quarterinchpf

Sometimes it is difficult to get that perfect seam while piecing. Here are a couple tricks! What you want is really a "scant" quarter of an inch,but before you get that, you need to know exactly where a 1/4" is on your machine. Many presser foots say they are a 1/4" foot,but if you can see the fabric peeking out from the side of the foot, chances are your seam allowance is bigger than it needs to be and your units won't fit together when you go to sew the parts into blocks.

Here's a little test for you!

Above are two index cards....hard to see the lines,I know, but they are there! On the second card I have trimmed on one of the lines. Most index cards have lines that are exactly 1/4" apart! It is a good idea to check them with your ruler to be sure.

Take the card to your machine and put the needle down through the card on o ne of the lines. This is where it does get suprising...I hope you can see it...1/4" with my bernina foot is actually UNDER the edge of the foot. If I go to the edge of the foot, using it as my guide, my seams are going to be just a smidge too wide!

You can find "mole skin" in the pharmacy. It is used for bunions and corns as padding in the shoe for callouses, etc. Cut a 1/2" strip of mole skin and peel the backing off of it. Position it up next to your card in FRONT of the feed dogs. Make sure that nothing is covering or interfering with the feed dogs. Now for the rest of the test! Turn the card OVER so you don't see lines. Stich through the card using that 1/4" seam you just set.

Turn the card over, and Voila! Your stitching should be EXACTLY on the line! If it is not, adjust the placement of the mole skin until you get it right. Replace the mole skin when the edge seems to get worn or thready. You can also use several layers of masking tape, or foam core...anything you can find to build up that little "fence" to run your fabric against to keep your seam allowances consistant.