Sewing Lesson: Five Must Have Sewing Machine Feet
Did you recently get a new Sewing Machine? Did you notice that it came with a bunch of Sewing Machine feet? Are you stumped as to what to do with them all?
Whether you are new to sewing or have been doing it for years, here are 5 Sewing Machine feet that I reach for over and over again!
When I got my first sewing machine I remember unwrapping all of the parts with excitement and anticipation. My 1st machine came with a bunch of sewing machine feet and to be honest I wasn’t sure what any of them were for, or when I was supposed to use them.
Over the years, I’ve figured out a lot. I’ve even purchased some additional feet. I’ve noticed that there are certain feet that I reach for over and over again.
Keep reading below to find out which 5 feet I think are essential to achieving a well-made finished sewing project.
One quick note: I have a BERNINA Sewing Machine, and you will see BERNINA feet pictured below. Check with your sewing machine instruction manual and manufacturer to make sure you’re buying the correct foot for your specific machine.
1. Walking Foot
Walking feet are commonly used for quilting, however, I find that they come in handy for a variety of sewing projects. I love to use them anytime I’m sewing several layers of fabric together, especially fabrics that are of different weights. They are especially helpful when constructing handbags!
2. Zipper Foot
If you’re going to sew anything that involves a zipper you’ll want to make sure you have a zipper foot. Each manufacturer has a different way of designing the foot, but they essentially all do the same thing.
Which is, allows you to hold a skinny zipper in place under your foot while it’s sewn into the fabric. The standard foot that came with your machine is too wide and won’t hold the zipper in place properly while you sew.
3. Cording Foot
I love adding piping and cording to my projects. It’s the extra little touch that gives your finished project a professional look. Contrary to what you might think, stitching cording is simple you just need the correct foot on your machine.
A cording/piping foot has a groove underneath which allows you to feed the piping evenly under the foot while stitching right next to the cord for perfect placement every time.
4. Teflon Foot
If you plan to sew with any type of coated fabric (leather, oilcloth, laminate, or vinyl), you NEED a Teflon foot. This foot is specially coated to allow the fabric to pass smoothly under the foot. It will save you HOURS of frustration.
5. Quarter Inch Quilt Piecing Foot
If you do any type of quilting, then you know that it is imperative that you achieve a perfect 1/4″ seam while constructing your quilts. If your seams are off then the quilt will not fit together correctly (think of it as a giant puzzle). This foot features a guide ensuring you get a perfect 1/4″ seam every time.
Tell me, what did I miss? Share in the comments section.
I love all the feet that have been mentioned. But my new all-time favorite is the foot that holds down a button so that I can sew it on. I just discovered it and just purchased it. OMG what a difference it makes when you have a bunch of buttons to sew on! I was making a custom fit mask for my grandson and it required a button on each side. It was three layers of fabric with a folded over end so that was six layers of cloth. I did not want to have to sew those on by hand on 12 masks! The button foot made the process simple and very fast.
OH MY GOODNESS, THANK YOU!! Because of you I discovered the skinny zipper foot! I had no idea! I immediately ordered one off Amazon for less than $8 and have already used it. What a dream! Inserting the zipper was so much easier. Thank you!
Any suggestions for a foot to use with larger cording? I can’t get close enough on the curves and my cushions look horrible!
There are different sizes of cording feet. You can also try a very skinny zipper foot.
Glad to have information for a Bernina!! So many information sites do not include Bernina!
My favorite is buttonhole foot.
My favorite accessory feet are my rolled hem feet. The three piece set makes quick work of 1/4 to 1/2 edges to give a uniform look on hard to iron material.
I’ve learned a lot thanks for these tips I didn’t know much about the machine feet I’ve been struggling with different types of materials when I’m sewing
All great choices. I serviced Bernina’s for years.
I definitely highly recommend purchasing a
Bernina machine. So many feet options. Best machines around. Sew without issues. Find a reputable Bernina dealer. You will be happy!
I too have a Bernita, a 440 QE, I call it “the beast” and absolutely hate it. The instruction book is almost impossible to follow, the machine is fiddley and hard to load the bobbin and keeps leaving a bunch of grapes at the start of every seam and needs constant oiling only to leave a mess on the material. Having had it for quite a few years now I still can’t use it properly or get it to do what I want, so I use my very old and cheap Jerome that it was meant to replace, but still gives better results.
The feet mentioned are good choices, but I would add my hemming foot.
You might consider selling the Bernina or trading it in on a Baby Lock Crescendo or a Brother Dreamweaver. They are both essentially the same machine but some people prefer one brand over the other. I’ve had a Dreamweaver for 2 years and LOVE it! Initially, I was going to buy the Baby Lock but found the Dreamweaver on sale from a dealer as it had been a demo. The price was too good to pass up so I bought it. It looks intimidating but is incredibly easy to learn and become comfortable with. The manual is big and has a lot of information but it’s well-organized and easy to find answers to your questions. Mine came with all the above mentioned “feet” as well as a number of others. The Brother & Crescendo both have a walking foot that uses a motor-driven belt to advance the fabric. The foot has a cable which connects to the machine and provides power to the little motor. It works like a dream and is wonderful for straight-line quilting. No “scrunched” backing or buckling! Plus the machine has 11.25 inches of space to push a quilt or large garment through. I do all kinds of sewing from baby clothes to lingerie to dresses to quilts and even slipcovers. My machine does them all beautifully.
No offense intended to all Bernina lovers out there. Many of my quilting friends have Bernina’s and swear by them. To each her (or his!) own, when you find something that works for you, stick with it.
I also have a couple of vintage machines: a White brand Rotary from the late 40’s and a Kenmore 158-14001 from the late 60’s. Both still run beautifully and the Kenmore can do almost as much as my Dreamweaver, just without the “bells and whistles” that make sewing easier and faster. The White is a straight stitch only but was my mother’s. She taught me to sew on it about 60 years ago and I keep it as a lovely memory of her.
Whatever brand, I hope you find a new machine that suits your needs.
The #10 edge stitch foot is my favorite! If you do any tyoe of topstitching nesr an edge, this foot kerps everything neat and profesdionsl looking.
I have several Bernina machines new & old one I would suggest forget the quarter inch foot and just move the needle position a couple of notches, works with most feet whether joining seams or attaching binding with the walking foot. Give it a go!😃
That’s how I do it too Hds, Saves time and gives you choices.
The 1/4” foot has an open toe and notches that marks 1/4” before and after needle so its easy to stop 1/4” before the edge which is a huge help with more complicated piecing. Improves accuracy in multiple ways.
I would add the open toe foot because you can’t do any kind of zig zag or blanket stitch without one.
Please read Janome not Janine lol
That was really helpful , thank you Melissa. My plan for this year is to try all of the feet I’ve got with my new Janine and the ones I’ve bought from Amazon 🙂 I’m off to see my son in Oz in the next couple of days for 3 weeks but the plan is to start when I get back…..
I have a Bernina, and yes, all of the feet listed are also my “go to” feet. I would have to add 34D. I use this foot more than any other. It is the best all purpose foot, and it is clear so I Have a better visual of what I am sewing.
Love your shop on Etsy and Love all of the information and tips that you bring to all of us ♥️
Shelley
Foot on number 5 is bernina 97. It does come with yhe screw in guide.
I use my open toe foot a lot.
These are great choices! I have all but the cording foot. I just wonder about the 1/4inch foot (number 5) Did your foot come with the metal piece that is screwed into the machine, the guide? I don’t believe that I have that with mine! Could you share the Bernina foot number?
Great choices. But I also love the Bernina #10 Edgestich foot. Use it for stitch in the ditch and top stitching especially.