I am a beginner but I have been following this message board for a couple of months and have just finished my first lapsize quilt top. I too have had difficulty in achieving a consistent 1/4" seam even with a 1/4" foot. After reading all of the advice here, I ordered a new 1/4" foot with a guide on the right hand side. Then I tested it by sewing together 3 pieces of 2 1/4" fabric and measuring the 3 blocks. My results were less than the expected size. I have a machine that will allow me to move the needle several spaces to the right or the left on a straight stitch, so I moved the needle one space to the right and tested my fabric again. Voila!! The fabric measured 6" exactly. If I were a little younger, I would have danced with joy. I have a reminder set by my machine telling me to reset the needle position. I also reduce the stitch length, so doing both makes it easier to remember. My question is- am I using a regular or a scant 1/4" inch?