Are you looking for the perfect notion to give you an accurate seam allowance? Check this out! The Ideal Seam Align Gauge and the Ideal Seam Align Guide work together to give you a beautiful seam allowance. Let me show you how this works.
Ideal Seam Gauge
First, you have your Ideal Seam Gauge. It has several small holes. You drop your needle into the selected hole and then place an Ideal Seam Guide next to the Ideal Seam Gauge. After removing the Ideal Seam Gauge, the Ideal Seam Guide will remain. Your fabric is then placed against the guide and you can sew with ease!
The gauge gives you the option to get 10- yes 10- different (perfect) seam allowances, ranging from ⅛” to 1 1/2". Is it hard for you to get that perfect for topstitching? Achieving that pesky 1/8" is so easy now. Don’t even get me started on the scant ¼”. How many times do you hear the question- what is a scant ¼? This takes all the guessing away!
How to Use the Ideal Seam Gauge and Guide
- Lift up your presser foot.
- Slide the gauge under and slowly rotate your hand wheel towards you to bring your needle down.
- Make sure that the needle is in the hole.
- Straighten the gauge and then lower your presser foot.
- Select the Ideal Seam Guide that you will be using.
- Remove the acetate to expose the sticky back and place the guide next to the gauge.
- Lightly press on the guide to ensure that it is in place.
- Lift up your needle.
- Remove the gauge.
- You are ready to sew!
Sew Tacky Technology
How does the guide stay in place? The Sew Tacky Technology allows the guide to stick to the machine; however, it's not too sticky that you can't get it off. The best part is, when it gets dirty, because you know it will, you can clean it. To clean it, you simply:
- Soak it in warm water.
- Place a drop of detergent on the back.
- Using the pad of your finger, rub it around until it is cleaned. Make sure that you don't stick your nail in it and gauge it.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Allow it to air dry.
After it dries, you are good to continue using it.
How Long Will It Last?
According to the manufacturer, they have been tested to withstand, hundreds, even thousands of placements. I don't know about you, but I'll bet you're set for a bit.
What's Guides are Available?
Ideal Seam Gauge
Regardless of the Ideal Seam Guide that you choose, you will need the Ideal Seam Gauge.
Student Edition
Personally, I am a fan of the Student Edition. It not only comes with the Ideal Seam Gauge, but it also includes the 4" Ideal Seam Guide and the Curved 4" Ideal Seam Guide. The 4" Ideal Seam Guide doesn't have a cutout; however, it is very convenient as the size allows it to fit most machines, even if it has a small throat area.
The 4" Curved Ideal Seam Guide has a partial cut-out that is wonderful. It allows you to place the guide close, even if you're using a large presser foot or if your machine has wide feed dogs.
What does the curve do? The curved end allows you to maintain your seam allowance while sewing around curves! I highly suggest checking out the above video. Seeing how the curved end works is pretty neat!
Ideal Seam Guide - 5 Inch
The 5" Ideal Seam Guide is called the Feather Weight Limited Edition. This guide is straight on one side and has a cut out on the other.
Ideal Seam Guide - 10 Inch
The 10" Ideal Seam Guide is a wonderful option. It has the curved end and the cutout. Keep in mind that if your machine has a small throat area, the larger guides do not work well as they will come too far past your machine.
Ideal Seam Guide - 15 Inch
The 15" Ideal Seam Guide is fantastic if you have a large extension table and need a long guide. Although it doesn't have the curve or the cutout, it works really well when you are doing strips or binding!
Conclusion
Regardless of the guide that you choose, there is a handy beveled edge that makes it easy to pop it off. Replace the acetate and store it until the next time you need a little helper! I hope this helps!
Happy sewing, Everybody!
