Is there such a thing as a presser foot with a 1/2" guide for a sewing machine?

Question

I know quilters use a foot with a 1/4" guide, so I was hoping there'd be SOMETHING out there that I can use for a 1/2" guide?!!?

Answer 1

Viking has a clear seam guide foot that has marks up to 5/8. There's also a gadget called a magnetic seam guide that might work for your needs (http://www.ruthsewingroom.com/catalog.htm ).

Answer 2

If you have a block of post-it notes around, peel off the bottom backing paper and position it on the bed of the machine with the "bound" edge at 1/2" Then you can just bump the fabric up against the block of post-its.

Or use a razor blade or sharp knife to cut down through about 3-4 layers of masking tape on a roll, and peel off all the layers together. Cut a section of that and place it on the bed at 1/2".
Blue painter's tape comes back off cleanly but sticks well.

Or, if the machine bed will accept a magnet, those thin "credit card" magnets that will only hold a couple pieces of paper on
the refrigerator can make dandy seam guides.

Answer 3

YES! There are sewing machines that do have presser feet to measure 1/2 inch.

Pfaff machines have a new feet that has an adjustable seam guide connected to the foot. Here is a picture:
http://www.pfaffmachines.co.uk/partsDB/index.php?function=detail&recordID=1102

Brother has a similar foot: http://www.pfaffmachines.co.uk/partsDB/index.php?function=detail&recordID=1134

Janome: http://www.pfaffmachines.co.uk/partsDB/index.php?function=detail&recordID=1007

Alternative methods:

1. If your needle position can move left to right, you can position the needle to be 1/2 inch away from the edge of your presser foot. For example, if I move my needle to the farthest position to the left, it is a perfect 1/2" to the right edge of the presser foot.

2. Use the quilters guide and position it 1/2" from the needle. Most machines come with a seam guide that looks something like this:
http://www.pfaffmachines.co.uk/partsDB/index.php?function=detail&recordID=986

Your best bet is to call a local dealer that distributes your machine and ask them if your machine has a 1/2" seam guide. They would be most knowledgable.

Answer 4

I am assuming that you want more than the seam line marking on the bed of your machine. I have several types of 1/4" feet for quilting and my favorite has the blade on the edge to butt the fabric against. Many sewing machines come with a seam guide that will screw down to the bed of the machine that can provide this edge at whatever distance you need. If yours didn't come with one of these screw-down guides, I am sure any sewing machine shop would have one on their rack of accessories.

Answer 5

If all else fails and you can't find anything appropriate (my satin stitch foot is 1/2" to the outside edge, btw) you can carefully measure 1/2" from the needle and place a piece of tape on the machine bed. This is a relatively common method for getting a perfect seam allowance for stitching wider than what's possible with a standard foot.

Answer 6

Assuming you already have a sewing machine - there should be a half-inch line on the sewing plate. If not, you could put masking tape down on the half-inch.

Answer 7

Don't forget, chances are your sewing machine is also marked on the sole plate with lines for all the different measurements.