When I took my first quilting class, the teacher cut lengths of 1/4" masking tape about 2 inches long and many layers thick. Then she measured a 1/4" and stuck the tape to out machines. Because they were raised up, it was really easy to make straight seams that were exactly 1/4". When the tape didn't stick anymore, you just removed the bottom layer and remeasured. They also have magnets that you can use to mark any seam width. I am pretty sure I got one at JoAnnes several years ago. Both of these methods can be used with any machine and are inexpensive.

You can also use a stack of "Post-It" notes by removing the one on the bottom and sticking to the machine. When it won't stick any longer, just take another from the bottom. I use then with my 4Hers.

Suzanne

Thanks to all for your ideas.

Betty Ruth,

There are quilt shops all over San Antonio. If you can call one that sells your brand of machine and tell them what you are looking for and they can mail it to you.

Peggy

Do you use a "walking foot" provided with most machines?

Using an ordinary foot, I find it necessary to pin my fabric pieces together to keep them from gathering the bottom layer.

GramMER

Even the Base Exchange carries Singer sewing machines, but they don't carry accessories. I'll check the phone book. I never thought of calling a local retail store.

I read the comments about attaching a magnetized seam gauge to your sewing machine and just wanted to add one caveat. If you have a computerized sewing machine, the magnet may impair some of the machine's functions. Just like putting anything magnetic next to a computer can addle its brain, the same thing can happen to your computerized machine. The masking tape idea is good or you could measure the correct distance from the needle and draw a line with a fine tip permanent marking pen.

Since I cannot see the seam effect, I can only guess at what is happening, but it sounds to me like either your bobbin or your top thread is too tight. Look closely at the actual stitches to see if one of them is pulling tighter than the other.

How long has it been since serviced or cleaned your machine? If you do not feel comfortable doing that yourself, would you possibly be able to take it to a repairman to get it checked? I never let mine go more than a year without servicing. Lint and plain old house dust get into the gears and you can have some major troubles. When I sew/quilt a lot, I have had huge balls of lint to suddenly appear in my stitching and have even had needles to break if that happens. Lint can certainly affect the stitching.

GramMER

Beth

I may just do that, although I prefer to see what I'm buying.

Sorry that I've not been on here for a while. My computer's been down.

One more suggestion: when you're sewing WOF strips, alternate the direction of your sewing with each added strip. Don't begin at the same end of the strips each time, which can send you off course a bit.

I learned this on my first quilt, which consisted of 22 WOF strips. Very pretty, but lots of frogging (rip-it, rip-it).

rf