tapper

the quarter inch seam, that is!
I have tried all the tips and ideas. I have fiddled with tension, top and bottom, changed needles, used a seam guide and all to no avail. I have tried lining up the fabric a smidgen inside the ruler, a smidgen outside to come up with perfect size cut units. I've used different rulers, different threads, used layers of masking tape on the machine bed.
When I make a 9 patch block, it will be a bit smaller or a bit larger than the correct size. If it's bigger, I can sliver off a bit from all sizes but that's a hassle and doesn't work with star points.
I now believe that I just can't sew a straight line!

I was thinking about joining a swap group but my blocks would never be good enough.

DebraK

so much pressure. I would join the swaps and do the best you can. Don't eliminate yourself from the fun. Keep learning. Something will click for you.

Tartan

As long as you sew the whole quilt with the same seam allowance, it should be fine. It can be tricky to get it perfect but eventually it will come.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

Tapper, I've been in several swaps on this board. It's for fun. Don't get freaked out by it all. I've received blocks that were less than perfect and I couldn't care less. Everyone does their best. If the blocks are way off, I just sew borders around them and set them wonky.

pocoellie

Do you starch your fabrics? I have found that this helps tremendously.

Dina

I had the same problem and two things have helped me. First I changed my 1/4 inch foot. It turns out there are two different kinds, one with the little piece of metal hanging down so you can line it up with your fabric and one without. Surprisingly enough, the one without works way better for me. Second, my machine allows me to move my needle slightly to the right or left. If I move it slightly to the right, a scant 1/4 inch, I end up with a 1/4 inch.

To be honest, I don't think the way I press helps any. I am working on that too.

Like DebraK says, keep trying things. Something will click for you.

Dina

tapper

pocoellie, that is something that I haven't tried. Mostly, I just don't know how to go about starching a lot of fabric. How do you handle the starch residue mess...keeping it off other items? Do you do large pieces or do you cut and then starch smaller pieces? Would like to learn more.
Thanks.

tapper

Thanks Dina for the suggestions. I have tried different 1/4 " foots(feet?). I also have tried moving my needle.

mighty

Just do the best you can and keep at it, they some how just get better and better.

ktbb

I agree with Tartan - consistency is better than precision for the vast majority of situations. If you plan on putting your quilt with star points into a judged show, then you can worry more about the precise quarter inch...but you can also find other ways to make it work.