Presser foot
Definition
A presser foot is the attachment that holds fabric flat against the feed dogs while the machine stitches; interchangeable feet are made for zips, buttonholes, hems and more.
The presser foot presses the fabric down so the feed dogs below can move it forward one stitch at a time. You raise and lower it with a lever at the back or side of the machine.
Lower the foot before you start sewing. On most machines, raising the foot also opens the upper tension discs, so sewing with it up, or threading with it down, leaves loops and nests of thread under the fabric.
Feet worth knowing:
| Foot | What it is for |
|---|---|
| All-purpose (zigzag) | Straight and zigzag stitching; comes on the machine |
| Zipper foot | Stitching close to zip teeth and piping |
| Invisible zip foot | Holding the coil of an invisible zip upright |
| Buttonhole foot | Automatic buttonholes sized to the button |
| Edgestitch or blind hem foot | Precise stitching along an edge or fold |
| Walking foot | Feeding thick layers, knits and stripes evenly |
| Rolled hem foot | Narrow double-fold hems |
Feet are not universal: check your machine's shank type (low, high or slant) or brand system before buying. The edge of the standard foot often sits about 6 to 7 mm from the needle, but this varies, so rely on the needle plate markings for seam allowances. More in sewing machine presser feet explained and sewing machine basics.