Seam Guides

As a new quilter, my seams are still a bit wonky at times and I was wondering if any more experienced quilters used seam guides? I've seen a few on various sites but I'm not sure if it would be worth investing in one. Oh, I have a Pfaff select 4 and have a 1/4" foot for it so, theoretically I should be able to get decent seams....theoretically that is!! lol!

Make your own with tape put along the line where the 1/4" seam falls.

No cost, easy and free to do.

Thank BJ, that's a fabby idea, will have to try it out x

Check needle in right place when 1/4 inch foot is on (measure with tape measure from needle) as I found( different machine) but when I put 1/4inch foot on it is not always the right distance so have to move needle. Liz x

hi, i find a lot of the ladies in my class have problems with a 1/4" seam, there is four different things they try to get it right,

- a lot of sewing machines have the 1/4" line marked on the stitch plate but not on the table (one of mine has but not the other machine which i take to class) i run a piece of 1/4" masking tape across the sewing table and then use this as a guide, a lot easier to correct the seam width before it gets under the needle.

- some of the ladies use 1/4" quilters tape and stick it on the fabric and stitch along the edge

- others draw using either standard ruler or quilter 1/4" ruler, a line and then stitch on that.

- finally the most important thing is practice - the saying my daughter hates but 'Practice makes Perfect', the more you machine the straighter and more even your seams become!!!

Here's a short video showing a quarter inch foot for your sewing machine. I have such a foot for my Bernina and I wouldn't be without it.

Irene

The filo fax cards have their lines 1/4 inch apart. I use them to check my needle position with my 1/4 inch foot

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply, it's much appreciated. Will be checking my needle & popping a bit of tape on the machine in the very near future x

Hi Jas,

I was told to put a piece of paper through the sewing machine using what you believe to be the best 1/4" seam allowance measurement you have....once you have stitched your seam, then measure from the edge of your paper to the stitched line with a ruler....see how close it is to a 1/4". I have a Janome and a 1/4" seam allowance foot and it is spot on for measurement from the edge of the fabric.

Tessa

Instead of tape, use a piece of adhesive moleskin, the sort that's found in the chemist for protecting bunions, etc. That extra thickness gives more of a bump to line fabric against!

When I got my Janome, it came with a 1/4" foot that has a little extra prong on the right for lining up against the fabric edge. It made such a difference to my seams - I can almost just let the machine get on with the seams on it's own!

Fiona.