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.

I'd keep looking out for the right foot as that's the easiest way. Otherwise there's always tape, but you'll need some advice on what's appropriate to use on your featherweight's finish.

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

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.

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.

Get a short shank 1/4" foot with a guide attached to it. Get them at SewClassic.Com

Bought 1/4" foot for all my FW's.

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.

I've been using the walking foot on my FW for everything and I'm having trouble with the 1/4" seam as well since the foot itself is wider than 1/4".