So my question to you--what do you use to keep a consistent 1/4" seam that a beginner would find helpful? Keep in mind that we are talking many different machine types and much difference in sewing abilities. Thanks![/QUOTE]
When I taught beginner classes, I gave them a paper guide to tape to the bed of their machine. The guide did not interfere with any other sewing and with tape covering the paper as much as possible it will be there ready to use.
I took graph paper with 1/4" grids, cut into strips with a heavy/thicker line to the right of center. The strips were about 2" by 6" long. Had each person sew on the center line for a couple inches, tape the paper to the machine, lift needle and cut away the sewn portion and clearing the feed dogs. Then it is easy to follow the heavy/thicker 1/4" line to sew the proper seam allowance. We also talked about not watching the needle but to watch the fabric edge/paper line and it worked very well for them.
I finally took my paper off my machine, after a lot of years of making quilts.