mltquilt

I also have a Bernina and the 37 and 57 feet do a nice job, but I still have to pay attention to what I am doing as I sometimes (must be old age) let my mind wander and then the seam is definitely not 1/4 inch.

PaperPrincess

I agree with everyone who's posted. Here's a tutorial on how to check your seam and figure out where the sweet spot is on YOUR machine. I would take an hour or so and follow the tutorial and figure out where the 'scant' quarter inch is, then use one of the methods above to mark it. One method not mentioned is use a stack of post it notes. When the sticky stops holding, take the bottom sheet off & you've got a whole new adhesive. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-89997-1.htm

It's also good to recheck if you switch to thicker or thinner fabric or thread, but usually once you've taken the time to figure it out, your good to go. Cheaper than getting a whole new machine!!!!

LindaR

I alway do a scant 1/4 seam...I ride the edge of my foot just OFF the fabric a fraction and then always square up my blocks to the right size. the 1/4" always has to allow for the thread and the fold of the fabric which throws off the true 1/4"

Tartan

I can't really say what machine for a 1/4 inch seam without a price range. My Bernina 440 does a great 1/4 inch seam with the #37 foot as others have stated. It cost about $2,900 to buy this year. The price is probably going to go down as I've heard it is going to be discontinued? If you have a good sewing machine dealer where you are, bring a piece of 1/4 inch graph paper with you to try out their machines and see what works best. The reason it is best to check your area is so you have support for learning your machine and for repairs and cleaning.

browniva

THANKS SO MUCH SO FAR FOR ALL THE HELP
I DID NOT MENTION I AM USING A BERNIA 910 WITH THE NUMBER 37 FOOT WITH THE NEEDLE POSITION ONE TO THE RIGHT AND FOLLOWING THE EDGE OF THE FOOT AND IT IS OUT. I WILL TRY SOME THE YOUR SUGGESTIONS AND HOPE I CAN COME UP WITH THE PERFECT BLOCK, HAS NOT HAPPENED YET USUALLY OUT ABOUT 1/4 IN ON A 12 IN BLOCK.
MOST OF THE QUILTS THAT I MADE SO FAR DOES NOT MATTER I JUST SQUARE THEM UP AND GO ON MY WAY BUT IT KIND OF TICKS ME OFF AND MAKES ME NOT WANT TO TRY ANY KIND OF HARDER BLOCK.
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP

bearisgray

I've used graph paper that has the 1/4 inch grid to help me figure things out.

I line up the right edge of the presser foot with a line on the graph paper. Then I "sew" a few stitches to see where the stitching line is.

Then, depending on the machine, I can adjust the needle position, or I can mark where the edge of the fabric should go with tape, post-it notes, or whatever.

Some machines have lines marked by the feed dogs that are helpful - the graph paper can help "calibrate" these lines with the presser foot.

The "sample test" using several strips of fabric is, in my opinion, the "best" way to see if one's block will end up being approximately* the expected/hoped for size.

There are more variables than JUST the seam allowances that affect/afflict the finished size of a block.

*For me, a 12.5 inch unfiniished block should be at least 12.5 inches and no more than 12.625 inches after pressing. (12-1/2 to 12-5/8) It's easier for me to ease in 1/8 inch than to "stretch" 1/8 inch

With all the above said - there probably are some machines that feed the fabric better and will be easier to guide the fabric through.

There is a thread saying that after changing machines, it was ever so much easier to sew accurately.

LindaR

check the way you cut your squares also...are you riding your ruler ON THE fabric not butted up to the line??? that makes a big difference...when I have taught rotary cutting so many quilters use the mat...not a good idea...throws everything off... :roll:

the casual quilter

Don't shoot me for this opinion, but I get a better 1/4 inch seam if I don't trust the quarter inch foot. I measure my quarter inch from the needle as it is in the normal position and then I mark my machine. I mark it as far on the bed of the machine towards me as I can. That way, I always know where the quarter inch measurement is no matter what foot I use.

sewwhat85

the machine with the most experienced quilter in the drivers seat LOL :D :D

marshaKay

redmatter,
I too, invent swear words. My DH thinks it's a hoot. But as far as 1/4" seams go, I thinks operator error really has a LOT to do with it....especially after a couple of glasses of wine!!!! Oh, well Rip it, rip it.