Sewing Machine Stitching Guide

Over the years, I've gone through countless straight stitching guides, much like tape measures and cookies—they always seem to disappear just when you need them, haha!

When it comes to choosing the right guide for your sewing machine, there are several options tailored for both metal and plastic bed plate machines. For those with plastic bed plate machines, I highly recommend the 3M 300LSE removable repositionable tape. Its adhesive has impressive longevity, ensuring your guide stays in place throughout your sewing projects. There's nothing more frustrating than having your guide shift halfway through a long seam. 🤦

-Non-magnetic guides: 

20mm wide x165mm long x 5mm tall_no throat plate clearnce

20mm wide x165mm long x 5mm tall_throat plate clearance

20mm wide x165mm long x 7.5mm tall_throat plate clearance (better for thicker stacks of material)

For those using magnet versions, you can customize your guide with silicone feet. You can either make your own or purchase adhesive-backed silicone sheets. Roughing up the surface can help prevent any sliding.

BOM Links:

M3 x 4mm x 5mm brass heat inserts (for magnet version) https://a.co/d/a4jb54y

Adhesive Tape (non metal versions) https://a.co/d/er4ynHc

M3x16mm Countersunk screws https://a.co/d/dJGtuOY

12 x 3 mm magnets with countersunk hole https://a.co/d/5rNt9ot

Permatex The Right Stuff Gasket Maker https://a.co/d/fzr1K65

Alternative to silicone mold – adhesive silicone pad, cut to size should also work https://a.co/d/gz1OqUJ

Still scuff the shiny surface of the pad if it slides too easily with 200 – 400 grit sandpaper
 

Pros & Cons: Magnetic vs Adhesive

Magnetic:

Less hassle and easier for repositioning

Only works on metal machines

Isn't as secure as the adhesive (as  long as it properly cared for)

Cost more than buying one at the store (up to $35 depending on your inventory)

Adhesive:

Cheaper about $5-$7 if you don't have the 3M adhesive

More versatile, works on either plastic or metal sewing machines

Not as easy to reposition and more of a hassle, especially when putting the paperover the tape for storage. [I might make a quick simple jig to make that easier later.

* Tips for success:

1: Be sure to test the guide's position by turning the wheel by hand through a couple cycle to make sure the needle and components clear it. Especially when sewing with a narrow seam allowance like ¼" 

2: To prolong the life of the adhesive, I put the paper back over the adhesive when storing it or not using it.

3: When sanding silicone; it acts like an eraser when sanded and starts to gum up the sandpaper. I use 2 narrow sheet of sandpaper so when it gets full of shavings I can rub the 2 papers together to remove the silicone shavings.

4: For adding the mold to the guide, secure it first with a piece of masking tape in the center, no magnets. Use use a flat metal surface to make sure the mold is on evenly before using a masking tape to secure the ends.

5: The 90min silicone isn’t cured after 90min. I was able to unmold but when I tried to sand it was clear it wasn’t fully cured yet. So I waited another 24 hours before sanding again and that was better, however, 48 was even better.

Happy sewing, and may your seams always be straight!