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The Ultimate Guide to Sewing Machine Feet

Diana Cison

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned sewist, understanding the different types of sewing machine feet can elevate your sewing projects. From creating perfect buttonholes to adding a professional touch to your hems, the right sewing machine foot can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll explore the essential sewing machine feet and how to use them effectively.

Sewing machine feet are attachments that fit onto your machine's presser bar, helping you perform various sewing tasks with precision. Each foot is designed for a specific function, and using the correct foot can enhance the quality and efficiency of your sewing. Let's dive into some of the most common and useful sewing machine feet.

Presser Feet 101 with Natalie Ebaugh on Creativebug!


Essential Sewing Machine Feet

All-Purpose Foot

The all-purpose foot is the most common foot and comes standard with most sewing machines. It's versatile and can handle a variety of basic stitches, including straight and zigzag stitches. If you're just starting, this is the foot you'll likely use the most. Shop All Purpose Foot

Zipper and Invisible Zipper Foot

The zipper foot is designed to sew close to the edge of zippers, allowing you to insert zippers neatly into your projects. It can also be used for piping and other applications where sewing close to the edge is required.

Both the zipper foot and the invisible zipper foot help sew zippers onto fabric, but each is designed for a specific type of zipper.

Zipper Foot

A standard zipper foot is designed to sew close to a regular zipper's teeth. It allows you to stitch very close to the zipper without hitting the teeth, giving a neat, professional finish. You can adjust its position to sew on either side of the zipper, which is handy for regular or exposed zippers, and it’s also used when sewing piping or other narrow trims.

Invisible Zipper Foot

An invisible zipper foot, on the other hand, is specifically designed for invisible (or concealed) zippers, which are sewn in a way that hides the zipper teeth under the seam. This foot has grooves on its underside that hold and guide the zipper coil, rolling it flat so you can stitch very close to the teeth. This creates a clean, hidden finish, making the zipper look nearly invisible from the outside.

In short:

  • Zipper Foot: For standard zippers, adjustable for close stitching on either side.

  • Invisible Zipper Foot: For invisible zippers, with grooves that hold the zipper coil to help achieve a hidden finish.

Shop Zipper Feet

Buttonhole Foot

A buttonhole foot helps you create perfect buttonholes every time. Most modern sewing machines have an automatic buttonhole function, and this foot works in conjunction with that feature to make the process simple and precise. Shop Buttonhole Foot

Sew a Quiet Adventure Book for Baby at Creativebug!

Walking Foot

The walking foot, also known as an even-feed foot, is essential for quilting and sewing multiple layers of fabric. It helps feed the fabric evenly through the machine, preventing shifting and ensuring smooth, even stitches. Shop Walking Foot

Blind Hem Foot

The blind hem foot allows you to sew a hem that is almost invisible from the right side of the fabric. It's perfect for hemming trousers, skirts, and other garments where you want a clean, professional finish.

Overcasting Foot

The overcasting foot helps you finish raw edges to prevent fraying. It works similarly to a serger, creating a neat, overlocked edge on your fabric.

Shop Pressure Feet at Sewing Parts Online


Specialty Sewing Machine Feet

Rolled Hem Foot

The rolled hem foot creates narrow, rolled hems on lightweight fabrics. It's ideal for hemming scarves, blouses, and other delicate garments.

Ruffler Foot

The ruffler foot makes it easy to create ruffles and pleats. This foot is a must-have for anyone who loves adding decorative elements to their sewing projects.

Free Motion Quilting Foot

The free motion quilting foot allows you to move the fabric freely in any direction while sewing, making it perfect for quilting intricate designs and freehand embroidery.



How to Choose the Right Foot for Your Project

Choosing the right foot depends on the type of project you're working on and the specific tasks you need to accomplish. Consider the fabric, the type of stitch, and the desired finish when selecting a foot.


Tips for Using Sewing Machine Feet

  1. Read Your Manual: Always refer to your sewing machine manual for specific instructions on how to attach and use different feet.

  2. Practice: Spend some time practicing with each foot on scrap fabric to get a feel for how they work.

  3. Adjust Settings: Some feet may require adjustments to your machine's settings, such as stitch length and width.

  4. Keep Feet Clean: Regularly clean your sewing machine feet to ensure they function properly and last longer.


Where to Buy Sewing Machine Feet

You can purchase sewing machine feet from various retailers, both online and in-store. Check out these recommended sources:

  • Joanne: Offers a wide selection of sewing machine feet and other sewing supplies.

  • Amazon: A convenient option with a broad range of products and customer reviews.

  • Sewing Machine Plus: Shop sewing machine feet and other sewing supplies

Understanding and utilizing the right sewing machine feet can significantly improve your sewing projects. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, having the right tools at your disposal makes all the difference. Happy sewing!


Shopping Affiliate Links

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Sewing Bee University

For more sewing tips, tutorials, and free patterns, be sure to visit Sewing Bee University. Our free sewing tutorials page is packed with resources to help you become a better sewist.




We'd love to see what you create with your new sewing machine feet! Share your projects with us on social media using #SewCutePatterns.

Happy sewing!