Friday Fun Fact: Quilting guide bars

Guide bars, or: what's that metal rod and why do I have it?

Many machines that come with a variety of special presser feet and accessories also include a guide bar, sometimes called a quilting guide bar. 

Use this nifty little gadget to help you measure the distance from your needle when you can't see the lines on the throat plate. 

It's fantastic for quilting parallel lines, but has plenty of other applications. Any time you're stitching pretty far from the edge, and you can't see the seam allowance lines, this bar will guide you!

 Try it for spacing ribbon trims, adding ruffles, sewing deep hems, twin-needle pintucks, and decorative topstitching.

To use, simply slide the bar into the slot on the presser foot ankle, then adjust to your desired distance. Now you can enjoy perfectly spaced stitching with no marking!