When I first started sewing, almost every aspect of using a sewing machine mystified me. If there was a project that required anything other than the general sewing machine settings and presser foot, I usually avoided it. Being a beginner, everything already took longer than it normally would and having to google every step (for example, how to attach a zipper and what is a double hem?) was very time consuming.
So, I made a simple info-graphic to explain some of the most commonly used presser feet. As you can see, I decided to include the following presser feet: the automatic buttonhole foot, the darning foot, the blind hem foot, and the zipper foot. If the image is not loading, there is a written description below.
I have included some additional information for each presser foot below.
Buttonhole Foot
For an extra sturdy buttonhole, make one buttonhole and then, without moving the fabric or the foot, sew another one right on-top of the first one.
Once complete, place a sewing pin horizontally at the top of the buttonhole. Use a seam ripper to tear the buttonhole open (the pin will ensure you don’t accidentally tear the top of the buttonhole).
Darning Foot
The darning foot in the photo is actually an open-toe darning foot- it is not a complete circle. This allows for more visibility of stitches and ease- especially when sewing “loopy†designs that may get caught on the foot.
Blind Hem Foot
For making a blind hem, ensure you are using a thread that matches the fabric you are using. This foot has a vertical guide (as you can see) which the fabric fold needs to remain securely pressed against while sewing (Mitnick, 2018). This foot can also be used for applique and cutwork (Janome, 2018).
Zipper Foot
For regular zippers, you sew the zipper onto the wrong side of the fabric as shown in the photo (with the right side of the zipper facing the wrong side of the fabric)
For invisible zippers, you actually sew the zipper onto the right side of the fabric facing down as you can see below (right side of zipper to right side of fabric- you will be folding the fabric once complete).
(Photo Credit: Flickr).
Thanks for reading and happy sewing!
Feature photo Credits: Flickr
Info graphic photo credits: Janome
Janome Accessories (2018). Retrieved November 30, 2018 from https://www.janome.com/products/accessories/?page=4#/cs
Mitnick. S. (2018). Tutorial: How to sew a blind hem. Retrieved from https://blog.colettehq.com/tutorials/tutorial-how-to-sew-a-blind-hem
What is an Open Toe Darning Foot? (2018). Retrieved November 30, 2018 from https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/what-is-an-open-toe-darning-foot.html
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