Everything you need to know about Madam Sew's Bulky Seam Jumper

The Bulky Seam Jumper (BSJ) levels the presser foot so you get consistent stitches when sewing over thick seams and bumps. It is perfect for sewing bags, straps, jeans, upholstery, quilts and more! 

By keeping your presser foot horizontal over bulky fabric layers, the BSJ ensures an even connection with the feed dogs underneath. For you, it means no more frustration over skipped or uneven stitches or even worse, a needle breaking which can happen when the presser foot tilts.

This magic tool can also be used as a shank to sew buttons onto projects or as a needle inserter.

The Bulky Seam Jumper (BSJ) has two sides with different thicknesses.  One side is 1/8 inch thick and the other side is 3/16 inch thick. For best results, use the side that is closest to the thickness of the seam/bump you are trying to sew over. Your needle should fit in the “slot” between the two “legs” of the BSJ when sewing.

1. Sew until your presser foot reaches the bulky seam. Stop with the needle in the down position, lift your presser foot and slide the Bulky Seam Jumper (BSJ) underneath your presser foot from the rear so it is right behind the needle. Lower your presser foot. It will now be level with the machine bed and your bulky seam.

2. Sew across the bulky seam and stop with the needle in the down position, but before your presser foot tilts forward.

3. Lift your presser foot, remove the BSJ from the rear and put it in front, then continue sewing until your presser foot has completely passed the seam or hits the plastic of the BSJ. Stop sewing with the needle in the down position, lift your presser foot, remove the BSJ and continue sewing.

1. Prepare your machine by snapping off your presser foot and lowering your feed dogs. Then, put your fabric under the needle and slide the Bulky Seam Jumper (BSJ) on top of the fabric so that the needle is lined up with the “slot” so it won’t hit the “legs” of the BSJ.

2. Next, place your button on the BSJ so that the button holes line up with the “slot” of the BSJ. Test your alignment with a “hand crank” to make sure the needle will go into one of the button holes without hitting the button or the BSJ. Put your machine on a zig zag stitch. The stitch width should match to the distance between your button holes. Again, test with a hand crank and then sew slowly for a few stitches.

3. If your button has four holes, move to the next two holes, line everything up and test with a hand crank or two before slowly sewing for a few stitches.  Once your button is sewn on, you will need to bring the threads to the back of the button using a hand needle.  Then tie a knot to secure the threads and cut the thread tails off.

One of the Bulky Seam Jumper (BSJ) “legs” has a hole perfectly shaped for a sewing machine needle.  Place your needle, point down, in this hole with the needle’s flat side against the hole’s flat side.  Then use the BSJ to easily insert your needle.