What's Your Favorite Non-standard Sewing Machine Foot?

The moveable zipper foot allows you to stitch close to the zipper teeth or to the edge of the fabric.

Photo: April Mohr

What is your favorite, must-have sewing machine foot? When do you use it, and why is it so essential to your sewing. The holidays are coming, and I'm thinking a new foot might be nice on my wish list!

Sewing has been a long-time hobby for me. It has woven through my life since as long as I can remember--sometimes as an essential part and sometimes as a minor part--but sewing has always been important to me. In fact I bought my first sewing machine in college because I just couldn't tolerate not having a sewing machine at my finger tips. I've always wished I had the time to sew more than I'm able to, but all too often my family, job and life in general get in the way.

When I do sew, I treasure the specialty gadgets I use, especially my sewing machine feet. They help to make sewing easier, more precise and less frustrating. But sometimes they are difficult to use, and unless I'm sewing a huge project, I don't bother with them. I recently read the book The Sewing Machine Attachment Handbook by Charlene Phillips (which was reviewed in the Notions department of Threads issue #145--available on newsstands around 9/8). It's a fabulous book, and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It contains a little bit of historical and descriptive information and lots of suggestions and instruction regarding how and why to use each specialty foot. It even helped me discover what some of my mystery feet are actually used for!

My standard zig-zag foot is definitely the foot I use the most. I leave it on my machine even when I'm doing straight stitching. But aside from the zig-zag foot, my moveable zipper foot is the one I could never do without. I use it for zippers, of course, but I also use it for piping, binding, top-stitching, and any other time I need to keep my stitches close to a fold or previous stitching. I love the fact that you can adjust it so easily and precisely. Maybe that's why I like it so much. It's intuitive and easy to use without requiring the need for an instruction manual.

I have lots of other feet. Some I bought, and some were handed down to me, but I only use them on rare occasion. It always takes so long for me to figure out how to use them properly, that I often feel as if they're not worth the effort. One of these days I'd like to buy a walking foot because I've heard how marvelous they are. I've yet to use one, so at least I don't know what I'm missing!

What kind of feet do you find most useful? If you have any suggestions for my holiday wish list, let me know in the comments.

April M. Mohr, contributor
Posted on Aug 11th, 2009 in sewing, tools & supplies, notions

Comments (71)

amm writes: Actually, we did an article on how to use the adjustable hemmer foot in Threads--"Vintage Presser Feet" in issue #149, pg. 36. It's an intricate foot, but once you get it working, you will be amazed at the wonderful job it does! I think when you read the article, you'll see how easily it can be used for a flat-felled seam as well (although we only show a regular hem).
If you don't have access to the issue, please contact our customer service department directly. If they still have the issue available, they will sell it to you. If not, they will make a black and white photocopy for you. There may be a charge for multiple copies. You can reach customer service by calling 800-477-8727 9am-5pm ET Monday through Friday.

April Mohr, Threads

Posted: 10:01 am on November 21st

Sew_With_Me writes: Hi! I too have been waiting for Greg Stanton to reply (or anyone) as to how the adjustable hemmer works please? I bought a box of feet from an antique store in country New South Wales, Australia and I would love to know how to use it. I am hoping the feet will fit and work on my old Elna as they too are screw on feet.

Please, tell us how the adjustable hemmer works and does flat fell seams?
Posted: 6:07 am on November 18th

SewcietyMaven writes: The "Q" foot, commonly known as a "stretch fabric foot". I love it because it handles knits so well that there are no skipped stitches at all and the work stays precise.
Posted: 8:43 pm on March 21st

sunshinegal writes: My favorite 2 spcialty feet that I cannot do without is 1. an open toe foot that I use alot with applique and also when I am doing fussy sewing and want to see exactly where the needle is going. @. The second foot I use alot is what I call a stirch in the ditch foot. It makes my quilting "in the ditch" look really great. I also use it when I am doing blind hemming.
Posted: 8:26 pm on October 19th

GMoni writes: I love my zipper foot. I am short and when sewing, some of the places for me to set up my machine are a little high. I have trouble seeing with the walking foot and since the zipper foot is not as wide, I find it more convenient for me.
Posted: 2:09 pm on October 6th

