I've used the blue painter's tape before. Works pretty well and doesn't leave any sticky on your machine.

There was a great idea posted on this board a few days ago. Works great on my older machine. Use a magnetic business card. But, I don't think you should use one on the newer electronic machines. Might mess with their "brains"

I have the 1/4" foot but my fabric always managed to slip a little so I purchased a magnetic guide that butts up against the foot and now the fabric is in line and my seams finally are 1/4" I got it at JoAnns or Hobby Lobby.

Thanks again for the ideas. I have a newer machine and don't want to take chances with the magnetic thing, but it sounds like a good idea for some machines.

I have a Pfaff expression 2 and I am sure there ought to be a mark on here at the 1/4 somewhere, but when I measure all of the marks, none is 1/4 inch. Not to worry, I will buy a new foot today, plus my husband fixed mine and my sister lent me one. I am back in business, for sure!

My new Singer just came with all the plastic gadgets and one all purpase foot. I have to buy the edge/ quilting guide and 9 other optional accessories. Every time I go to buy them they are always out of stock. Will have to go looking for them on the internet.

I did not know this! This is a good piece of information to have.

You can use a regular foot and move the needle over so that you are sewing 1/4 inch from edge of that foot. I have a friend with a Pfaff and she does that even though she has 1/4 inch foot. Says feed dogs get a better grip on fabric that way, more of fabric is actually over the dogs. My machine will not do that as my needle moves are in too large increments. I hope this makes sense.

LOVE this idea for my vintage machines! I agree about not using it around computerized machines though.

uote=supergma]There was a great idea posted on this board a few days ago. Works great on my older machine. Use a magnetic business card. But, I don't think you should use one on the newer electronic machines. Might mess with their "brains"[/quote]

I never use my 1/4" foot, it gets in my way. Tape or mole skin is my favorite

Lets look at the real problem here. You didn't mention the brand of your machine but it sounds like a Viking by the price of the 1/4" foot. That being said also sounds like the machine needs to be checked by a trained technician. The pressure on the foot might be too much. It might cost you a service fee, but cheaper than a new machine.