New idea to ensure 1/4" seam allowance
 

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.

Thanks for your suggestion. I'm certainly going to try it.

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.

Thanks for your tip! Since I need to go to Home Depot today anyway, I'm going to look for the command strips - I think it's just what I've been looking for.

For what you are using them for, I think the cost is to much. I use masking tape. One - one inch roll should last just about a lifetime and when I have to change it, a little bit of goo- gone on a cotton ball cleans any residue right up.
Goo-Gone doesn't damage acrylic, plastic or stainless. Easy peasy!
peace

Bonnie Hunter blogged about this a few months ago. Lots of quilt board replies about it here: http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...m-t200388.html

I don't find masking tape quite thick enough for me. I use Dr. Scholl's moleskin (the thin kind). I cut it in strips with my rotary cutter. I've not had any trouble getting the residue off with Goo Gone, and I've left it on some machines for months.

Good tip, thanks. Sometimes you can't put a price on exact 1/4" seams. I've spent more on some tools that were totally useless. If it works, then it's money well spent. :-)

wow thanks for the great tip

You can also purchase a roll of the double stick foam tape and cut it to length. It leaves no residue and works like a charm because of the thickness of the tape. I always carry a roll in my supply bag!

thanks for the tip

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

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

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

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.

Love the painters tape, too !

My Juki has a compensating foot that has a stationary part that sits on the machine bed and fabric slides along that edge, can't make a large seam. I bought a 1/4" foot w/ a blade and fabric slides against it for perfect 1/4" seam for my vintage machine. I just bought one for my Babylock, will try it in a few evenings and see if it is what I want. I can just line fabric up with the 1/4" line and make a perfect seam, I am lazy and like things the easy way.

I've used a large rubber band in the past, on my little Brother that had a free arm. Worked great.

I use Qtools Sewing Edge. I am still using the same package for years.

The command strips are so great for so many things. I have the hook kind on the side of each of my machines to hang my scissors on. Now I always have my favorite pair by my machine.

be sure to go to command.com and print there coupons before you go and buy them

You might also check with your sewing machine dealer for a 1/4 foot. I have a Bernina and they have a 1/4 foot with a slide on the outside so you will always have perfect 1/4" seams.

Didn't know what they were but just ordered some off Amazon.
Thanks for the tip.
Annie

Yes, Goo-Gone does damage plastic! I ruined my 6x24 inch ruler by using it to remove some glo tape residue. It actually caused the ruler surface to disintegrate.

Now that's a great idea!! Going to try it.

THANK YOU! Great idea to keep track of my nippers!

Command Strips with hooks are a staple in my house. For some reason Walmart has different sizes on clearance every so often. I stock up and save a bundle.

Thanks for the tip...great idea.....

That's genius! Thanks.

good tip thank you

Quarter inch foot
 

My 1/4" foot for my babylock broke off on the side of it:(

Leaders and enders have worked for me. But a wise quilter friend encouraged me to spend the money for a straight stitch plate for my 30 year old Bernina. I argued with her for about a year and then gave in. What a difference it makes. If you can get one for your machine I highly recommend it. I have never in all my years of sewing on different machines had a straight stitch plate. Now I won't own a machine without one.

Different strokes for different folks. I have one for my Janome and I hate the darn thing with a passion.

I also use painter's tape. Doesn't leave any residue and it's cheap

On a machine that will do zig-zag stitches, the feed dogs are set wide apart to make room for the widest stitch. My Singer 301A has no zig-zag, and has feed dogs very close to the needle hole. I can do a 1/8 inch seam on the right side, and the foot is still over feed dogs. I've gone back to using that machine for piecing, and love it.