Magnetic Seam Guide

**Randy** · 03-01-2010, 22:29

Don't know if this has been posted before, but I didnt find anything in the search box, on one.

I have made a few hammocks so far and have got to know the ladies at Hancock Fabrics on a first name basis,, even the "Cougar",,,, I am 50 and she is a Cougar..... and a wealth of information also.
I told her I have a tough time driving straight . let alone sewing a straight seam..... Well, she took me by the hand and walked me over to the wall and handed me a Magnetic Seam Guide". She said that it would help and if I needed anything else to "Just let her know" ( is that " Cougar Code" er sumtin?)

So, as soon as I got home, I had to play with my new toy,,,, My sewing box is getting as full as my tackle box these days......

This little thing, really helped me out,,,,, It has a pretty strong magnet and is easy to use......

Here is some sample sewing,,,,I believe I am ready to do a Tarp now....

**SmokeBait** · 03-01-2010, 22:38

LOL at your new friend the cougar. But that's a pretty niffy little device she hooked you up with. Sewing straight takes a lot of practice. There was a good thread on it a few days ago. Vision is everything. From the looks of you pics. that guide really helps as those are professional quality seams.

stumo

**Ramblinrev** · 03-01-2010, 22:54

There is one drawback to those devices which is probably only a problem for newer machines if even then. The surface must be steel or a steel alloy to allow the magnet to stick. I would wager some of the newer and cheaper machines may be using aluminum or a plastic to make the throat plate in order to reduce weight. Wider measurements which would take you beyond the throat plate could cause problems. In addition a very narrow fold would not be able to use it due to the width of presser foot although a zupper foot might be a work around for a narrow hem.

**jeremyduncan** · 03-02-2010, 05:15

How much was it? Wonder how good just a regular strong magnet would work.

**Randy** · 03-02-2010, 05:17

It was $4.99

**pedro** · 03-02-2010, 17:54

I have also heard that there can be problems when using those on some computerized machines. Not personal experience, just hearsay. But hey, it's obviously working great for you! Good find!

**Ramblinrev** · 03-02-2010, 19:48

Originally Posted by pedro

I have also heard that there can be problems when using those on some computerized machines. Not personal experience, just hearsay. But hey, it's obviously working great for you! Good find!

Excellent point. It is true that magnets can disrupt and erase the programing of certain computer chips. I would advise avoiding magnets of any kind while using a computerized machine

**eflat7** · 03-03-2010, 12:42

Cougar code! Ha! Looks like a good investment.

**patermagnus** · 03-03-2010, 13:03

Does it work with sil or ripstop nylon or only with thicker fabrics?

**Ramblinrev** · 03-03-2010, 13:06

It is simply a raised guide. The thickness of the material is of no consequence unless the guide does not sit flush with the throat plate, in which case something funky with the machine/guide or both.