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. :)