What a presser foot does
The presser foot holds fabric flat against the feed dogs while you sew. Different feet are designed for specific jobs, so the right foot gives cleaner, faster results on zippers, quilts, hems and buttonholes. Changing the foot is often the easiest way to improve a seam.
Presser feet every sewist should consider
- General-purpose foot for everyday sewing
- Zipper foot for sewing close to zipper teeth
- Walking foot for quilting, thick layers and slippery fabrics
- Buttonhole foot for even, consistent buttonholes
- Quarter-inch foot for accurate seam allowances
- Blind hem foot for invisible hems
- Free-motion foot for quilting and darning
How presser feet attach
Feet attach in different ways, including snap-on, screw-on and brand-specific systems. A snap-on foot clips onto a shank that stays on the machine, so you can change feet without a screwdriver.
Choosing the right foot for your project
For garments, start with a zipper foot, buttonhole foot and hemming foot. For quilting, add a walking foot, quarter-inch foot and free-motion foot. For home décor and bags, a walking foot helps feed thick layers evenly. For embroidery on a combination machine, check that the embroidery foot is included.
Caring for presser feet
Keep the soles clean and free of lint and thread. Check them for scratches or wear, since a damaged foot can mark fabric. Store feet together in a case so you can find the right one quickly.
Troubleshooting with the foot
If fabric shifts or layers creep, try a walking foot. If stitches wander near a zipper, use a zipper foot. If seams are inconsistent, switch to a quarter-inch foot or add a seam guide. If the foot does not fit, double-check the shank type for your model.
Attachments
Attachments include hemmers, bias binders, ruffler and pleating attachments. They speed up repeat tasks and give consistent results, and they are made for specific machine types.
See zipper feet and walking feet for those specific feet, and browse needles, bobbins and all sewing accessories to build your kit.