Hi all,

when topstitching, so far I've been using my 1/4" foot. Now, I've been wondering what foot to use if you want to topstitch leaving a much smaller space between seam and edge than you get with the 1/4" foot. I googled a 1/8" foot, but nothing came up. So if you want to topstitch closely to the edge but keep it neat and straight, what do you use?

Thanks!

I am not sure what kind of machine you have. I have a Viking and there is an edge-joining foot available that has a flange in the middle to guide with (they also use it for stitching in the ditch). My machine has the capability to move the needle in small increments to both the right and the left and I just move the needle to where I want it. If you have that feature on your machine, could you use a foot that allows you to move your needle over closer to the edge?

I have a Janome, and my needle does move to the left and right. The 1/4" foot only allows for a small adjustment to the right, otherwise you would hit the metal of the foot. I have to check into the other feet I got, maybe I even have something similar to what you are describing. Thanks!

i move my needle to the right to get smaller than 1/4"

Use the inside of the edge of the 1/4 foot flange(?) I often place those extensions on the outside edge and use the inside asd my guide. Did any of that make sense? I know what I am saying, not sure I am making it clear.

You could try to use your zipper foot and also move the needle over. My Viking straight stitch foot has a cutout in front so you can line up to 3 different spots on each side of the foot to stitch a line. Experiment with the different feet your machine has, you might find one that will work for you.

I use a "clear" open toe foot when top stitching on my Viking Rose

The thing I like about the 1/4" foot is that it has that little metal flange that is placed right of the edge and keeps you at the same distance from the edge. I would like the same, just closer to the edge. I'm afraid if I just go by some visual mark I will not stay straight. Does that make sense?

Most 1/4 inch feet can be used for 1/8 inch. Mine is 1/4 to the right, 1/8 to the left. Or, I line up the fabric with the inside edge of the foot, rather than the outside to get 1/8" seam. I don't move the needle at all.

I hope that makes sense.

Yes, I know what you mean. Just, like I said, I like to have that metal piece right of my edge that keeps me in place and keeps me from moving my fabric away from the distance I want. Using a visual mark only, without the foot piece that your fabric edge butts against, would make my seam inconsistent.

Will the old 'standard' foot from the vintage Singer machines fit yours? It has a wide side on the left and a narrow side on the right, which makes top stitching really easy. This is what I learned on and still like the best for any straight stitching.

I never had a 1/4 inch foot until just recently, I always used the foot edges as a guide. I tried the 1/4 foot with the little metal flange, and had more problems trying to follow that. But if you feel you really need an edge to butt against, buy a piece of dR. Scholls moleskin at the drugstore, and make an edge just where you want it to be. Just line it up, stick it down, and you will have that edge to butt too. But really, try just using the inside edge of the foot, you can see right where you are stitching. Honest!!

Use the edge joing foot with your Janome - it allows more freedom to move your needle.

Thanks all. Taping my own guide to the machine is something I thought of before, so if I feel the feet don't give me enough security, I'll try that.

Happy sewing!

I have a Pfaff and this foot is called the narrow edge foot for my machine. It is one of the feet that I keep in a little basket beside my machine because I use it so much. I demo this foot in all my classes that I teach where there is top stitching, and almost every student will end up buying one. They are happy to get such accurate top stitching.

Depends on what I am top stitching. On only 2 thickness of fabric then I use my 1/4 in foot and use foot as a guide on fabric or off fabric. If I am top stitching on sandwiched quilt then I always use my walking foot so that the fabric does not creep. I can put one side of the foot off the material and the other side will still grab the fabric.