Sewing straight 1/4 inch seams
 

Hi there! I am very new to quilting and sewing...just took a beginners class in October and loved it. I have done a few projects since, such as table runners and small wall hangings, but I am continually frustrated by my lines. When I sew two pieces of fabric together (the most basic thing), it seems like one end of the seam is a little wider than the other. I have tried using the needle plate guide or the 1/4" foot for guidance but neither works. I am so frustrated because it really throws things off and makes some lines look curved. Any hints, tips or tricks would be so very appreciated!
Thank you!
~Christine

Don't look at the needle. Just look where you are going. Keep it up. It will come as you practice. Don't get discouraged.

Use a stiletto to hold down the last edge as you come to it so your fabric stays straight. A lot of it is just practice too == the more you do it the better you are.

I've been quilting for a while and struggled with the skinny to fat to skinny 1/4'"seam. Recently I had an "AHA" moment. The sewing machine I use most of the time, has a "slow, medium, & fast speed". I love sewing fast but wasn't accurate. I decided to try the "medium". Wow! What a difference. I only watch the inside of my foot, never the needle.

I, also, did one other thing. I use a see through foot, that has plastic on the center and have moved my needle so that running the fabric under the right (harp) side edge of the foot, as I am sitting looking at the machine, produces a consistent 1/4" seam. It is the most accurate I have ever been.

Is it the last edge that's wider? I've had that problem. I think it's because it's harder to see once the fabric disappears under the foot. I use a short plastic stick, as Nammie to 7 has suggested, and compensate by turning in a tiny bit. You can do it!

hugs,
charlotte

I have used this technique for years and ALL my seams are straight and speedy to sew.

Jan in VA

I also use a stilleto - a long pin or needle will also work - to hold that last inch or two together and quide it under the needle. It really does help.

Absolutely true, Bearisgray, and, though I always do this, i forget to add that little tip to the graphic. Glad yoiu mentioned it!

Jan in VA

This happens to me, too. I think it's a natural reflex - as the end of stitching approaches, my hand gets 'shy' about the needle and my guidance of the fabric disappears. I also had to stop looking at the needle, and actually watch how I was guiding the thread in relation to the edge of the presser foot. After all, the needle only goes up and down; it's the fabric that tends to move around.

I also discovered that, for me, the 1/4" foot without the guide blade allows me to really see where to guide the fabric. Seams are much straighter now. My sister uses the 1/4" foot with the guide blade, and likes that much better than the one I use. Everyone is different.

I sew straighter when I chain piece (putting the next pieces of fabric to sew right after the one you're sewing, so that when you get to the end of one set, you go right to the next - if I haven't explained this well, google "chain piecing" for better explanations and pictures). It also saves a surprising amount of time.

I know it's discouraging, but sewing straight and accurately takes a lot of practice, like learning to play an instrument or paint or <insert skilled task here>. If you don't find it too tedious you can sew along the edge of some fabric a little, working on accuracy, or you can just make things, redo the worst seams, accept that it's not going to be your best work but that you will get better!