Quiltingboard Forums - New idea to ensure 1/4" seam allowance

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tried the taping down a quarter inch mark....went and bought a 1/4" foot....works

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrannieAnnie (Post 5649595)

Long strips of blue painters tape works best for me. I've had trouble removing "command" strips at times and don't want to chance that stuff on my sewing machine.

I used command strips for lots of things, but the last time I tried to remove a strip under a hook, it broke off and now I have no way to remove the hook from the wall! Be careful with your sewing machine!

great idea. I use painters tape after learning the hard way about the masking tape residue. Thought I would never get the gunk off

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilacquilt (Post 5649575)

Everyone knows about layering pieces of masking tape on the bed of your sewing machine to create an "edge" for your fabric to ride as you sew. I use a different method which is much more accurate and leaves NO residue. Buy a package of 3M Command Removable Mount Strips (Small size is what I use) and use that to mark the exact measurement of your seam allowance. You may need to trim the right-hand edge and a corner to make it fit your needs but it's easy to cut, pulls off cleanly with NO residue and is just the right thickness for your fabric to ride along. These strips are usually in the hardware section of your big-box stores but at this time of year you'll also find them in with Christmas items as they are great for hanging decorations that you want to remove after the holidays.

I use them all the time now. Got a tip a couple of months ago and they really work. No residue, easy to remove and they hold the thread to the back of the pressure foot so no tangles of thread under the fabric:)

I just bought a seam guide at the West Palm Quilt show. It's really different. It looks like a ruler, but is made of white rubber and sticks to your mACHINE or your extention table. You get a guide with a hole that the needle goes in, and that has all the markings on it. When you find the one you want, line up your "ruler" and away you go- it doesn't move for anything and is long. You can get different sizes, and the guage has measurments for 1/8, scant 1/4, 1/4 and then up to 1 1/2. of course you can move it out further, too.
This couple designed it and also sell the extension tables for all models up to a size 24 x 32!!! The prices are way better than dealers, so I ordered one, too. Here's the link: www.sewverysmooth.com
It may be a little pricy for the ruler one time, but no gook and it will last forever- just wash the lint off.

Thanks for the tip.

The 1/4" foot with seam guide that came with my Babylock is worse than useless. For some reason the feed dogs grip and twist the fabric when using it - don't understand why, but creates a very crooked seam.

I still have to move my needle two clicks to get a perfect seam with my 1/4 inch foot. I too struggle with the fabric getting eaten and have to use leaders when i use the foot...I'm going to buy moleskin and give it a try.

I can't wait to try this. Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovelyl (Post 5651239)

I had strip break before. I put the tip of an ice pick under the hook, and the strip could be pulled out enough to pull it off. I hope this works for you too. There is no danger of getting the strip off the machine even if it breaks, nothing on top of the strip to keep it from being pulled off.