WHAT SEWING MACHINE HAS THE BEST 1/4 INCH SEAM

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08-31-2011, 07:51 AM

#21

jljack

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Join Date: Apr 2007

Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jimsjunque

I'm using an old 301 Singer sewing machine. The needle plate has the 1/4 inch seam engraved right in it.Always works for me.

Ditto. My 301 sews a very straight seam, and I put a 1/4" foot on it, and my seam allowance comes out very good. I am very happy with the result.

08-31-2011, 07:58 AM

#22

CorgiNole

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Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Chapel Hill

Posts: 1,086

As others have said, it is generally an operator issue. Though 1990's Singer definitely pulls to the left (I find myself fighting to keep the fabric feeding straight), but that may be an issue of lint in the feed dogs also...

I currently sew on a Bernina 801 (1970's) and use a stack of 1/4 inch tape as a seam guide. I have one of the scant 1/4 rulers to help me align the tape correctly.

I would be wary of setting the needle to a position other than the center in case of forgetting later and ending up with the needle striking something it shouldn't strike.

Cheers, K

08-31-2011, 07:59 AM

#23

CorgiNole

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Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Chapel Hill

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Something else to consider - the way you press the seams within the block can also affect the outcome of your block.

In the end, though, I don't think it is so much about the perfect 1/4 seam, but the perfectly consistent seam.

Cheers, K

08-31-2011, 08:16 AM

#24

lvaughan

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Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Oklahoma

Posts: 342

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maia B

Are you sure the problem us even in your sewing? It could be in your cutting, pressing, even thread choice...But I will say that I've had the easiest time getting a consistent, perfect 1/4" on my narrower (4mm and 5.5mm) stitch width Berninas with the #37 and #57 feet. They're the same except the #57 has a sturdy metal guide to the right. I also love a screw-down seam guide, which is a very inexpensive item. Just know that on some machines, one thing or another prevents you from getting that guide that close. The only answer is to experiment. I like to make a block using strips cut at 1.5" like a 6-strip rail fence (12" finished block) or a double nine patch (9" finished block) or a goose in the pond, when I think I've got the 1/4" worked out on a new machine. A simple block with several seams across the width will show you if you're really being accurate. A quick test is to sew three 1.5" strips together, press, and measure the center strip, which should be exactly 1" across. But do a block with 11 seams across the width, such as a 6 strip rail fence, and you'll definitely find out if you are off!

I agree with using the #57 foot, it works better for me than the #37. I do sometimes move my needle over one click, it all depends on the fabric thickness and pattern (lots of intersecting seams) and if you starch your blocks as you go. I am assuming (maybe wrongly) that you are trying to get a perfect seam to make as close to possible a perfect block.

08-31-2011, 08:22 AM

#25

geeblay627e120

Junior Member

Join Date: Aug 2011

Location: Kansas City, Mo.

Posts: 142

Quote:

Originally Posted by kriscraft99

you can also mark your 1/4" with a rubber band - that way you can butt your fabric up to the edge of the band. This picture gives you a visual (but definitely not 1/4") ;-)

What a great idea!

08-31-2011, 10:35 AM

#26

browniva

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Join Date: Mar 2011

Posts: 43

thanks again to everyone keep the coments comming I will keep you posted on my next quilt and blocks to see if they work out with your hints
Joanne t from saskatchewan canada

09-01-2011, 03:06 AM

#27

grann of 6

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Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Glenmoore, PA

Posts: 7,941

Quote:

Originally Posted by browniva

I AM WANTING TO BUY A NEW SEWING MACHINE AND NEED ONE WITH A PERFECT 1/4 IN SEAM. i HAVE AN OLD MACHINE AND ALSO HAVE A 1/4 IN FOOT FOR IT BUT MY SQUARES ARE NEVER WHAT THEY SHOULD BE. PLEASE HELP ME PICK A NEW MACHINE
THANKS
JOANNE FROM SASKATCHEWAN CANADA

That is like asking when they will make a car that won't get in an accident. It is the operator that has the control over the 1/4" seam. You should have seen my 1/4" seams this past weekend when I was using my 1865 White treadle. Now they were bad, and it wasn't the machine's fault. Try to peddle hold fabric and steer at the same time....not easy. Practice practice practice.

09-01-2011, 03:29 AM

#28

jitkaau

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Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Australia

Posts: 4,116

It is generally judged by the foot you buy to fit the machine.Most brands of machine have a special 1/4" foot to cater to quilters.It just means that from the outside RH edge of the foot,to the central position of the needle measures 1/4".

09-01-2011, 03:31 AM

#29

Just-Lee

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Middle of nowhere on a hilltop :)

Posts: 494

You can also put a piece of mole skin on your machine bed for marking...although I have no idea where you get it, I have seen it used to teach kids about seams.

I think I have avoided traditional quilts for the 1/4" dilemma itself, plus the feed on my machine seems to pull my fabric in a wonky direction, making it very hard to keep a straight seam at all. I will be brave soon! lol