Needlecrafts Sewing Sewing Basics

How to Use Sewing Machine Presser Feet

Close-up of modern sewing machine presser foot and needle
zlyka2008 / Getty Images

A presser foot is a changeable part of a sewing machine which allows you to tackle different tasks with ease. Learn about different presser feet and how to use them. These examples are designed to guide you through the process of using various presser feet so that you can sew lots of different items.

  • 01 of 15

    Side Cutter Presser Foot

    Side Cutter Presser Footworking and stitches being sewn
    Side Cutter Presser Foot and Stitching Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    This foot trims the fabric as you sew a seam to finish your garment or project. You may even decide to ditch your serger once you've tried a side cutter presser foot.

  • 02 of 15

    Adjustable Bias Tape Binding Foot

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    Snap On Adjustable Bias tape Binding Foot Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    This foot makes finishing a seam with bias tape a breeze. Read about how an Adjustable Bias Tape Binding Foot works and the different projects it helps you to make.

  • 03 of 15

    Zipper Foot

    Use your sewing machine zipper foot.
    A Snap On Zipper Foot in Action Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    This page will help you recognize the zipper foot and teach you all about them. If you're confused about how a snap on zipper foot will work, check out these centered zipper instructions or these lapped zipper instructions to see this foot in action.

  • 04 of 15

    Invisible Zipper Foot

    Coats Invisible Zipper Presser Foot
    Coats Invisible Zipper Presser Foot Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    While an invisible zipper foot does not usually come with your sewing machine, if you do garment sewing, it's a foot that you will eventually want to purchase. Learn more about this sewing machine foot, then be sure to brush up on your techniques by reading Sewing an Invisible Zipper - Step by Step Photo Enhanced Instructions

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  • 05 of 15

    Spirograph Sewing Machine Attachment

    flowerfoot1.jpg
    Adjustable Daisy Flower Presser Foot Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    The Decorative Daisy Flower Stitch Presser Foot is an odd looking foot but what it sews is amazing! With this foot, you can sew perfect circles and so much more. This article details the parts of the foot and the adjustments that are possible and includes examples of some of the many designs this foot can stitch.

  • 06 of 15

    Presser Foot Guides to Use with Needle Positions

    Guides to Use on a Presser Foot
    Sewing Guides on a Presser Foot Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    Did you know that there are built-in guides on almost all sewing machine presser feet? Learn how to find them and use them for expert results with the information in this article. Following a guide is one of the ways to insure sewing straight seams.

  • 07 of 15

    Rolled Hemmer Foot

    This video is loaded with tips and tricks to use a rolled hemmer foot on your sewing machine. You can use this foot on various fabrics and even on curves. A rolled hem is a handy and convenient finish—taking the time to master the technique is worth your while and will save you time in the long run.

  • 08 of 15

    Sewing Machine Presser Feet Cheat Sheet

    Sabrina Blog Screen Shot
    Fashion Blog Presser Foot Information Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    This site details all kinds of information about sewing machine feet that can help you achieve many different sewing tasks. You'll likely discover sewing machine feet you didn't know you need.

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  • 09 of 15

    Presser Feet Instructions - Singer Sewing Machine Company

    Singer Sewing Machine Presser Feet
    Singer Sewing Machine Presser Feet Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    If you have a Singer sewing machine, check out these instructions for the following feet: 1/4" or quilting, Blind Hem, Button Sewing, Cording, Embroidery and Darning, Even Feed or Walking, Gathering, Invisible Zipper, Open Toe, Pintuck, Rolled or Narrow Hem, Ruffler, Shirring, Satin or Special Purpose, and a Side Cutter attachment. They also include a section on how to use serger specialty feet.

  • 10 of 15

    Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machine Accessories

    Feet available for Husqvarna Viking Sewing machines
    Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machine Feet Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    If you own a Husqvarna Viking, be sure to scan down this page and review all of the specialty sewing machine feet, and other accessories that are available. Unfortunately they do not include instructions on how to use the feet but they do have detailed photos to show what the feet achieve.

  • 11 of 15

    Bernina At-A-Glance Guide

    Bernina Screen Shot
    Bernina At A Glance Feet Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    If you have a Bernina sewing machine and can't locate the manual, this guide will teach you all about the machine's included feet and what they do best. You may want to keep your pressure feet next to you as you read for reference. Labeling each foot with a fine permanent marker is another practice that helps you remember what each foot called and what they can do.

  • 12 of 15

    Janome Accessories

    Janome Screen Shot
    Janome accessories Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    If you're a Janome fan, you want to explore the possibilities for your Janome sewing machine. Be sure to click the specific feet for more information and ordering possibilities.

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  • 13 of 15

    Baby Lock Sewing Machine Accessories and Feet

    Baby Lock Screen Shot
    Baby Lock Sewing Machine Feet Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    This is your resource if you own a Baby Lock sewing machine or serger. You'll find pages and pages of sewing machine and serger feet information as well as how to order them for your collection.

  • 14 of 15

    Jenny's Sewing Studio Presser Foot Videos

    Jenny's Sewing Studio Screen Shot
    Jenny's Sewing Studio Feet Videos Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    If your sewing machine came with a pile of feet that you do not know how to use, this page is a helpful resource. Videos may be the perfect solution for you to understand how sewing machine presser feet works.

  • 15 of 15

    Organizing and Storing Presser Feet

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    Organize and Protect Your Presser Feet Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

    When it comes to sewing, staying organized is key. If you don't have a way to store and organize your sewing machine pressure feet, grab some ideas here.

You can teach an old sewing machine new tricks with the simple addition of specialty sewing machine feet. Experiment with different feet to achieve new techniques and professional results. With a little research and practice, there's no question you'll find the foot that gets the job done right.