How do you get an accurate 1/4" seam allowance on a FW?
#1
How do you get an accurate 1/4" seam allowance on a FW?
I've inherited my mother's FW (yes, the one I learned to sew on!) and would like to use it, but haven't figured out how to get an accurate 1/4" seam allowance on it. I ordered a seam gauge that screws on, but it sits over a round head screw that lifts the gauge up off the bed of the machine, and the fabric can get under it. I also know that there's an engraved replacement plate that you can get, but it's a little pricey for me right now. I don't want anything sticky. Can't find a quarter inch foot. So what's left? There's got to be a way, with so many quilters using the FW, so please share with me how you gauge your seams. Thanks.
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
Bonnie Hunter does a seam guide out of a 3M command strip and a hotel key card. Go to her site www.quiltville.blogspot.com and look in the tip section. I think it is under Best Seam Guide Ever.
#3
I've inherited my mother's FW (yes, the one I learned to sew on!) and would like to use it, but haven't figured out how to get an accurate 1/4" seam allowance on it. I ordered a seam gauge that screws on, but it sits over a round head screw that lifts the gauge up off the bed of the machine, and the fabric can get under it. I also know that there's an engraved replacement plate that you can get, but it's a little pricey for me right now. I don't want anything sticky. Can't find a quarter inch foot. So what's left? There's got to be a way, with so many quilters using the FW, so please share with me how you gauge your seams. Thanks.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Sew-Classic has 4 1/4" feet with guides. { http://www.shop.sew-classic.com/Low-Shank-Feet_c5.htm }.
They are not hard to find.
There is also several different shapes of fabric guides and some of them have notches where the needle plate screw heads are. Matter of fact you could take a file and make a small notch on the one you have so the fabric wouldn't get under it.
Joe
They are not hard to find.
There is also several different shapes of fabric guides and some of them have notches where the needle plate screw heads are. Matter of fact you could take a file and make a small notch on the one you have so the fabric wouldn't get under it.
Joe
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
JoAnns also sells a magnetic seam guide. Really just a chunk of magnet wrapped w/stainless steel. Measure your seam allowance and plop it on there. No sticky residue; no special feet. I think they are around $5.00 and you can use it for any measurement you need. Sits flat to machine so no fabric getting underneath. Will keep your seams straight until your budget allows a more favored method.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 6,487
http://www.april1930s.com/html/quilt...tachments.html Any short shank 1/4 foot should work, but April specializes in FWs and 301s. The magnetic guide won't stick on an aluminum machine (301 and FW) and actually shifts over time on a steel machine.
I have a 1/4" foot for my 301, but prefer the screw on metal guide. Mine has to sit on a screw head, but the head is flush with the bed of the machine so it doesn't matter.
I have a 1/4" foot for my 301, but prefer the screw on metal guide. Mine has to sit on a screw head, but the head is flush with the bed of the machine so it doesn't matter.
#9
I use a "Perfect Piecing Seam Guide". Put that down under your presser foot and put your needle down thru the little hole. Lay some post-it notes along side it. I have never had a problem with post-it notes leaving any residue. You'll the have a perfect 1/4" seam.
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