Stormee writes: I love my walking foot, I use it for almost everything I sew. I also love to use my open toe foot when I am doing machine applique or zigzag. Last month I purchased a ruffling foot, I have not created anything with it yet, but I have played around with it. I think once I get the hang of how it works and I use it in a project I sure it will be my next favorite foot.
Posted: 3:04 pm on September 30th

wannafrances writes: I love all the feet for my sewing machine they are ingenious in the making and wonderful to use. The first foot I ever used was a button hole maker for a treadle singer sewing machine and boy do i wish i had one now. Question: Dose anyone know if all these feet will fit on a new machine? I have a Brother or do I have to get feet specially for it.
Posted: 9:28 pm on September 21st

berisbab writes: I love all my feet. But there is one out there that i cannot find! I think its known as a multi-needle punch. The one that pushes yarn or wool threads into fabric. I have a bernina computerized from 1993. Any helpful ideas of where to get something that would fit?
Posted: 2:06 am on September 13th

Sewdreamy writes: I have several nonstandard feet I really love. The edge-stitch foot helps in quilting, topstitching, and lace-joining. It's a super foot. Then there is my brand new Bernina free-motion couching foot that can also be used with the embroidery software to couch on thicker threads and light-weight cords. It's loads of fun, so I can couch on these items without having to do it upside down in the bobbin. Cheers.
Posted: 2:36 pm on September 8th

ibaquilter writes: my Bernina free motion quilting foot with the stitch regulator - definitely!
Posted: 9:39 am on September 8th

KatherineSews writes: I'm guessing an early buttonhole attachment. I have two old Singers from the 1950's, one of which I use on a regular basis for most basic sewing. This attachment resembles the ones I have in it's basic construction and operation. I actually use the buttonhole attachment from time to time on my Singers.

Posted: 10:27 pm on September 7th

sewinggal1 writes: Its a tie between my ruffler and my buttonhole maker. Both are for my old Singer Featherweight, which is the main reason I kept it even when I got a modern machine. Now nearly 25 years later, my "modern" machine needs replacing and my Featherweight is still growing strong.

I'll always keep my Featherweight! Gotta love ALL the feet that make sewing easier, faster and neater too! I use them all! When I buy a new machine I'll have to start collecting feet all over again, unless the ones from my old machine fit the new one too.

I love the snap on feet that modern machines have, such a time saver.

Posted: 4:04 pm on September 7th

rita61 writes: I must say that I love all the feet that came with my Viking D1 as well as a few other feet I've used through the years on my other machines - adjustable zipper foot, ruffler, 1/4" gauged quilting foot, binding foot, pintuck foot, rolled hem foot, walking foot, silicone coated foot for leather and vinyl... Everything has value but lately I've found the Edge Stitching Foot w/ Guide to be one of my most useful accessories. For someone entering middle age with a waistline that, sadly, goes up more than down, I need to alter the waists of my pants and skirts more often. This foot has made finishing waistbands so much easier, allowing me to stitch in the ditch more accurately than any other.
Posted: 11:10 pm on September 6th

linko writes: to Gregstanton -- Help
I I inherited a bunch of presser feet of assorted sizes and kinds from my grandmother. I am just now exploring how to use hem. She had an adjustable hemmer. (I recognized the picture.)How do you use it, especially for the felled seams?
Thanks in advance.

Posted: 8:49 pm on September 6th

GregStanton writes: My favorite foot is unfortunately no longer made. It is the adjustable hemmer, which was distributed by Singer with their machines up until the 1960s.

I have found this foot to be the most reliable for hemming, outperforming feet that were created for specific sizes of hems. I honestly can't tell you why, but it just works better.

I've noticed that the newer hemmers have a groove on the bottom of them. While this may help keeping hems straight, it does create a problem when hemming steep curves, like shirt tails and circular ruffles. Neither the narrow hemmer or the adjustable hemmer have this groove, which may explain why they both seem to work better.

