I've used this idea for years and my 1/4" are consistently accurate with fast sewing. The 'depth'/height of the full pad allows a wall or barrier of sorts for the fabric to "butt up" against so you are not eyeballing the edge of your foot or a piece of tape, or a bunch/rolled rubber band.

The sticky notepad I use is about 1.5"x2".

I use a rubber band to hold the pad because the metal of the throat plate doesn't stick it very well. I use it all the way around the swing arm of the machine, going under the edge of the extension table of my Bernina, and just move it aside when I change my bobbin. The band I use is a wide one from broccoli or celery stalks.

Sometimes the presser foot has a rear end that is wider than the front of the foot. In this case I move the needle position over to the right to create a 1/4" seam that accomodates the different placement of the notepad along the rear width of the foot.

Jan in VA

Great idea!

thanks for the tutorial

Nice tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for sharing. I love those brocolli rubber bands. Use them to keep my extension table attached to the machine.

Great way of doing it! I'm gonna see if that works for me!
Thanks!

Thanks

I USE THE BROCCOLI RUBBER BANDS TO KEEP MY MEDS BOXES CLOSED. THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT IDES FOR USING THEM!!!!!!!

Clever lady.

I love the rubber band trick now let see if I can so straight :thumbup:

Thanks for the great tip.

great Idea.... I'll use this for teaching my girl scouts to sew 1/4" seam in quilting. I've been drawing the line but if the line is fat (pencil is getting dull) it throws the 1/4" off significantly and the end result is unmatched points... very discouraging for new quilters....
THANKS!

Great idea, thanks for sharing

Very clever!

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Very nice tip, Jan! I used a friends's Brother 1500 Sewing Machine this past weekend and it was so much easier to use than the Viking 415 I use at home. The presser foot was very different and easier (for some reason) to get a perfect 1/4" seam allowance.

Jan, you are a genius!!

Thank you so much for that great tip!

Thank you for the idea, I use the masking tape on my bernina so I don't have to move it when I need to replace the bobbin ..

You have a lot of great tips, thank you again

Rubber bands, sounds good i use magnet tape i set a framing square near the needle and sq from there, draw a line then install my mangent tape. the tape is 1/16 inch high and half inch wide, works out good

That should help alot of the those that have trouble with the 1/4"! very clear and great info!

i used the post-it notes for a long time..or the "mole skin pads".

Jan,

What a great idea!- I've been looking for some help with this lately
and you came along just when I needed it!

Thanks
Sandi

Thank you for the tip. Very much appreciated.

A very good trick, thank you very much! :D

Thanks Jan. I've tried this in the past, but as you said, it doesn't stick well. Now I'll save my broccoli rubber bands for this.

Jan, Great job thanks for sharing.

Great tip! Inconsistant 1/4 seams has been a real pain for me. As a new quilter I didn't understand the importantance of it. I have much improved with time but this idea will help me even more. Thanks!

Coating the bottom of the sticky notes with rubber cement (NOT GLUE) might help them stay in place longer, and won't damage your machine. I think the rubber band is a great idea!

Rubber cement can also be used on the back of rulers to keep them from sliding.

Mechanical pencils are great for drawing lines, and they don't 'fatten out' as they age.

Great tips. Thanks.

great Idea, I was using painters tape to hold it in place. love your graffics.

I am going to try it. Thank you.

Questions, questions, questions. Where do you get the mechanical pencils? Is there any special color to buy? Where do you get the rubber cement and is there any special brand? Are there any videos on doing these things?

Thanks
Judy

Thanks for the tip! I seem to have a terrible time keeping my seams straight. I'll give this a try.

More great suggestions! Thanks.
As to broccoli band uses, I use two for a wallet!! Can't bear to carry a purse or bag and the bands keep the plastic from sliding out of my pocket or the "valley bank" (bra). Free and a continuous supply. Hip, hip, hurray for broccoli (bands)!

I've used the note pads before, but using the rubber band will help tremendously since the pad keeps slipping off. Thanks!

Very good idea. I too have a Bernina and I tend to use the patchwork foot with the guide but sometimes I like to piece with the walking food and its 1/4 mark is harder to follow. I'm going to try this for sure with my walking foot.

Brilliant! Thank you!

On my Pfaff, I have used the wide rubber band - but recently I switched to the screw on seam guide (optional), setting it so it is right against the presser foot when lowered, and when ready to sew, move the needle 3 positions over (until you get the 1/4" measure) - and it came out perfect - - - the fabric can't go anywhere because it is literally sandwiched under the presser foot and against the seam guide.

Marysewfun

I've also seen moleskin used, it sticks better, get it at the drug store, used for bunions, etc. And, I also think there are commercial products made especially for this purpose.

Thanks for the idea!

Oh thanks for the tip. I had tried the sticky note pad trick before and like you, found it didn't stay put. Never would have thought of the rubber band. You're a genius!