watterstide

Same here for my 6600!

What is the thread thickness your using?

patricej

i use 50wt thread almost exclusively.

i prefer it for quilting and sticking to one standard weight is easier for me than having to keep track of which is which. :lol:

LadybugPam

Clearly you are not unique - I would cut and sew the quilt my way hiding the evidence inside the finished quilt. But when passing my sewn blocks to someone else at Guild - heaven forbid me to show my disgusting seam allowance. So I used what I thought was a precise 1/4" measure. And failed to have the proper block size. In Google I typed "how to get the proper block size" and magically I found an article about finding your personal 1/4" scant seam allowance.

Cut two pieces of fabric 2.5"x 4.5" --- sew using the 1/4" scant seam. Press the seam to one side. Measure. Your newly sewn piece needs to measure 4.5" square.

The way you cut your fabric is also a contributing factor. Placing the acrylic ruler over your fabric (cutting right handed) I try to see the slightest of a sliver of fabric on the left of the line I am using to measure the cut.

I have used these examples in my classes and I feel more confident in passing a sewn block at Guild and less fear when piecing.

GladGrams

I have a Husqvarna Sapphire 870 and the 1/4" foot is a hair off. I had to adjust the needle setting several times before I got it right. Then... had to change it again, as explained so well by others above, for a new thicker fabric. :evil: :evil: :evil: I wanted to throw the machine, the fabric and the thread out the window.

patricej

don't toss any of those.

toss all the stress and worry over that stinkin' scant.

put it into a drawer in attic or basement. take it out only on those rare occassions when it actually matters. ;-)

littlehud

Good advice here. This was a great and informative thread. I really enjoyed reading this and learned a thing or two.

bearisgray

I think sewing the test strips is the very best advice given here.

Then one knows where one is at and can make whatever adjustments are necessary.

I loathe the "scant 1/4 inch seam" instruction.

I'm equally fond of pinked edges on a block piece.

Aully

I have pulled out my scant foot today and put it on machine becasue my 1/4 inch foot was sewing 1/2 inch.

I used my scant foot to sew a straight line on a scrap piece of fabric, it measured 1/4 inch exactly. Do I need to put 2 pieces of fabric together and measure? or is the 1 straight line good enough?

Thanks, Hugs!

lab fairy

You need to put two pieces of fabric together. Sew the seam. Press open and measure. You won't believe how much difference this makes.

nativetexan

and if using charms cut with the pinked edges, don't push your squares too much against your 1/4 inch foot. that takes away from your measurement too.