On the two machines I sew on, the needle can not be moved, it is fixed. I eyeball the 1/4" line on the machine bed and just sew. I make quilts for my pleasure and am happy with the way they turn out. Only since joining this board have I seen anything about a scant 1/4". I have been making quilts since 1966. I have old quilt books and never recall seeing that term in those. I don't do intricate blocks or swaps. That would not denote pleasure to me and I am all about my pleasure.