1/4" Seam using Featherweight.
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 673
1/4" Seam using Featherweight.
Hi,
I love my Featherweight. As everyone who owns one knows they sew a great seam. But I can't seem(haha) to get a scant 1/4" seam with it. The foot that comes on it is way too narrow to use as a guide for the cloth. I bought a foot that's supposed to sew a 1/4" seam, but if you use the guide on it, it is way too wide.
I use my newer machine because I can move the needle to get the precise seam I want.
How do all the FW enthusiasts do it?
Also, I took it to a meeting one time and planned to sew the binding on by QOV while there. Well, that little machine just wanted no part to that.
Any suggestions?
SVAL
I love my Featherweight. As everyone who owns one knows they sew a great seam. But I can't seem(haha) to get a scant 1/4" seam with it. The foot that comes on it is way too narrow to use as a guide for the cloth. I bought a foot that's supposed to sew a 1/4" seam, but if you use the guide on it, it is way too wide.
I use my newer machine because I can move the needle to get the precise seam I want.
How do all the FW enthusiasts do it?
Also, I took it to a meeting one time and planned to sew the binding on by QOV while there. Well, that little machine just wanted no part to that.
Any suggestions?
SVAL
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,548
Bonnie Hunter makes her own 1/4 guide for all her antique machines. She uses a Scotch strip and part of a hotel key card. I think it might be under the Tips Tab on her www.quiltville.blogspot.ca titled Best Seams Guide ever.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
I have a 1/4" without guide for my FW. Just right for that 1/4" seam. I would otherwise probably just measure and use a couple of post-it notes as a guide. Or get one of the magnetic seam guides? They work very well. Used to use it all the time on my old mechanical machine. Have a scant 1/4" needle position on my newer computerized machine so gave mine away to a friend.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
I just bought a few guides for my different machines from Nova Montgomery's site. But, a regular old 1/4" foot has always worked fine for me. I would be careful with anything "sticky" on the finish of a FW...meaning I wouldn't go that route.
To sew a binding, you'd probably want a short shank, straight stitch walking foot. You can get one from Sew Classic.
To sew a binding, you'd probably want a short shank, straight stitch walking foot. You can get one from Sew Classic.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Springfield Oregon
Posts: 1,481
Foot too wide? Take it too a belt sander and grind it down! Bit at a time, test, sand more. Especjally easy if ckear plastic. You could just rub it against sandpaper on a flat surface. Just my 2¢
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
I've been told a "scant seam" is one needle width shy of the 1/4". So here's how I'd do it. I'd use a bed mounted seam guide and a plastic ruler. I have several that are so thin a sewing machine needle will punch through easily.
Punch a hole one needle width shy of 1/4" then use the ruler to set the fabric guide.
I use the ruler method in all cases where I do not use my 1/4" foot with the edge guide. It's very easy to set your fabric guide that way.
Joe
Punch a hole one needle width shy of 1/4" then use the ruler to set the fabric guide.
I use the ruler method in all cases where I do not use my 1/4" foot with the edge guide. It's very easy to set your fabric guide that way.
Joe
#9
I like to use Nova Montgomery’s Sew Straight Guide on my Featherweight. It will adjust to any seam width and be fine, tuned. It also helps me make straight seams with my intention tremors.
http://www.novamontgomery.com/
http://www.novamontgomery.com/
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Since I was setting up Mr. Crinkle for some bags I thought I'd take a pic or two of how I set my seam guide.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]483796[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]483797[/ATTACH]
It's an accurate, simple, inexpensive way to set your seam guide.
Joe
[ATTACH=CONFIG]483796[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]483797[/ATTACH]
It's an accurate, simple, inexpensive way to set your seam guide.
Joe
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