Please Help !
 

I am making a Strata Star table topper. I have been sewing the stripes together, but never comes out to 71/2 inches, when all the stripes are sewn together. I have been using a 1/4 " ft. And still no better. I would appreciate any tips. Thank you Michele

Michele: I would suggest that you physically measure from your needle to 1/4. I have a 1/4" foot that isn't. I took the suggestion from someone here on the board and measured using the lines on an index card. It's 1/4" from one line to the next. Then I used a couple of layers of moleskin where 1/4" is so my fabric has something to butt up against.

Yes, it usually is that the 1/4" isn't actually that so you probably could move your needle position across if you have that facility or alternatively put a marker on the needle plate after measuring your 1/4". Good luck.

Can you adjust the needle position on your machine??

I run test strips. I cut 3 strips 1" by 3" long. I then sew all three strips together, press the seams, and then I measure the whole unit after pressing and it should equal 2.5" wide. Then I adjust my needle position to the right and make another test strip and repeat until I get the desired 2.5" width.

The act of folding the seam as well as the thread takes up space, add to that ... 1/4" feet are not perfectly accurate.

if you can't adjust the needle position on your machine, you'll have to use some other marker other than the 1/4" foot. some folks use a stack of post it's, some use tape or moleskin ... etc.

If you have the attachment and the hole for it, you can use a fabric guide. Here's a pic of one. These are terrific if you can use them.