The 1/4" quilting or patchwork presser foot is one of my most used presser foot. There are several variations to this foot depending on your brand of sewing machine, but here are some of the basic features that makes me love this foot.
One of the obvious features of this foot is that the width of the foot assists you to stitch a 1/4" seam allowance. In most cases, if the raw edges of the fabric follow the outer edge of the presser foot, you will get a 1/4" seam allowance.
Some feet even have a metal support to assist you in maintaining the 1/4" seam allowance and producing a consistent product. This is a great feature for beginning quilters and quilters who like to piece fast.
Another feature that the 1/4" quilting presser foot has is notches that helps you gauge distances from your needle. The notch in the front of the foot is 1/4" away from the needle. This is helpful when you need to stop a 1/4" away from an edge like when sewing on a binding.
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Likewise the notch in the back is 1/4" behind the needle. This mark is helpful when sewing on bindings or sewing "Y" seams in your blocks.
Some feet may have additional notches that mark 1/8" so be sure to check the notches with a ruler.
Another thing to be mindful of is that many of the 1/4" patchwork foot allow only for a center needle justification. So if you change your stitch to a zig zag or a left needle justification, you will break you needle on your presser foot. This may damage your foot or worse your machine.
Also if you are not a quilter you can still find many uses for the 1/4" quilting presser foot. It is great to top stitch 1/4" away from your seams. I use it when inserting zippers and when creating handles and straps for bags. It is also great to create belt loops for pants and skirts.
Do you use a 1/4" quilting or patchwork presser foot? If so what projects do you use it on?
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