There are many things I love about the HQ Stitch 710, but one of its top features in my book is the 1/4″ Clear View Foot, which is used in conjunction with the straight stitch needle plate. It gives a nice, solidly scant quarter-inch, and my patchwork is improved because of it.

It’s important that you use the straight stitch needle plate when you attach this foot. The tiny openings in the plate and in the foot work together. This foot comes as a standard accessory to the HQ Stitch 710.

To use it, choose a straight stitch with the needle in the center position by selecting the left-most key at the bottom of the control panel. It has a red box around it, and it’s a shortcut to this stitch.

Bonus: When the straight stitch needle plate is in place, the machine locks out all inappropriate stitches. It won’t let you break a needle or jam up the inner workings by selecting a zigzag, or anything that will cause problems. I love that, because in my excitement over what I’m making, I can easily forget these little details.

I’ve been piecing my recent projects with the straight stitch needle plate and the 1/4″ Clear View Foot. I’m really happy with the level of accuracy I’m getting. If you own a 710, please give it a try, and let me know how it goes. You can always reach me through the HQ Stitch Facebook page or the HQ Stitch Owners Group.