help needed for sewing a 1/4 in seam
 

My DH bought me two featherweights a 222 and a 221.They are lovely machines, just slight tension problems with the 221.I want to use them to piece but don't really want to use tape to indicate a 1/4 inch sewing line in case I spoil the enamel .Is there a quilting foot for the featherweight ? Or can you clever girls come up with other ideas. I woild so love to make a quilt using them. Many thanks, Letty

Personally, I don't care for the feet with the edge guards so I buy only the regular, 1/4" feet. There's also a product I have that I bought at the last quilt show. I'd have to look at the name of them. But they're small, purple, vinyl strips that attach like tape does, but they're re-positionable and you can easily move and reattach them. They act like tape, but don't hurt the paint on the bed of the machine.

Or you can get and adjustable fabric guide at Sew-Classics or your LSMG:

{ http://www.shop.sew-classic.com/Seam...l-SCF55415.htm }

The fabric guide is one of the OEM accessories that comes with or came with the Featherweights. It's mentioned in the owners manual with pics too IIRC.

I use these and the 1/4" foot with the guide a lot. Just depends on the machine and what type of presser feet it uses.

I haven't mastered sewing a straight seam without a crutch yet ..... :)

Joe

Some use a thick stack of Post-It Notes on the 1/4 inch line on the throatplate. That limits where you can sew.

l use a strip of blue painter's tape - does not leave any residue.

I use blue painters tape and have never had any problem with residue or taking finish off. If you want an edge barrier then cut through several layers of tape while it is still on the roll with an exacto knife and position that 1/4 inch from your needle and you'll have something to butt the fabric against.

It is possible to get a throat plate with markings. I found mine on eBay...paid $40.

throat plate
 

My 301's have a marked throat plate. Love that feature. Have seen the ads for fw in quilting magazines.

Look in the accessories that came with your FWs. You may have a seam guide that is made to screw onto the bed of your machine. That is what the two holes in the bed of the machine are for. At first I thought they were oil holes but they're there for the seam guide. Also, any low shank 1/4 " foot should fit.