The Ever Elusive scant 1/4 inch seam
 

I've been quilting a long time, but it still eludes me. I have a Janome 12000. The needle moves to a gazillion different positions. But not quite far enough to use the 1/4 inch foot. It makes the patch off just enough that it doesn't match up with what it needs to be sewed to. So saying it'll be my personal seam allowance won't cut it. Haha
If I sew a strip set together with 3 pieces and it doesn't measure 5.5, like the piece it will be sewed to, things get hinky right from the start.
So I've taken to using the zipper foot and running the cloth along the feed dogs as the guide. The size is right, but it doesn't feel like the best feeding going on. Because the 5.5 inch piece is changing a bit while being sewed. It doesn't measure quite 5.5 after being attached to the strip set.
Clear as mud, right?
Anyone have any suggestions? I'm just starting a new QOV and would like to get it right from the start. And it just doesn't feel like it's going well already

I don't have the same machine as you, but I can't ever seem to get accurate 1/4" seams. I'll stalk this thread and read the advice! :)

Best of luck to you!

Check out Bonnie Hunter's blog. The post is The Best Removable Seam Guide Ever. I think that was discussed on here about a week ago.

I think I would first check my cutting for accuracy using a non-acrylic ruler. Then I would check my pressing to make sure it's clean and crisp (maybe try open seams). After that I would possibly change my thread thickness.

A zipper foot only gives stability on one side, not the best way to maintain a precision edge even if you're sewing with the foot to the right (on the seam allowance). I use an open toe embroidery foot and shift the needle to get what I need with visibility, stability, and accuracy. Good luck to you.

I think there's something wrong with your machine. If the needle can move in a gazillion
positions it should move to the scant 1/4" position. Take your machine to your dealer and
ask them to have a look.

That is a possiblility now that you mention it because the needle never has been in the center. When I have the regular sewing foot on it is a bit to the left of the center. Light bulb: that would make it not go to the right far enough when I move it over.
I swear this machine has been a lemon from the start. It was the floor model and I should've listened to my instincts.
Thanks. I'll check that out.

I rechecked my cuts. That looks fine. I cover the fabric with the cutting line.

Thread could be an issue. Perhaps with a thinner thread it would help just enough.

I don't like using the zipper foot for the reason you said. But I tried every foot till I got one that was allowing for the seam I needed. Along with a magnetic guide right up against the feed dogs.
I'll look and see if I have the embroider foot you mentioned. Do you mean the round one?

Always get good advice on here.

After I could make a 1/4" seam, everyone said it really should be a scant 1/4". I give up, nothing seems to work for the time it takes to make a quilt.The only thing I notice is the squares are a bit smaller. I just sew on a slightly large border.

I agree with this.