Aha! I thought it might have something to do with the pressure foot and feed dog! I never hear anyone whining about this and I have finally felt defeated with my nice straight seam but the doing what it wants at the very end. Well. Remedies, anyone? Marmar

Thank you, it was driving me crazy. I even went to the "Net Abbreviations" site.

It might help if you sew onto another piece of fabric. That also catches the threads. I like to start and end chains of seams with little swatches for that reason.

I think Cathe is on the right track - I do this too. Another reason could be the weight on long runs, pulling one way or another

When Simply Quilts was on the air they had a show about this. The lady (don't remember who) said that we are in such a hurry to chain piece that we start reaching for the next piece before we are finished with the one under the needle and by not paying attention our seams end up not being 1/4" to the bitter end.
Her solution... use a stiletto to help guide the seam through to the end and FOCUS on what we're sewing and not reaching for the next piece. It's good advice. Now all I have to do is remember to follow it. It does work when I'm focused! :wink:

This happens to me too sometimes when I'm not paying attention. I try to keep the index finger of my left hand up close to the presser foot when I'm coming to the end of a seam. When I remember to keep it close and hold the fabric in position, the seam comes out normal.

I like cathe's idea too. I don't seem to have the problem when I'm chain piecing because I have another piece of fabric right there in position just before the end of the seam. I think that's doing the same thing for me as what cathe suggested to you. :)

lin, cathe and the others are right, i'm afraid. we have to pay attention. (not good. :cry: i'm too easily distracted by shiny objects. )

i just experimented with about 4 different feet - including an "official" quarter-inch foot. the feed dogs definitely pull the fabric off line toward the end. i'll bet it happens on all machines. i'll also bet kathy came up with the right reason why.

the foot that came the closest to keeping the fabric feeding through in a straight line without help was my rolling foot. a few of the scraps went wonky at the end, but most stayed straight to within one thread. it was also the foot that required the least help/lightest touch straightening back out when i saw it happening.

i didn't try my walking foot. too big a pain to put on and take off. i don't like using it anyway. too noisy. one of those might do a better job of keeping the fabric straight, though. (if they don't, they need to stop selling them as "even feed" feet, don'tch think? LOL)

My 4Hers had a similar problem, so I gave then a sandwich pick (stronger and longer than a toothpick) as I don't want those little fingers getting hurt. They call it a "picker" and if the needle is going to hit something, I'd rather it be wooden vs. metal (seam ripper or pin).

And I also suggest using the walking foot. I find that it is on my machine most of the time. I just find I have better control and am happier with my results.

Suzanne

Sewing on another piece doesn't do it --- I measured this am (early) and it begins about a scant 1/2 in or less from the end. Dray - I'm concrntrating because it's been a problem for so long. - use a stilleto (toothpick) , both hands, eyes, get my nose out of joint, and it's like gravel in my peanut butter! Evidently my cross to bear, huh! :? :? :?

BUT are you holding your tongue just so?
:mrgreen: