Obtaining the Quarter Inch Seam Allowance
Part II
If you missed the first half you can catch it
here.
By Dee Angus
Tomorrow's Treasures Quilting
Last month, I described some of the basic ways to get that sought-after
“perfect” seam allowance (S.A.). These methods did not require buying
anything extra.
I try to show my students what they can do with what they have – then I tell
them about as many of the gadgets that are out there as I can. I believe
gadgets can be like training wheels: if used properly, they are great
confidence-builders. Just remember, you may not always “ride the same
bicycle” so knowing basics is a good thing. I also encourage my students to
tell/show me methods they may use successfully.
Before I get into this month’s discussion, let me say that I have no
affiliation with any of the manufacturers, inventors, or representatives of
any of the cited tools or techniques. Now, let’s continue:
Quarter Inch Foot: I know I mentioned this before, but be aware that a
flange or edge attached to the right side of the foot is only one type of
this foot. Some may be marked with a dark line or groove on the right toe
noting ¼” from the cut edge riding along that line. They may also have a
second mark ¼” from the end of the right toe to indicate where one would
stop ¼” from the end of a seam (useful in “Y’ seaming). Adhesive Guide: These are usually clear acrylic and may come in a variety of
cool colors. They can be about ½”wide x 4-6” long and about 3/8” deep. A
removable strip of paper covers the adhesive substance. One sticks the guide
to the machine bed after finding and marking the 1/4” S.A. (back to
basics!). To sew, use the left-hand edge of the guide to butt the fabric
against. Use adhesive remover that is safe for your machine to remove any
residue from the machine bed after use of adhesive guide. Magnetic Guide: This type of guide is similar to the adhesive guide, except
that it is held in place by its magnetic properties. Generally, magnets are
not used around any computerized machines to avoid altering the way the
programming in the machine works. Older models of machines
(non-computerized) can use this without difficulty. This gadget is similarly
located onto the machine bed as the adhesive guide. “The Angler”: This clear, flexible plastic template comes marked with
various angles as well as a ¼” line for S.A. There is a hole in the template
for the needle to pass through. The template is affixed to the machine bed
with the needle hole place directly over the hole in the throat plate of the
machine. The sewing is done by guiding the fabric along the chosen line.
There is no edge to help you guide the fabric so you must watch the line. To
avoid confusion, try using a strip of the repositionable Glo Tape along the
line. This tape sticks by static electricity. Its bright color is much
easier to see against the bed of the machine. This tape happens to be ¼”
wide, hmmmm. Screw-on Guides: Some machines may come with a metal or plastic attachment
for use as a seam guide. These usually have a long slot in the shaft and are
bent at a right angle downward to be used as the “curb” or guide. A screw
specifically sized for this tool should be found with the guide. Look for a
screw hole somewhere to the right of the
feed dogs. The tool’s edge should parallel the feed dogs when it is
installed on the machine. Once again, one must locate the ¼” line where the
tool will be placed.
The prices for these tools range from less than $4-5.00 to about $30.00.
Manufacturer (machine specific) feet or attachments can be slightly more
expensive. Search the market place carefully for feet that are “generic” but
will work with your machine. Before buying more expensive attachments, make
sure that you can return or exchange them if the piece winds up not working
on your machine.
All of the items discussed are available from a number of sources besides
sewing machine dealers. Check your local quilt store, shop the internet
retailers, check those magazine ads and articles showcasing tools, and don’t
forget about catalogs. Quilt books may also list resources for supplies and
tools as well as the materials used in the projects contained in the books.
This discussion covers many of the gadgets and techniques available to help
you get that perfect seam allowance. They are the ones with which I am most
familiar, but I’m sure there are more out there. The article is not intended
to be an exhaustive resource. What I do hope is that you will be encouraged
to learn your machine’s capabilities and build your basic skills. Gadgets
are fun, but may represent an expense that is neither welcome nor necessary.
If you feel that you want gadgets, choose the ones that make sense to you,
that have clear instructions and will increase your efficiency and accuracy.
If in doubt about an attachment, check with your sewing machine dealer or go
on-line to the manufacturer’s website to see what options are available for
your machine. They may have just what you want.
One parting note: Pressing correctly is also very important in your S. A.
and final block measurement. If you don’t press correctly you can narrow the
S.A., press pleats into your blocks. Always set your seams before pressing
open or to one side. Then press from the right side of the pieces so you can
see what you are doing.
