Ok so I am such a newbie that I cant even sew a straight line but love to sew :lol: So I bought a 1/4 foot thinking that would help but I still cant get a straight line so I must be using it incorrectly. Does the fabric go under the edge guide or just up to the edge and how do I make the fabric not curve up against the edge? I know my mom keeps telling me to just practice and I have so much that I am just beginning to think I am the crooked one! :-P
Thanks for helping

Up next to the guide, if it goes under, your seams will be too big :D:D:D

I put a piece of moleskin on the little plate that covers my bobbin (I have a Singer) at the 1/4" mark to help me keep my seams straight. It's helped me. I also use the 1/4" foot, but the moleskin keeps the fabric from wandering (O:

I was having the same problem - so what I did was to take a piece of paper and with no thread in the machine try sewing in under the guide - seam was too wide; then i went right up against the guide - it was still a smidge too wide. FINALLY I went to the spot where I could just see a sliver of daylight between the quide and the fabric - VIOLA!

The other thing that is really important (and I have to credit either the Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting or Harriet Hargraves - Freshman Year Quilt book) - watch the FABRIC. The feed dogs and the needle / thread will do their job - your job is to WATCH THAT FABRIC and make sure it goes where it is supposed to!

good luck!

You will find there is so much info for quilting online, not only here but if you Google you should be able to find super helpful videos. One of the best video place is http://www.youtube.com/ search quilting and thousands come up :shock:

Here is one for you on using your 1/4 foot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxgcmS_0eD4

All quilting takes time but with masses of patience you will get there, honest. :-D

It does take practice. Hang in there, it will come together!

Thank you so much for all the helpful tips!

I had to move my needle a smidge to the right to make it hit exactly on the 'scant' 1/4".

i am making a tube quilt and find that it is important to watch the fabric and not the needle. Also do short sections. Don't try and do the entire length of whatever you are sewing in one sweep. Stop and readjust as needed.
I tend to think folks think that it is a guide it will know where the fabric should go. Not so. Take it slow. Alo when sewing be sure you can barely see the piece underneith. Just the edge of the under iece. Then both will be accurate.

I like being able to move the needle to the place that gives me a good scant 1/4" seam. My Janome is great with that.