Solved a Problem with the Right Tool

I started working on a new project yesterday that will turn into a pattern in the near future. I had my fabric ready to go. Cut everything out. Then I realized that I didn't have my sewing bag with my 1/4" foot. How can I sew without it?

Problem solved. I have a Prep Tool and Seam Guides.

Here's how I used these to get my 1/4" seam allowance so I could work on this project.

The Prep Tool is 1/4" wide. I placed it under my presser foot in one of the open areas. Put the presser foot down to hold it in place. Then I peeled off the backing on the Seam Guide. I placed the Seam Guide right up against the Prep Tool.

I removed the Prep Tool and the Seam Guide is in place. It is thicker than a piece of tape so there is a definite edge for the fabric to butt up against when sewing. With a piece of tape it is easy to go on top of the tape which makes the seam allowance less accurate.

Now I can sew my strips with an accurate 1/4" seam without my 1/4" foot. Problem solved!

The Seam Guide can be re-positioned so if you want to sew a different size seam, you can move it. When it is time to start quilting, just take it off until you're ready to use it again.

In quilting it is often all about having the right tools for the right project. It is also about how to improvise so we can do what we want to do when we want to. This is the perfect example of this.