15 Essential Sewing Machine Feet and How Best to Use Them
We save time and effort when we use the right tools, the right way, for any job. Sewing machine feet are some of the most important and useful tools of our craft!
You likely have a few different feet in your sewing space, and you might be having trouble with a project that isn’t sewing up just right. Whatever your situation, let me teach you how to use those accessories for the best finish, and a stress-free sewing experience.
All-Purpose Sewing Machine Foot
An all-purpose sewing machine foot (or zig-zag foot) is used for most general sewing across a variety of fabrics. It is very user-friendly, and easy to attach and detach from the machine. This makes it convenient for sewists, especially those who are just starting and may not be familiar with different presser feet.
Clear Satin Stitch or Embroidery Foot
The open toe and clear plastic on this foot will allow you to easily see your stitches. Use this foot when sewing satin stitches for applique. It’s also wonderful when sewing embroidery stitches on many sewing machines. Here is a link for free applique patterns if you would like to do some satin stitching and try it out.
Zipper Foot
This foot has its purpose in the name! The sewing machine needle position must be adjusted either left or right of the center. The narrow foot then acts as a guide as it rests against the zipper, while the needle sews in the small gap safely and evenly away from the teeth. You can also successfully use this foot to attach piping or decorative cording. Try out these zipper bags for some practice.
Invisible Zipper Foot
The invisible zipper foot has two grooves on the bottom. These grooves guide the zipper teeth while allowing the user to sew a straight line evenly beside them. It can only be used with invisible zippers though, not regular ones.
Sliding Buttonhole Foot
Does your machine have an automatic button hole stitch? If so, these sewing machine feet were likely included with your machine. If you’re not in love with your button holes, give this baby a try! I believe you’ll be very pleased with the outcome. Here is a comprehensive step-by-step post to walk you through how to use these sewing machine feet successfully. If you prefer, you can look it up in your manual.
Quarter Inch or Quilter Foot
There are many designs for the quarter-inch sewing machine feet. It is used for sewing straight, 1/4-inch seams. Quilters use it for piecing, but it’s also helpful when sewing little things like baby clothes. Anywhere you need a quarter inch seam, this is your foot. The guide on the right provides a very accurate measurement from the center needle position to the edge of the foot. There is also a mark on the left side (a pivot mark) that you can use to help you turn a corner. Don’t play with the needle position or stitches too much though, because there is only room for the needle to sew straight lines. Try out these free beginner quilt patterns with your quarter inch sewing machine feet.
Stitch in the Ditch or Edge Piecing Foot
Use this foot when you need to sew exactly on a seam (in the ditch) or just next to it, so as to hide your stitches. The small blade acts as a guide, easily following the seam. You adjust your needle position based on where you want your stitches to be placed. This is largely used for quilting, topstitching, and joining edges together.
Adjustable Guide Foot
Use this foot to help you maintain a nice straight line with a variety of stitches. The white part is adjustable by 1/16″ at a time (from 3/4″ to 1 1/2″) making it a versatile multi-tasker! Here’s another guide for sewing straight lines that you will find helpful.
Adjustable Blind-Hem Foot
A blind hem is one that is nearly invisible on the right side of the fabric. The adjustable blind-hem sewing machine feet are specifically designed for effortlessly stitching a blind hem. It includes an adjustable guide for accuracy to achieve professional looking hems on dress pants, skirts, curtains, and more.
Walking Foot
This looks like an AT-AT from Star Wars, but it’s a super helpful tool when sewing stretchy or slippery fabric. These sewing machine feet are also known as an even feed foot or dual feed foot. They have their own set of feed dogs to help feed multiple layers of fabric evenly without shifting. Learn all about how to use a sewing machine walking foot.
Straight Stitch Foot
This foot does not have any room for the needle to move, so don’t use it for fancy or zig-zag stitches or you’ll snap your needle (done it!). This foot helps prevent puckering and skipped stitches on fine fabrics, it applies even pressure against the feed dogs which helps with sewing denim, and the narrow sides make a nice guide for sewing parallel lines when edge or top stitching.
Teflon or Non-Stick Foot
If you need to sew on vinyl, leather, or suede you will want to use this foot. Those fabrics can stick to traditional presser feet. This foot has a Teflon coating on the bottom that helps it glide smoothly over slick materials, preventing the fabric from pulling on the foot. Here are some tips for sewing on clear vinyl. And check out the free pattern for this gorgeous suede and vinyl travel bag set!
Narrow Hem or Rolled Hem Foot
Folding and pressing is tedious and even time consuming, especially on lightweight fabrics. The narrow rolled hem foot will save you lots of time and effort. It has a little twirly part (called the curl) in front that rolls the fabric’s raw edge into a hem for you. The finished product is very professional. I have an older Bernina, and it’s sewing machine feet number is #69.
Overcast Foot
An overcast stitch wraps around the fabric to prevent fraying and provide a finished edge without folding. Overcast sewing is usually done with a serger, but some sewing machines can make an overcast stitch too. The overcast sewing machine feet usually have a fabric guide and 2 ‘stitch fingers’ that keep the thread from wrapping too tightly. Check your sewing machine manual to see if your machine can do this!
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