Kind of interesting isn't it. I have also learned this rule about the machine but never thought about the ruler. Thanks ladies for that info.

seems like my mood can change how accurate my seams come out ):

ditto i learned the hard way too

I bought two quilt feet for my Pfaff 2144. One has the metal "thingey" on the right side to fit at the edge of the fabric, the other one has it in the center of the foot. Can't decide which one works better, they both drive me crazy. I just finished cutting out about 70 squares from a nice Bali Pop jelly roll. Using the instructions from Missouri Quilts for that nifty square that you cut into quarters. None of the squares measured the same because the jelly roll strips are not even. Especially in length which was the least of my problems. Each square was supposed to be 8.5" before cutting into quarters. Because of the itsy bitsy variance in the seams, I spent yesterday afternoon squaring every one of them up to 8", or I would not have been able to get 1/4" seams putting them together. So now my squares in the quilt will come down to 7.5" each, cut in quarters.

Bottom line: I want to slap Hoffman upside their heads for inconsistent strips, and Pfaff for the difference in the quilt feet. And me, for being so picky. :)

Just beginning a quilt with a friend, and facing this challenge up-front. Success is a must!

I don't know about your machine, but with mine, the foot with the blade in the middle is the
SID, or stitch in the ditch foot.

Same here. Lesson learned the hard way. ughhhh!!

Just like real estate...location, location, location. With sewing machines it is needle location, needle location, needle location...LOL Even being off just a little bit can make such a big difference!

You should always check your 1/4" allowance whenever you start to sew. Computerized machines sometimes default to factory settings even if you set an accurate 1/4" the last time you used it. And yes you can adjust the needle to be an accurate 1/4". I have a Janome and I use a different needle setting for my regular 1/4" foot than I use for my 1/4" walking (accufeed) foot.

That is what I thought too, but the quilt shop owner/Pfaff dealer insisted that it is the best one for getting a true 1/4" seam .... and I can be talked into most accessories when I'm in a quilt shop or sewing center. :)