I am piecing using a vintage machine with a fixed needle position. I use my quarter inch foot and a magnetic guide... made it myself with the magnetic business cards that came on my phone book!
Thanks so much for all the hints. I’ve always struggled just a big with the 1/4” seam allowance because of my sort of wonky eyesight (born with wonky eyes - glasses help but I still have a depth perception situation!). Anyway, all these hunts are great as almost all of my machines (except for my vintage collection) have needles that can be moved. I’ve always tried to use that special 1/4” foot but some of them dint like me as much as others!!!! So using the regular foot and just measuring is well - Awesome!!!!
Thanks for the explanation about scant 1/4" seam allowance! I also use my seam guide to find the 1/4” allowance with different feet. I prefer my A foot too!
Hi Lisa, I will add this to my repetoire of devises and tricks for sewing an accurate quarter inch seam.....I own every gizmo and gadget to "insure" my 1/4" seam.....anyone wanna buy them??? LOL Anyway, here is my take on it. People like me, actually have to be told "always include the line when you are measuring your 1/4" on a paper or card.."( I didn't know this); remember that fabric MOVES....so unless I can figure out how to get my two pieces or more of fabric to STAY I will probably always deal with crooked seams, and lastly, how about showing us how to stop the very last part of the seam (when sewing) to stay together and not pull the top or bottom away from the other piece??? And most important of all: Maybe a class on how to square up a square that maybe isn't quite right, because, afterall, the 1/4" was actually not accurate. I know you quilter aces KNOW how to fix blunders.....I sure don't:) Thanks again, I hope you are doing well, Lisa. I truly appreciate all of your videos.
Hello lisa i love your tutorials on everything . The index card method for measuring 1/4 inch seam. Is very helpful, I can measure for the 1/4" seam then attach my quilting seam guide that screws into my sewing machine i just recently purchased a quilting kit for my juki HZLlb 5100. This will all Help in sewing the perfect 1/4" seams for quilting all of your beautiful projects thank you. ❤
Cutting mats are often not accurate for measuring. The humidity or lack of it on any given day can effect their accuracy. I would suggest using a ruler to measure your card markings.
12:26 Im going to scolded for this but if a quarter inch seam is so difficult that there are videos on how to do it and each video shows ways to get it that involve so much checking, why do we need to do a quarter inch seam? They are harder to press, bulkier, so why not do a half inch seam? That lays open when it's pressed or trim it down? Yes you need to cut your squares a half inch bigger but thats easier than the quarter inch thats right on the feeder teeth or at tge very edge of the presser foot or washy tape that needs be torn off to put a new bobbin in. I just dont understand the quarter inch and scant quarter inch when its so difficult! i do appreciate that you show us how to do it without changing the pressure foot. Or how about not being right on the feed dogs and change the needle to the right to get a quater inch?
They’re called “starters” and “enders” - just small scraps. The feed dogs can grab and bunch up small pieces of fabric when you start to sew and make a nest of the thread. Using these lets that happen to a scrap, then sew cleanly on your good fabric.
When I sew a quarter of an inch seam allowance and I want to turn on the corner that’s the problem I’m having I don’t know when to start again with the Quarter of an inch seem please help me out. Thank you
Tho't I'd add my 2cents, since no one else did. It's called a leader (or "ender" cuz you use it at the end of sewing a piece). Many machines booger up the thread if you just start 'cold', so by stitching on a scrap in advance, then onto your piecing, it prevents the issue of knotted threads. Watch more of Lisa's work & you'll see the benefits. Hope that helps. Leaders & Enders
Lol..my machine keeps changing its mind..if l mark the needle setting ..than move to do other sewing..when l come back to the setting my machine says..no you dont..this is where l want to be….
