Feed dogs and the 1/4" seam
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: West Bend, WI
Posts: 2,229
Feed dogs and the 1/4" seam
Okay, I have issues sewing a decent 1/4" seam. When I place the fabric to the needle, the 1/4" mark only hits the left feed dog, not the right, so it "pulls" funny.
Is this normal? I just think the fabric would feed better if both sides of the dog were feeding at the same time.
Thoughts?
Is this normal? I just think the fabric would feed better if both sides of the dog were feeding at the same time.
Thoughts?
#5
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,426
I had the same problem with a newer machine with the wide feed dogs. Drove me nuts. I found a foot that was wide enough to fit over both feed dogs with the needle moved to the right that gave me the 1/4" inch. It was the plastic foot that came with the machine that I never thought to use. I still wonder why a plastic foot in with all the metal ones.
#6
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,539
Bonnie Hunter loves the old straight stitch machines because the feed dogs are right under the foot. On newer machines the 1/4 foot can cause the problem you are having. If you can move your needle position that might help. You might also try Bonnie Hunter's seam guide trick on the right side of the machine bed to give you a fabric guide. She uses a command strip and a section of a plastic card stuck her machine bed. If you go to her site, it is under Best Machine Guide Ever I think.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Ridgefield WA
Posts: 7,765
I like my plastic foot! I can "see" through it to help line up, etc.
Like many others my 1/4" seam is perfect if I line up my fabric just at the left edge of the right feed dog. so far with the IDT on my Pfaff it isn't a problem but I certainly would prefer if both feed dogs were in use!
Like many others my 1/4" seam is perfect if I line up my fabric just at the left edge of the right feed dog. so far with the IDT on my Pfaff it isn't a problem but I certainly would prefer if both feed dogs were in use!
Last edited by Kitsie; 07-06-2018 at 08:09 AM.
#8
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,426
The plastic foot that was with my metal feet is white, not clear, plastic. If you use your machine primarily for piecing be sure before you buy one you can get a 1/4 seam with both feed dogs under the foot.
#9
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
the white plastic foot is Teflon for sewing vinyl, plastic etc. But you can use it for anything!
#10
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,426
Most newer machines have the 7 mm for larger decorative stitches. Even the ones promoted for quilters. Something I didn't really think about. Unless it has a 1/4" foot that fits over the feed dogs it is a frustration. My old trusty Bernina is still going strong with the 5 mm width.
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