You can also make sure that absolutely NO fabric is sticking out past the foot. The foot that came with my Singer is accurate as long as I keep an eye on the fabric. I did invest in another foot with the fence and it is an accurate 1/4" for my machine so I use that more because I'm too lazy to keep watching...Which Singer do you have?
AliKat, I'm sorry you're in the hospital, wishing you a speedy recovery and I like that idea of the double stick tape and ruler idea!