This is a magnetic seam guide. I have lines on my needle plate, but they are of specific dimensions (3/8, 4/8 etc... (why 4/8?? Surely that's 1/2? It just confuses me)) and I don't always want my seam that size. I usually use the side of my standard foot but for the placemats I wanted even top stitching in two rows around the edge so I used this.
On the underside is a magnet which you can attach to your needle plate. Line it up at whatever distance you want your seam/topstitching. Then you simply rest the fabric against the guide as you sew - perfect seam every time.
It was a Christmas present and I thought it would be brilliant but the first time I used it I had a metal bobbin loaded in my top loading bobbin holder... the magnet on the seam guide just pulled the bobbin up and caused havoc. Can you believe it took me over a month to realise it wasn't useless, I could just use a plastic bobbin!
It's made by Hemline and costs a grand total of £2.25! You can buy them in Hobbycraft, or here if you are in the UK. Probably most on line fabric stores will sell them.
US readers can buy one here for $3.85 - it's a different brand but I'm sure it's just the same. In Australia you can buy them here for $3.65. I can't find a Canadian site that does them... They also seem to sell them in Joanns and Target - so no excuses!
I just use the lines and guess, and sometimes move my needle to the left or right. Looks like a helpful tool!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Excited to go get one. I have a 1/4" seam foot for my machine, but this will be great for those 1/8" or even 1/2" moments!
ReplyDeleteThank You :D!
ReplyDeleteooohhh...i need to get one of those! seems like one of those small things that makes life so much easier! :)
ReplyDelete