I found the ¼" seam was really one of the most important learning tools for quilting, especially for piecing. My machine has a ¼" stitch....but it works the best if I set it & then move the needle just one notch to the right....because once you've sewn your seam & press it....you loose just a tad again....It seems to work for me. I do have a ¼" foot as well, but rarely use it because I really really have to concentrate to keep that little sucker right on the very edge of the fabric.