How to Choose the Right Foot Pedal for a Sewing Machine

Choosing the right foot for a sewing machine is important because the different feet are designed for a variety of different uses. The sewing machine will most likely come with a universal foot but special stitches that are very wide will require a special foot for the sewing machine. Otherwise, the needle on the sewing machine will be broken.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check on how to get the foot of your sewing machine on and off. Usually there is a small lever or button directly behind and a little above the foot on the machine that allows you to release the foot. Each sewing machine is different. There are typically four different types of foot shanks: slant, high, low and snap-on. Snap on is the most common on sewing machines today.

2. Decide which foot that you are going to use for the project that you are working on. For quilting, walking or feed feet are often used because they hold the fabric more securely and without pulling the layers of cloth. Serger feet need to be used if you're using a zigzag or overcast stitch. Use a free hand foot if you plan to sew in a free hand pattern.

3. Make sure that you have the right foot for the stitch that you are going to use. Special stitches will need to have larger or smaller feet to accommodate the movement of the needles. Not using the correct needle can mean that you break the needle when you try to sew.

4. Attach the new foot to the machine once you have decided which one is appropriate for your project and the stitch that you are going to use. Then set up the threads to begin sewing and start your project.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your sewing machine manual if you're unsure what foot you'll need to use or how to get the foot off and on.