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-   -   Have you ever "worn out" a 1/4" foot? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/have-you-ever-worn-out-1-4-foot-t264101.html)

SueSew 08-09-2015 08:38 AM


Originally Posted by amandasgramma (Post 7167612)
My 1/4" foot didn't wear out, but it DID cause problems. On mine (for my Janome) there is a small flange that prevents the fabric from moving to the right too far. That had been tweaked out.....was making my seams more than 1/4". I used pliers and tweaked it back.

Me too! I think I had forgotten to lift the foot at one point and the flange got out of shape. I couldn't straighten mine so bought another - now will try the pliers! thanks!

I wonder if it is the ankle, if you couldn't put in a sort of washer or gasket which would tighten it up...I have notice a couple of my feet being a big wiggly. Think I'll try it.

Onebyone 08-09-2015 10:58 AM

The metal guide broke off one of my 1/4" feet. I like it better without the guide. I found if I make my 1/4" guide using tape or whatever it works best for me to have it at least 1/8" high and perfect at 1/4" high.

quiltingshorttimer 08-09-2015 04:45 PM


Originally Posted by Maggie Mendes (Post 7281157)
Hi Are you happy with your elna? I am thinking buying this machine .

Yes--I love it! It's been pretty maintenance free despite lots of sewing time. I've not only pieced on it, but also FMQ. I don't do much clothing sewing, but have used it for a flower girl dress that involved lots of specialty feet. Have to say that I can never remember how to use the more complex ones since only use them rarely. I have had difficulty with my automatic threader---but I have difficulty with that on my Singer too, so it may be more me than the machine as a friend with the same machine says she's never had any difficulty with the threader.

Honchey 08-09-2015 04:50 PM

I had pins fall out just pushed them back in and secured it with a dab of clear nail polish..didn't have any glue on hand...it's still working..

Aurora 08-10-2015 01:39 AM

I have two 1/4" feet and seldom use either one. Tried one at the Mystery Retreat last week and my seams were too large. We eventually found my Painter's Tape was an accurate 1/4" and the foot was more like 3/8". Today I will be removing that side flange from my 1/4" feet, it is useless.

jillybean 08-10-2015 08:51 PM

I also have that same machine and I also noticed that there was some play on the 1/4" foot. I could wiggle the flat of the foot
I found below the snap on part there is a teeny screw. I got my smallest screwdriver and tightened that screw (its right above the flat part of the foot, right behind the needle when down). You have to raise the needle to see it and tighten the screw. This seemed to help take the wiggle out of the foot and helps my true 1/4 seam.
Try that-cheaper than a new foot-too late for that tho-one can always have a spare.
Good luck
Jill M

quiltingshorttimer 08-11-2015 09:11 PM


Originally Posted by jillybean (Post 7283109)
I also have that same machine and I also noticed that there was some play on the 1/4" foot. I could wiggle the flat of the foot
I found below the snap on part there is a teeny screw. I got my smallest screwdriver and tightened that screw (its right above the flat part of the foot, right behind the needle when down). You have to raise the needle to see it and tighten the screw. This seemed to help take the wiggle out of the foot and helps my true 1/4 seam.
Try that-cheaper than a new foot-too late for that tho-one can always have a spare.
Good luck
Jill M

thanks--I'll keep that in mind if I have problems in the future.

Aurora 08-12-2015 11:40 PM

Used a needle-nose plier and yanked the flange off and now I have a real 1/4" foot -- perfect 1/4" seams. Bonus, if I line the center edge of the left side of the foot with the pencil line for HST's -- those are easier to stitch as well because the needle stitches slightly to the right of the pencil line.

Maggie Mendes 08-13-2015 01:59 AM


Originally Posted by quiltingshorttimer (Post 7281868)
Yes--I love it! It's been pretty maintenance free despite lots of sewing time. I've not only pieced on it, but also FMQ. I don't do much clothing sewing, but have used it for a flower girl dress that involved lots of specialty feet. Have to say that I can never remember how to use the more complex ones since only use them rarely. I have had difficulty with my automatic threader---but I have difficulty with that on my Singer too, so it may be more me than the machine as a friend with the same machine says she's never had any difficulty with the threader.

Thanks for your answer.

cmilton 08-13-2015 09:31 AM

you can. i have replaced one before. Found that changing needle positions to get 1/4 inch is more accurate than foot anyway.


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