Perfect Scant 1/4" Seam :-(
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Texas, USA
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Perfect Scant 1/4" Seam :-(
Tonight, I achieved the perfect scant 1/4" seam, without even trying. How? By forgetting to switch back to the proper presser foot. Beautiful, straight, even stitches. Straight seam. Only problem was that I needed a FULL 1/4"!!!! Seems that other foot has a little groove, which moved my raw edge over, just enough to make the difference. What are the chances of a repeat performance, when I actually want a scant 1/4"? Grrrrrrr!
Gonna check the latest QB "news" and then commence stitch ripping.
Gonna check the latest QB "news" and then commence stitch ripping.
#4
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Unfortunately, I needed to press the seams open. I was adding two rows to a Warm Wishes lap quilt top, to make it a bit longer. The offending blocks are the 3-pieced (striped) ones. Trust me, I did NOT want to rip! Tried pressing to the side but then the topography didn't match the other blocks. Nothing to do but rippit. Law & Order (NetFlix) kept me company.
#7
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If I use my "normal" presser foot, a 1/4" seam is no problem. I just need to remember to either change the foot back to "normal", after I use a different one . . . and/or check my foot, before sewing. Of course, this had to be one of those times, when my bobbin was full and my needle was threaded!
#8
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I can get a pretty consistent scant 1/4" using a lined 3x5 note card. The lines are 1/4" apart -- if you put the needle inside one of the lines and line up the line with the edge of the foot, you get a scant 1/4" for some fabric. I more frequently line up the needle on the inside of one line and the edge of the foot on the inside of the line immediately to the right. I like this better than using a plastic ruler as I don't accidently "ouch" my needle or ruler.
As always, take the time to make a test with your fabric to see what works the best.
As always, take the time to make a test with your fabric to see what works the best.
#9
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Join Date: Mar 2012
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I can get a pretty consistent scant 1/4" using a lined 3x5 note card. The lines are 1/4" apart -- if you put the needle inside one of the lines and line up the line with the edge of the foot, you get a scant 1/4" for some fabric. I more frequently line up the needle on the inside of one line and the edge of the foot on the inside of the line immediately to the right. I like this better than using a plastic ruler as I don't accidently "ouch" my needle or ruler.
As always, take the time to make a test with your fabric to see what works the best.
As always, take the time to make a test with your fabric to see what works the best.
I have "The Angler 2" on my machine, which makes 1/4" very easy to follow. It's a plastic template, you tape onto your machine. I found this item in one of my "misc. sewing stuff" drawers, about a month or so ago. I got it, several years ago, but put it away because I used my older machine mostly for garment sewing. Then I forgot about it, until digging through that drawer. It's SO much easier on the eyes, than trying to stay focused on the machine's guide!
Note: I do not sell The Angler 2, nor do I have any stock in the company . . . but I wish I did!
#10
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
why rip the stitches if they are scant and you need a full 1/4" just stitch a new line along side the first one- at the 1/4" ...it will just ensure you have good secure seams with 2 lines of stitching.
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