I use a quarter inch foot and move the needle a tad to the right to get a scant quarter-inch seam. I also have a top loading bobbin so the tape deal didn't work too well, but a thin line drawn with a permanent marker sure does. And I think that after hundreds of seams you sort of learn where to aim, as someone else said. Good luck!!

I have heard that you can stick a tiny pad of Post It's. It is raised so provides an excellent thing to "line up" your fabric against. The next time you need it, tear off the bottom one and re-stick. Of course this is AFTER you know where it should be.

http://www.quiltdesignnw.com/quiltin...t-patterns.htm
Printable guide here, scroll down some and print thr 1/4"Seam Allowance Guide

if placing a guide on your machine bed is not an option- or a pain due to having to remove it all the time why not just draw it on with a sharpie? or nail polish- something that will last, not rub off on your fabric- and not have to be removed? since each machine is different it is hard to say there is a specific tool to use- each person has their own 'need'. one of my machines I used an index card- lined up with the needle- then drew a straight line with a fine tip sharpie- then when it had time to dry I coated the line with clear nail polish- the line has lasted a few years now. I too was tired of having to remove my guide every time I needed to change the bobbin. after years of practice/use I have found my 1/4" and just know exactly where to line up- regardless of which foot i'm using- but that one little old machine still has it's mark on it- when one of the kids are over wanting to sew they like to use that one. :)

This is what I do too. However, I'm so stupid I just figured that my machine was geared for that all by itself. No wonder I could never get a good 1/4"!

Thank you Tartan!!!!!!!

I use tape and have a drop in bobbin which has a clear plastic cover. I used a fine point sharpie to draw lines on the underside. I actually have 2 lines - one for 1/4" and one for "center of the needle" for doing diagonals. (no need to mark them!)

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I'm going to use the Bonnie Hunter idea on my Janome Gem! Better than purchasing another foot for my granddaughter to use!

Thank you so much for all the great ideas! It would be so nice if my 1/4 foot actually worked...but, I think I'm going to try the marker. I'm anxious to do this!!

I have a 1/4" foot with a fence. Invaluable!