There is a little yellow 1/4" measure that you put your needle in and will show you an exact measure. I can't remember what the name is, but your LQS will know. harriet hargrave says it is a must.

You are correct Janome is true 1/4". Viking is a scant 1/4", so never change machines in middle of project, because it will really throw your quilt off.

I learned this lesson when I switched from a gauge presser foot which I could SET for a scant 1/4 inch seam and purchased a piecing foot (with built in guide)which makes the seam just a stitch width bigger. I only use the piecing foot now as I can just let the feed dogs pull the fabric through right up against the little guide. I use an old Singer 201 which has a wonderful stitch and really performs. PS I have a brother too, which I only embroider on. Just give me a vintage Singer ANY DAY!

I soooooo want a green Singer 319. Whine....

Those vintage sewing machines now those were the days. U didn't need 50 classes to know how to use them and then come home and forget it all

This isn't the first time I've heard these stories, but they mostly related to the differences in tension. I changed sewing machines part way through piecing a quilt - the first one I ever had professionally quilted. When I mentioned this to the quilter (a rather superior, intimidating woman) and said I hoped that it wouldn't make too much difference she stuck her nose in the air and said "if you keep a consistent quarter inch seam it doesn't make any difference"

I hope she reads this board!

I also think that the differing tensions on machines are bound to make a difference. And like many others, I have never, ever had a quarter-inch foot give me a quarter-inch seam - it's usually more like 5/16ths. to 3/8ths!

Another way I have found to make machine "A" and machine "B" stitch a perfect 1/4" is to use a lined 3X5 card.
Cut the card off on the top line. The rest of the lines are 1//4" apart.
turn the card face down and sew what your machine is 'telling' you is a 1/4" then turn the card back over and see how much difference there is. Adjust from there.

Wow...

Thanks for the info.... I never thought that it would be different on each machine..... I now know that I will have to measure.

Hugs

Caroline

I was always told to start and finish piecing a quilt with the same machine. Never bothered to ask why but this is probably the reason.

Thank You so much for this visual! A great learning tip. Seeing your pic really was surprising at the huge difference. I've also been taught to stick with the same ruler throughout the entire quilt.