for me.

Sorry I should have mentioned, that I use a 1/4 ft. also.

Move your needle a little to the right to make scant 1/4" seam. As long as you keep checking needle position this should work. This is what I do on my Singer when I use the regular sewing foot. Most pattern call for 1/4" seam but if you are consistant with your seam allowance then you should be alright. Size of quilt may vary due to larger/ small seam allowance. Also what is "scant" anyway? My definition of scant may be several threads smaller/larger than yours.

It helps a lot to use thin thread. I don't like to piece with any thread heavier then 50 wt 2 ply. Connecting Threads Pro on the cone is 70wt and it is good piecing thread and economical. Superior Sew Fine is excellent and Aurifil. Invisfil is nice too. There are lots great thin threads available that your machine will like.

This is what i do. I figure the 1/4" then move the needle one click to the right.

Thank you very much for your help. I will let you know how it goes. I have an inexpensive but good Singer and unfortunately my needle can go in three positions. There are no in between clicks. I will they and see what works the best . The starting strip is only 1" wide and I need to sew strips on both sides. Yikes! I see lots of spray starch in my future.

I have an older (30 years old) Riccar machine which I used for piecing when my niece used my Janome. Like yours it has limited needle positions and I don't have a quarter inch foot that fits. I also used 3M tape to get a quarter inch seam but I put the tape about a quarter inch in front of the foot. As long a the fabric leads into the needle at the appropriate width it will stitch at that width with the possible exception of the last little bit. I used my seam ripper to steady the last little piece. I was very pleased with the way that this worked. BTW I also starch well.