I have also developed a method for making felled seams with the adjustable hemmer. The resulting seam is slightly narrower than 1/4", and is perfect for the side seams on shirts. I have not tried to fell an armseye with this attachment, though it could, conceivably, be done.
Posted: 2:34 pm on September 3rd

LottaTroublemaker writes: Hi,
I have a few extra feet for my Husqvarna, this far, the edge stitching foot is the one I have used the most. I just bought a walking foot and an adjustable bias binder, and can't wait to try them out, especially the walking foot. I do not quilt, but will be sewing a lot with stretch fabrics/knits, so I figured that the walking foot must be a good choice for that. Will be very exciting! I have bought all my accessory feet on eBay, and have saved a lot of money by doing so! The adjustable bias binder I was able to use one really meant for the Huskystar series, even if mine isn't a Huskystar, but by doing so, I saved $30! Obviously one may save money if asking the sellers if a certain foot will fit your machine. I just found out too that the Singer foot that cuts the fabric as you sew just as on a Serger, most likely will fit my Husqvarna too, as both have a low shank. Obviously snap on feet is not the only way to attach accessory feet (for some you will have to use the thumb screw anyway), in some cases you can save money by being willing to use the thumb screw instead of snap-on. A bit more awkward, but really not a big deal, I think... :)
Posted: 7:07 pm on September 2nd

EvaDress writes: I love using my circa 1889 1/2" narrow hemming foot the most for the wonderful effect it produces on silk skirt hems and flounces of all kinds!
Posted: 10:10 pm on September 1st

SewLovingIt writes: My favorite foot is the 1/4" foot with guide. Gone are the days of stacked masking tape to use as a fabric guide.
Posted: 11:42 am on September 1st

Nargis25 writes: Hands down, my ruffler foot and zigzag foot. Im trying to master the elusive roll-hem foot as well.
Posted: 10:38 am on September 1st

kathidahl writes: I agree with lot of the comments already posted. I have several that are "fav of the moment". What I often think of tho is that in the past, when you purchased a machine, every foot you could think of came with it - including the ruffler/gathering foot which I love - you did not have to purchase, and really could not, purchase separate special feet. I think the walking foot was first in that category. Ah, well, I still keep one of those old machines and love how it sews, but you sure cannot beat the features of my new computerized models!
Posted: 10:13 am on September 1st

clafaver writes: With all the ruffles and gathers you see on tween fashions these days, I can live with out my ruffler/gatherer foot.
Posted: 9:02 am on September 1st

nichan writes: oh, i have the one that in the picture...
i don't know whether it's still available anymore in my local right now...i got it from 75 mother's sewing machine...
i see that this old sewing machine has a lot of 'foot'...

oh, i usually use the one in the picture...moveable foot to sew zipper...well, i just follow the instruction in the machine book, though...
Posted: 12:17 pm on August 29th

littlegrandma writes: Thank you to "sewhorsey"
I will be contacting her imediatly!
Posted: 6:12 pm on August 27th

sewquilter writes: I use the walking foot for even seams especially for quilts. I find the walking foot holds the seams together at the end of the seam. I use the clear satin stitch foot for decorative stitches. I use the decorative stitches on my machine alot.
Posted: 9:29 pm on August 26th

amm writes: Well, I'm sold on the Walking Foot! I had heard that is was fabulous, and I think the test HedgeHouse talks about is the key to why it works so well. The trouble is that now I want a half dozen other new feet as well! There are so many feet that sound incredible. I'm already thinking about my New Year's resolution--that is after I add SEVERAL new feet to my holiday wish list. I'll resolve to try a new foot every week. It will be fun to look forward to.

Do most of you buy your feet from your sewing machine dealer, or have you discovered a great online source?

Posted: 4:00 pm on August 26th

sewhorsey writes: Help for "LittleGrandma" regarding the Singer gear...call Jenny at Jenny's Sewing Studio in Maryland...She's been with Singer for over 30 years and her father still repairs them all...I am sure she can help you find what you need.
Posted: 1:22 pm on August 26th

littlegrandma writes: My favorite foot is the buttonhole attachment for Singer slant needle machines. I have never seen a better buttonhole ever. It is easy to use and makes perfect buttonholes every time.
I like this foot so much that when a friend stripped the main gear on my Singer and I was told it was not worth fixing [little does he know] I purchased a Singer 401 so that I could use the buttonhole atttacment.
To me it is worth fixing. If anyone knows where I can find a gear I would love to hear from you.
Posted: 12:26 pm on August 26th

grammad writes: I have a couple of Bernina's and the foot I can't do without is the #10 edgestitch foot. The center metal blade guide makes it indepensible for edgestitching, stitching in the ditch, and understitching. I've used it for mini-piping, double-topstitching, tucks, sewing on braid and ribbons and entredeux and probably a zillion other things. And those pintuck feet run a close second!
Posted: 5:48 pm on August 25th

