Ok someone please explain to this visually impaired new quilter where and how do you measure the 1/4 inch seam allowance?
I love this site! Addicting! Everyone is so friendly and helpful!!

What kind of machine do you have? Do you have a quarter inch foot?

It is 1/4" from the right or left of the needle. Mark the place with tape or use the 1/4" foot for the machine. But if you do use the foot be sure it is accurate and adjust accordingly. All 1/4" feet are not created equally.

No 1/4 inch foot u measure from the needle?

I sent you a pm of the way I teach.

Yes painacs, from the needle to the edge of the foot. :D:D:D

Now I'm confused reading the two different ways.
One from the needle than one from the side of the needle.

you put your needle down then use a ruler and put it against the needle; make a mark at the 1/4" line then you can put a piece of tape on your machine as a guide.
a good way to learn where your 1/4" is; is to cut 3 strips of fabric each 1 1/2" wide by about 6" long; sew them together with what you think is 1/4" seam, open, press your rectangle and measure it should measure 6" x 3 1/2" if it doesn't you adjust your seam allowance in what ever direction you need to (wider or narrower) and try again until you have it consistant.

What I was going to say. :)

CKKOWL is correct. Do a measured sewing piece of 3 strips ... if that is correct ... you are good to go.

It also helps to know your machine. Can you move your needle to the right or left of center? If so, you can then adjust easily when a patterns says sew a "scant" 14" much easier.

Take notes til you don't need them anymore. Also, if you do move your needle for a project find a way to put a note with that project indicating how and how much you moved the needle ... my machines revert to the center needle position each time they are turned off! That can mess you up, too.

have fun,
ali

sew several strips together either using mark on machine or your 1/4 in foot. Measure from the edge of the material to seam. this should be scant 1/4 in. if not then move your needle and try again. Keep trying until you have correct measurement. Then MARK the correct position of the needle with permament marker on the machine. then you can always go back to same place. If not able to move needle then keep moving material and measuring until correct and then make that position on the machine base using tape or marker. always use the same ruler to measure due to not all rulers are created equal.

Thank You Thank You! I've been trying to find this page for two days! I had it on my older Pc and lost it when the ^ *&%* thing crashed. Have a nice day!

I run a piece of xerox paper under an old needle. then I measure and once I have a scant , not yet 1/4 inch, that is where I mark on the bed of the machine.

To get a "true" 1/4 inch seam, you raise your neede to it's highest point. Slip your smallest quilting ruler under your needle (I use my 1x12) and slowly...by hand...lower your needle so it just touches the 1/4" line on your ruler. Mark your sewing machine with a post it note right up against the edge of your ruler. Raise the needle and remove the ruler. You can now tape down the post-it.