lots2do

Hi,
Silly question, I know but I can't seem to wrap my head around this. I need to iron back a 1/4 of an inch for a cathedral window project. What is the easiest way to do a consistent 1/4 hem? Are there any ironable rulers or such that might help? I also have a placemat project where the fabric ends up on a bias, I think, and I have a heck of a time ironing a 1/2 inch hem.
Really appreciate any help with this.
Thanks,
lots2do

judy363905

On the Cathedral window are you stitching by machine or by hand....if by hand I just turn back as I stitch you get a feel for the 1/4 in i do not press first. If by Machine I think a similar method would also work, using a spot on your foot as your guide. Hope this is useful information

On the placemats with a bias edge spray starch would be your friend to keep a straight edge.

Judy in Phx, AZ

RedGarnet222

I am thinking that a seam guide might just work for this if it is a metal one. Your would have to slow down and just touch the tip with your iron, or possibly use an applique iron, but it should work for you to get a perfect measure along the seam.

I just realized something. The seam is 1/4 (or 1/2) inch in the middle, but the ends at the beginning stay pretty flat to join correctly on a cathedral window quilt. It makes it look like a circle when they are all joined together.

gale

I use a metal seam guide. I've always used these for garment sewing and have a lot of them lying around.

Tartan

If I am understanding the question right, you are trying to iron over a smooth 1/4 inch curve on the sections? I would make myself a thin cardboard (white bristolboard)shape of the piece (1/4 inch smaller) and use it to iron the edge over. Ideally you could find a piece of heat resistant template plastic to make the shape from but thin cardboard will work.

Scissor Queen

I take the plastic part off a hem gauge and use that. If you're ironing a lot you have to let it cool off regularly.

oksewglad

This is a great idea, thanks for sharing.

lots2do

I think the template idea will probably be the way to go for this project. I think I have some heat resistant plastic around here somewhere. I found another tool that might help as well...the hot hemmer but the template would be quicker, it seems.
Thank you all for your help!