Beavette writes: I looooove the ruffle and pleater foot. I can't believe nobody has mentioned this before me. I had an antique one for years that finally gave out at the weld, so I purchased a new one and they are exactly the same as the old ones.
Perfectly spaced gathers or tuck pleats every time!!!
Posted: 5:47 pm on August 25th

hedgehouse writes: Hi: I would be lost without the built-in walking foot on my Pfaff. It's engaged for about 90% of my sewing with the exception of the "big guy on the bottom" sewing. You can do the experiment: cut two stips of fabric the same length (about 12-15") and sew a seam without a walking foot. You will notice that the upper layer ends up "longer" than the underlayer. Now try this with the walking foot - both are the same. With the walking foot engaged you have no more problems getting both layers to match, and this is great for plaids and stripes that you will no longer fear sewing!
What's "big guy on the bottom" sewing? Setting in sleeves and sewing princess seams, where the longer layer of fabric is on the bottom and the shorter on the top. Disengaging or the absence of the walking foot helps to ease the sleeve or curved seams together.
Posted: 3:00 pm on August 25th

Joan_sews writes: It's not my most favorite foot, but for certain jobs it's indispensible. It's for stitching cording, and has a tunnel about 3/8 inch wide just left of the needle. The tunnel guides the cording so you can stitch very close and very consistently. IMOH, it works better for the job than the adjustable zipper foot, which I also love. I used it for making some hangings for my church,and the results are terrific.
Posted: 11:51 am on August 25th

kathy978 writes: I just purchased my favorite non-standard foot through an online auction house. It's a top-stitching foot from a very old (1930's) Singer. The part number is SIMANCO 121717. You can also search for Singer 121717. You can top stitch either 1/8" or 1/4". There is also a set of gauges that I'm still looking for. You could do trapunto stitching if you had them. This foot also lets you "stitch in the ditch" so it can also be used for bound buttonholes or welt pockets. It is for any low shank machine. I have an older Bernina. It is a mechanical machine with 17 cams for decorative stitching. I will never need another machine because I also prefer this to a computerized model. I inherited a bunch of old feet from relatives & use the old buttonholer all the time. They come out much better looking and are stronger too.
Posted: 10:48 am on August 25th

KES writes: I have a Bernina 180E and my favorite foot, and the one I use most often, is the clear plastic zig-zag foot. I can see exactly what I am doing and it has red lines on the sides and in front to help with alignment. My second favorite foot is the adjustable zipper foot. I use it for zippers, piping etc.
Posted: 10:19 am on August 25th

KES writes: I have a Bernina 180E and my favorite foot, and is the one I use the most, is the clear plastic zig-zag foot. I can see exactly what I am doing and it has red lines on the sides and in front to help with alignment. Second favorite would be the adjustable zipper foot which I use for zippers, piping, etc.
Posted: 10:17 am on August 25th

kateloom writes: Chalk up one more vote for the walking foot. I used to think it was just for quilters, but when I made my first fabric purse -- with the fleece batting, lining, top-stitched seams, mitered corners, etc etc -- I realized there was no way I could get through it without the foot. Best $25 I ever spent. Most of what I sew is pieced and embellished, with up to 25 different fabrics (and seams) in one piece, plus additional layers. But I also use the foot for heavy upholstered cushion covers, tapestry jackets, etc. Definitely worth the investment.
Posted: 8:24 am on August 25th

kateloom writes: Here's another vote for the walking foot. I used to think it was just for quilting, but now I wonder how I lived without it. Most of what I sew is embellished and pieced, which means there is usually some kind of fabric "sandwich" involved and many different types of material (tapestry, velvet, jacquard, etc) in one project. The walking foot adjusts easily, and makes collage projects, fabric bowls, etc go together faster. I have also used the foot to sew slipcover cushions out of a heavy Ottoman upholstery fabric, and right now I'm sewing my son a pair of twill skateboard shorts with loads of cargo pockets. The layers of fabric feed through beautifully -- much smoother than if I used my all-purpose foot. My machine is a Necchi, and the foot cost around $25. Definitely worth it!
Posted: 6:59 am on August 25th

Craftydragon writes: I find a Piping foot invaluable for accurately holding the piping cord in place whilst stitching. The Zipper foot doesn't give the same accurate stitch placement. I make bags for my friends, and put a lot of piping on the bags, and find it really worth the effort of putting the foot on.
Posted: 4:37 am on August 25th

