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How to Use Sewing Machine Presser Feet

How to Use Sewing Machine Presser Feet

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A presser foot is an interchangeable sewing machine attachment that holds fabric flat as it is fed through the machine and stitched. This guide introduces various presser feet, their functions, and how they can assist in achieving specific sewing outcomes for diverse projects.

  • Side Cutter Presser Foot: Trims Fabric While Sewing

    Side cutter presser foot in action, trimming fabric while sewing neat stitches

    Side cutter presser foot and stitches

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    A side cutter presser foot trims the fabric edge as it sews a seam, creating a finished edge similar to that of a serger. This can be a useful alternative for finishing seam allowances on some projects.

  • Adjustable Bias Tape Foot for Applying Bias Binding

    Close-up of an adjustable bias tape binding foot guiding fabric

    Snap-on adjustable bias tape binding foot

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    This presser foot is designed to simplify attaching bias tape to fabric edges. Understanding how an adjustable bias binding foot works can improve the neatness and efficiency of finishing edges on various sewing projects.

  • Understanding the Zipper Foot for Zipper Installation

    Using a zipper presser foot on a sewing machine to install a zipper accurately

    A Snap-On zipper foot in action.

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com.

    This guide explains how to identify and use a zipper presser foot. For those unfamiliar with a snap-on zipper foot, instructions for centered zippers or lapped zippers demonstrate its application.

  • Invisible Zipper Foot for Concealed Zipper Applications

    Invisible zipper foot designed for flawlessly inserting hidden zippers in coats and apparel

    Invisible zipper foot for coats.

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com.

    An invisible zipper foot, though not always standard with sewing machines, is a useful tool for garment construction. Learn about this specialized foot and refer to our guide: “How to Sew an Invisible Zipper: Step-by-Step Photo Instructions” for application techniques.

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  • Flower Stitch Presser Foot for Decorative Circular Stitching

    Adjustable daisy or flower stitch presser foot for decorative circular sewing patterns

    Adjustable daisy stitch presser foot.

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com.

    The flower or daisy stitch presser foot is used for creating decorative circular designs. This article explains its components, adjustable features, and shows examples of embroidered patterns achievable with this attachment.

  • Using Presser Foot Guides and Needle Positions for Accurate Sewing

    Visual guide to using built-in presser foot markings and needle positions for accurate sewing

    Presser foot sewing guides

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    Many sewing machine presser feet have built-in markings that serve as guides. This article explains how to identify and use these markings, in conjunction with needle positions, to achieve consistent seam allowances and straight stitching.

  • Rolled Hemmer Foot: Video Guide to Techniques

    This video demonstrates techniques for using a rolled hemmer foot on a sewing machine. It covers application on various fabrics and navigating curves. A rolled hem provides a clean edge finish, and mastering this foot can improve efficiency.

  • Sewing Machine Presser Feet Cheat Sheet: Identification Guide

    Screenshot of a blog post with a cheat sheet for identifying sewing machine presser feet

    Presser feet information from a sewing blog

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    This resource offers information on various sewing machine presser feet, aiding in their identification and understanding their uses for different sewing tasks. It may help you discover presser feet suitable for your needs.

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  • Singer Presser Feet Instructions: Official Singer Resource

    Collection of various Singer sewing machine presser feet and accessories

    Singer sewing machine presser feet

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    Owners of Singer sewing machines can find official instructions for various presser feet here. This includes guidance for common feet like the 1/4″ (quilting) foot, blind hem foot, button sewing foot, and specialized feet such as the even feed/walking foot and side cutter. Information on presser feet for Singer sergers is also available.

  • Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machine Accessories and Presser Feet

    Assortment of specialty presser feet available for Husqvarna Viking sewing machines

    Husqvarna Viking sewing machine feet

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    This page provides information for Husqvarna Viking sewing machine users about available specialty presser feet and other accessories. While detailed instructions are not included, clear photos illustrate the potential uses and benefits of each foot.

  • Bernina Presser Feet: A Quick Reference Guide

    Screenshot of the Bernina presser feet guide for easy identification and use

    Bernina At-a-Glance Feet

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    Bernina sewing machine users can use this guide as a quick reference for identifying their presser feet and understanding their basic functions, particularly if the machine’s manual is not readily available. Keeping presser feet organized and labeled can also aid in quick identification.

  • Janome Sewing Machine Accessories and Presser Feet Information

    Screenshot showcasing Janome sewing machine accessories including various presser feet

    Janome Accessories

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    Janome sewing machine users can explore this resource to learn about available accessories. Clicking on individual presser feet provides more detailed information and purchasing options.

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  • Baby Lock Sewing Machine and Serger Accessories Guide

    Screenshot of Baby Lock sewing machine and serger presser feet accessory options

    Baby Lock sewing machine presser feet

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    This resource provides information for Baby Lock sewing machine and serger owners regarding various presser feet. It also includes details on how to order these accessories.

  • Jenny’s Sewing Studio: Video Tutorials for Presser Feet

    Screenshot from Jenny's Sewing Studio website featuring video tutorials on using presser feet

    Videos on Presser Feet from Jenny’s Sewing Studio

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    For those who have various presser feet but are unsure of their uses, this page offers video tutorials. Visual demonstrations can be helpful for understanding the function and application of different presser feet.

  • Tips for Organizing and Storing Sewing Machine Presser Feet

    Creative ideas for organizing and storing sewing machine presser feet neatly

    Organize and protect your presser feet

    Debbie Colgrove, licensed to About.com

    Proper organization of sewing machine presser feet can contribute to a more efficient sewing process. This resource offers ideas and solutions for storing and organizing your collection.

Utilizing specialty presser feet can expand the capabilities of any sewing machine. Learning about and practicing with different presser feet can introduce new sewing techniques and help improve the quality of finished projects. Exploring the available options can lead to finding suitable presser feet for various sewing tasks.

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