I AM WANTING TO BUY A NEW SEWING MACHINE AND NEED ONE WITH A PERFECT 1/4 IN SEAM. i HAVE AN OLD MACHINE AND ALSO HAVE A 1/4 IN FOOT FOR IT BUT MY SQUARES ARE NEVER WHAT THEY SHOULD BE. PLEASE HELP ME PICK A NEW MACHINE
THANKS
JOANNE FROM SASKATCHEWAN CANADA

I don't know if there is a machine like that. The user controls the seam, not the machine. Does your 1/4 inch foot have the metal guide on the edge? It could be bent.

It may not be your machine. I had a hard time getting mine right even when using the "quilt" setting on my new machine that automatically adjusted the needle position for the 1/4 inch. It took practice but I think I'm finally getting it. I don't use my 1/4 inch foot. The regular foot seems to work better for me. Try measuring exactly 1/4 inch from your needle and marking tbe bed of your machine with painter's tape. Align the fabric farther back as you feed it through rather than right at the needle. Don't know if this makes sense - it's pretty late where I am. :)

I'm using an old 301 Singer sewing machine. The needle plate has the 1/4 inch seam engraved right in it.Always works for me.

i've got to agree the with above - the problem is not the machine.

use an index card to master the 1/4 inch and then mark the machine with some tape to use as a guide.

I use this on which ever machine I decide to use.

http://www.softexpressions.com/softw.../PerPiecSG.php

I lost my first one and quickly ordered a replacement. My seams are always accurate since I started using it.

I started using the 1941 Singer my brother gave me. My 1/4 seams are now perfect and my cutting is accurate. HST still come out wonky often enough to make me invent swear words.

No machine is best. You may have to adjust your needle position. Spend the time to test out different settings and techniques .

you can also mark your 1/4" with a rubber band - that way you can butt your fabric up to the edge of the band. This picture gives you a visual (but definitely not 1/4") ;-)

Are you sure the problem us even in your sewing? It could be in your cutting, pressing, even thread choice...But I will say that I've had the easiest time getting a consistent, perfect 1/4" on my narrower (4mm and 5.5mm) stitch width Berninas with the #37 and #57 feet. They're the same except the #57 has a sturdy metal guide to the right. I also love a screw-down seam guide, which is a very inexpensive item. Just know that on some machines, one thing or another prevents you from getting that guide that close. The only answer is to experiment. I like to make a block using strips cut at 1.5" like a 6-strip rail fence (12" finished block) or a double nine patch (9" finished block) or a goose in the pond, when I think I've got the 1/4" worked out on a new machine. A simple block with several seams across the width will show you if you're really being accurate. A quick test is to sew three 1.5" strips together, press, and measure the center strip, which should be exactly 1" across. But do a block with 11 seams across the width, such as a 6 strip rail fence, and you'll definitely find out if you are off!