KCwouldlovetosewmore writes: I have a Singer button hole attachment that my mother had before I was born (before colour television) - it is a cumbersome beige colour thing, with drop in cams and it attaches to a Singer straight stitch machine also of the same era (always known as the Green Machine but I think it was actually called a Featherweight). It does the best button holes I've ever seen. I've tried lots of other machine button holes and they look ok, but these look just great. Incredibly consistent and not a computer chip in sight! long live the green machine!
Posted: 1:42 am on August 25th

sewluv2quilt writes: My new, and wonderul, Bernina 730 came with the stitch regulator foot. Although it made me nervous at first I fell in love with it very quickly. Now, I wouldn't be without it. Machine quilting is faster and the quality of the stitches outstanding. I LOVE it! Of course, I have to agree with everyone else about the edge stitching foot--it does make us look good.
Posted: 11:42 pm on August 24th

SusieO writes: I have an old (30 years) computerized Singer machine, the one that loads the bobbin in the bed and I love that feature. The foot I love the best is the one that allows me to sew sideways - absolutely invaluable when sewing patches on clothing, and in tight spots. My machine also has a great buttonholer that I just set it in place and choose the type of button hole I want and let it do it's thing. Really great old machine. Probably won't ever get rid of it.
Posted: 11:37 pm on August 24th

rkr4cds1 writes: My workhorse, a 40+ year old Viking & I like best to use a little 'tank' too. It's a Roller Foot with 4 rollers on it, but the rollers are cross-hatched, unlike the smooth surfaced one the show now as a Leather Foot.
It rides over everything with perfect ease; silk gauze and heavy denim.

Of course, being a complete Tool Gal, I have all of the other feet & accessories, but I rarely remember to switch the feet.
The buttonhole foot would have helped me just today, in fact...

Speaking of being fiddly, I've always wished that they'd made the screw that holds the feet in just a few turns longer. I can 'almost' get most of the feet changed without the screw coming out of the hole but it usually pops out and it's a bit of an inconvenience to try to thread it back in - backwards - and with the left hand.
The person designing that system didn't think that through very well!
Posted: 11:13 pm on August 24th

ohrhiannon writes: for the bernina that edge stitching foot is great for viking the invisible zipper foot and open toe foot
Posted: 10:36 pm on August 24th

mcs06 writes: Invisible zipper foot-I LOVE it!
Posted: 10:28 pm on August 24th

sewluvr writes: I like the Janome Rotary Even foot. It is like a little tank that rolls along & evenly feeds all tyoes of fabrics. It also has extra attachments for large rolled hems, hemming guides, 1 that can be used like a stitch in the ditch foot. It is a lot nicer than the walking foot as it is quiet, not as bulky & snaps on like the other feet.
For denise: Janome makes an invisible zipper foot that snaps on & it works so good. I really recommend it!

Posted: 9:58 pm on August 24th

PolishGM writes: My zipper foot, button-hole foot, and rolled hem foot....use them all the time for many different purposes. Don't think I could sew without them.
Posted: 9:44 pm on August 24th

sk8sew writes: My favorite foot is my walking foot. I leave it on my machine all the time. I sew mostly stretch fabric . Using the walking foot measn that it will feed evenly instead of one layer stretchin more than the other. this allows me to topstich nylon lycra & gat a perfectly flat stitch with no puckers.
Posted: 9:37 pm on August 24th

Orli writes: I have a BERNINA computerized sewing machine. I have several zipper feet. What number is the movable zipper foot (referred to by you? )Thank you.
Posted: 9:25 pm on August 24th

stillsuesew writes: For years I hemmed bridesmaid dresses and used the little rolled hem foot all the time. It was a life saver. I have kept my old adjustable zipper foot and use it instead of the unadjustable one that came with my machine. I probably have 25 feet and use the blind hem when I need to.
Posted: 8:48 pm on August 24th

MAQdesign writes: After sewing with an industrial walking foot machine for my upholstery business, I'd never want to go without the walking foot attachment for my Janome 6500. I use it whenever I'm not attaching piping.

For those who may not understand the walking foot - it makes your layers move at the same time.

