farmquilter

So my question to you--what do you use to keep a consistent 1/4" seam that a beginner would find helpful? Keep in mind that we are talking many different machine types and much difference in sewing abilities. Thanks![/QUOTE]

When I taught beginner classes, I gave them a paper guide to tape to the bed of their machine. The guide did not interfere with any other sewing and with tape covering the paper as much as possible it will be there ready to use.

I took graph paper with 1/4" grids, cut into strips with a heavy/thicker line to the right of center. The strips were about 2" by 6" long. Had each person sew on the center line for a couple inches, tape the paper to the machine, lift needle and cut away the sewn portion and clearing the feed dogs. Then it is easy to follow the heavy/thicker 1/4" line to sew the proper seam allowance. We also talked about not watching the needle but to watch the fabric edge/paper line and it worked very well for them.
I finally took my paper off my machine, after a lot of years of making quilts.

Onebyone

For a beginner I would use two strips, one top of the other to make a tall ledge.

orangeroom

With some machines there are two 1/4" feet. You want to make sure it's for 'Quilters 1/4" seam foot! I was given the wrong one and didn't realize that there were two different 1/4" feet.

klswift

using a 1/4" presser foot helps and laying a long strip of painters tape will help them guide it in. But, the only way to get better is to practice, practice, practice. Hopefully they won't get discouraged and a bit heavy with the iron or easy with the squaring of the blocks will help them in the beginning.

Annaquilts

A quarter inch foot is one of the best investments and else a seam guide or piece of tape. Also sewing on paper and measuring with a quilting ruler can give a feel if some one is getting a scant quarter inch.

Annaquilts

This works great too. I used it one camping trip when I had forgotten my 1/4 inch foot.

Jordan

I think all of my ideas have been mentioned. I put masking tape on my 1/4" plate to practice and then bought a sewing machine with a 1/4" foot and this helps also. It also takes alot of practice and then it will come to your students with great ease.

Monika

Using my stiletto (I use a porcupine quill) and keeping my left hand on the strip to keep it from drifting at the end were the two best tips I learned. Probably learned them here!

maviskw

Featherweights and 301 Singers have a foot with 1/8 toe on the right side, just where you want to watch for your 1/4 inch seam. I put a piece of tiny tape about three inches long at the quarter inch spot about four years ago. The tape is beginning to look a little ragged, but it still works.

kat13

All of it sounds familiar battle axe!!
And I can get down on my knees but getting up??? A different story!!!