A piping foot is my 2nd most used foot - I use it whenever I have an application that uses piping (or welt as it could be called).
Posted: 8:44 pm on August 24th

Rosies_stuffnsew writes: My favorites are my straight/zigzag foot. I use it the most when constructing new items. Next is the satin stitch foot for binding and adding decorative machine embroidery. I also have a ruffle foot. So easy to do all that gathering and pleating in one operation. Especially great for making costumes too! I have a walking foot which is good to sew stretch fabric. I haven't used it for quilting as I know how to free machine embroider my quilts.
Posted: 8:40 pm on August 24th

Karen52 writes: I find I use my 5-groove pintuck foot for making and applying small piping. It's much more accurate than using a zipper foot.
Posted: 8:16 pm on August 24th

mathquilter writes: I am a Bernina user for quilting and garment construction, and have a variety of extra feet that I rely on: walking foot, edge stitch foot, blind hem foot aren't luxuries for me, but necessities. I particularly like my pin-tuck foot as I have started using a method for binding quilts that requires no measuring once strips are carefully cut.

Posted: 7:48 pm on August 24th

denise writes: I have a Janome 9700 with only the standard feet
any ideas out there for a specialty foot you enjoy,
i sew and quilt
Not sure if it has an invisible zip foot available
Posted: 7:17 pm on August 24th

decorchick writes: I agree with all of you brilliant people. My Bernina edge stitching foot tops my list. It makes me look good. Every topstitch project comes out perfect. The 1/4" foot is the only way to make quilts. The walking foot, while it is a bit fussy is worth the effort for those "shifty" fabrics. Teflon, that is my everyday, every use foot. Invisible zipper, gotta have it, for certain. Bernina button hole foot...just finished a dozen buttonholes with it...all of them great..and so easy. I think a great one is the piping foot. It allows you to sew self-covered welting into a seam for pillows or cushions that is straight and tight. Though the zipper foot works too for this, the piping foot is more precise.
Posted: 7:00 pm on August 24th

Sandy_K writes: My favourite non-standard foot is the Walking Foot but I am an avid quilter. I also had a Pfaff with the installed walking foot and I missed it terribly when I switched to a Bernina. If you are a quilter, the cost of the walking foot is well worth it.
Posted: 6:56 pm on August 24th

Sewista writes: The foot I use the most, after the basic zigzag, is my edge stitching foot. It is the one with the blade down the middle. I have found this priceless for quality topstitching and invaluable for sheer hems. It also is a great ditch stitcher. I used it one way or another with every garment I make and don't know how I lived without it. After that, my 1/4 inch, one hole foot is used and loved a lot. It keeps those fabrics from "flagging" and is awesome for stitching on lightweight chiffons and such.
Posted: 8:38 pm on August 22nd

LadyMacgil writes: My favorite non-standard foot is my rolled hem foot. It has made working on sheer edges a dream. It came to me with a box of old feet from a family member. I have feet in there that I've tried, and they're interesting, but I don't use them. It took me awhile to figure out the foot that automatically gathers. (one set gathering width, so it's not that useful.) This has inspired me to get those feet back out and play some more this winter during my sewing season when the snow keeps me inside.
Posted: 9:37 am on August 22nd

ustabahippie writes: My old Bernina came with a buttonhole foot that's different from any other I've seen on newer machines. It has 2 channels that guide the "bead" to make a perfect buttonhole. It makes the best buttonhole of any machine I've used. I have a flat-fell seam foot that I've never used, so maybe I should try....
Posted: 9:18 pm on August 20th

Palady writes: ETA - the foot is available on line from a variety of sources for interested members who require using this method.
Posted: 10:17 am on August 18th

Palady writes: This "movable" zipper foot is a must for every one to have at hand. Time was it came with the many feet included in a machine purchase.
With the arrival of snap on feet, it was replaced by a zipper foot that works but is limited.
If it matters to anyone, the movable ... is AKA narrow base ..., single toe ..., and probably others.
There's a generic foot on the market. If a sewists chooses to try it, make certain you establish the return policy before turning over the bucks. Last I saw it retails for $3.29 at JoAnn's under the Singer label, & is in the Notions aisle.
The needle bar on some machines is configured in such a manner, the machine needle will fall short of clearing the indent on the foot designed to accomodate it.
Posted: 10:13 am on August 18th

JenniferStern writes: Ha, that's an easy one... in my accessory box, the invisible zipper foot is king! My absolute fav is the Bernina Invisible zipper foot--perfect zippers EVERY time. Pfaff's pulls a close second! --Great foot for thought April!
Posted: 7:07 pm on August 15th

Mike32 writes: I too have a Pfaff 2144/70 with the IDT. My earliest Pfaff 7550 also had the IDT (built in walking foot) BTW it may not be a presser foot-but the needle threader is invaluable~

I find my two favorite feet are the 1/4" foot that I use for piecing quilts and the stitch in the ditch foot--also for quilts. BUT This 1/4" foot helps sew nice narrow seams for collars, etc, and for top stitching. the SID foot makes waistbands and collars and other types of techiniques neat and professional. When I have a facing on a blouse, I stich it down at the shoulder seams using stitch in the ditch, invisible but secure.
Alma Lou
Posted: 4:59 am on August 15th

decoratrice writes: I love my Viking 940 (20+ years old), and since machine embroidery doesn't inspire me, I plan to keep it forever. My favorite foot, the edgestitch foot, has a little pin that rides along the edge of the seam and ensures that the zigzag or overlock stitch goes precisely over the edge; no tunnelling. Since I trim almost all my seam allowances to 1/4" before cutting out, this foot turns my machine into a serger!
Posted: 11:05 am on August 14th

amm writes: I have a rolled hem foot, but believe it or not, I've never tried it. I've done rolled hems on my serger and have never even thought of using my sewing machine. You've just inspired me to give it a try! Thanks!
Posted: 1:34 pm on August 13th

Kbrane writes: I have my walking foot and I do like it very much (I use it when matching seams like Center Back and shoulder seams on clothing as well as quilting. Mine is easy to take off and put on--unscrew a screw (doesn't need a screwdriver) take it off, put another foot on). I have a Janome. But I think my all time favorite is my rolled hem foot! It makes such lovely hems on all types of clothing without the press, sew, press, sew cycle. And all the stitches are even. It makes making dresses and scarves easy. I'll even to shirt hems with it. It's just makes a very pretty, easy, feminine shaped hem.
Posted: 1:14 pm on August 13th

saguaro writes: I could not live without my built-in walking foot on my Pfaff 2144! It's always there when I need it and easily moves out of the way when I don't want it. It's called the IDT (why I don't know, since the initials have nothing to do walking foot). It's so great for matching plaids, sewing slippery fabrics perfectly, sewing heavy fabrics together, and on and on. The built in walking foot has been on Pfaffs for many years - my mother had one on her Pfaff 1221 and that's a lot of years ago!
Posted: 10:33 pm on August 11th

SewJoe writes: I cannot live without my teflon feet. I have a standard foot in teflon and an adjustable zipper foot in teflon. The foot part is white, (looks like plastic), but the teflon is a must-have to sew on vinyl, oil cloth and leather. Unlike a roller-foot, the teflon just glides over these textiles like buttah-baby! It leaves no marks at all. I sell them at my store, you can email me for information. http://www.sewjoe.com
Posted: 7:19 pm on August 11th

amm writes: Yes, I agree. An invisible zipper foot is a must if you use invisible zippers, because they make it so easy. I'm all for anything that makes sewing easier!! I haven't used the patchwork foot or walking foot. Maybe one of these days.
Posted: 5:03 pm on August 11th

peggyv writes: My favorite non-standard foot is the invisible zipper foot. I love, love this foot. Yes, you can put in an invisible zipper without it but it is so much faster and easier with this foot and I think invisible zippers are nicer looking than standard zippers anyway.

If you do a lot of quilting, a 1/4 patchwork foot is helpful for piecing and a walking foot keeps the quilt layers from shifting. The walking foot is expensive, but it's definitely worth the splurge.

Posted: 2:38 pm on August 11th

amm writes: Thanks for the information. I'm hopiing to get more comments about the walking foot. I don't want to buy one just to have another foot that I never use, especially if it's costly.

Is there a specialty foot that you like and use more than others?
Posted: 2:13 pm on August 11th

CarolannB writes: Regarding your comment on the fact that you would like to buy a walking foot one day, my old Pfaff machine had one permanently attached which was great but my current machine, a Husqvarna Designer, 1 has a completely separate one which is fiddly to put on and has to be taken off every time I change to machine embroidery; consequently I rarely use it. It also costs a lot of money so to me is not cost effective. May be this is something you should look out for if you ever decide to get one.
Posted: 11:51 am on August 11th

You must be logged in to post comments. Log in.