Everything you need to know about Madam Sew's Knit Foot

INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS A KNIT FOOT?

Looking to sew knit, stretchy, or delicate fabrics with ease? The Knit Foot, also known as the Tricot Foot, is your go-to tool for sewing projects with challenging fabrics. It ensures smooth stitches and minimizes common issues such as puckering, skipped stitches, and thread breakage. Unlike standard presser feet, the Knit Foot is tailored specifically for stretchy and slippery fabrics.

Whether you’re working on T-shirts, jerseys, or other knits, the Knit Foot’s design will help to sew more precise, you stay in control better when sewing, and get better-quality results.

The Knit Foot is the "little sister" to the Walking Foot. It uses synchronized pressure from both above and below the fabric to ensure even feed. Its design allows the foot to work in harmony with the feed dogs, gripping the fabric securely and preventing slipping or stretching during sewing.

WHY USE A KNIT FOOT?

The Knit Foot holds difficult fabric firmly to prevent slipping or bunching while allowing smooth, even stitches. This presser foot helps for sewing hems and seams on T-shirts, knits, jerseys, and other stretchy materials.

It works best for lightweight knits, stretchy fabrics and other delicate materials. It prevents common issues for these fabrics like puckering, skipped stitches, and thread breaks.

COMPATIBLE SEWING MACHINES

All snap-on sewing machines except Bernina and PFAFF machines and some Husqvarna Viking models.

You can use this foot on:

a Bernina if you have the Bernina adapter + a low shank snap on adapter
a Pfaff or a Husqvarna Viking or on all screw-on machines if you have the low shank adapter
a high shank machine if you have the high shank adapter

SPECIFICATIONS

The Knit Foot is part of our 32-Piece Ultimate Presser Foot Set, which includes specialized feet for all types of sewing projects, from quilting to decorative stitching. With this set, you’ll be ready to tackle any fabric or design with confidence. Discover the full potential of your sewing machine with our complete presser foot collection.

Materials:
- Durable zinc alloy and stainless steel construction for long-lasting use.
- Rubberized plastic for added grip and precision.
Dimensions:
- Length: 1 ⅜ inches
- Width: 2 inches
- Height: ¾ inch

HOW TO INSTALL THE KNIT FOOT ON YOUR MACHINE

The Knit Foot is a universal snap-on presser foot for low shank sewing machines. You just snap it on and off your presser foot holder.

With the right adapter, you can use the Knit Foot on almost any sewing machine:

The Low-Shank Snap On Adapter for a Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking (certain models) or any low-shank screw-on machine.

The Bernina Adapter + the Low Shank Snap On Adapter for a Bernina Machine

The High-Shank Adapter for a high shank machine.

For more information, visit our detailed blog post about shanks and universal presser feet.

1. Switch off your sewing machine.

2. Unscrew and remove the standard presser foot.

3. Snap the Knit Foot onto your machine, ensuring the long arm of the foot sits above the needle bar. This arm drives the spring that controls the pressure applied to the fabric. The needle bar is the horizontal bar that you use to attach the needle on your sewing machine.

4. For more guidance, refer to the instructions that came with your sewing machine or contact the Madam Sew Customer Service with your machine's brand and model for assistance.

Knit foot on a sewing machine with yellow fabric

detail of the knit foot arm that sits above the needle bar of the sewing machine

HOW TO USE THE KNIT FOOT

Install the foot and position your fabric under it. The rubberized grip will hold the fabric firmly while the needle pierces it.
The foot “jumps” slightly as the feed dogs carry the fabric forward, maintaining smooth and even stitching.
Let the machine guide the fabric—do not push or pull as this may distort the fabric or the seam.

Key Tips:

Pair the Tricot Foot with compatible sewing machine needles, such as a ballpoint or a stretch needle, for the best results.
Use a piece of paper to prevent your stretch fabric sinking into the needle plate when you start sewing (see video below).
More tips for sewing with stretch fabrics in our blog with tips for sewing with stretchy fabrics.

HOW THE KNIT FOOT WORKS

The Knit Foot uses synchronized pressure from both above and below the fabric to ensure an even feed at all times. The rubberized grip will hold the fabric firmly while the needle pierces it. The foot “jumps” slightly as the feed dogs carry the fabric forward, maintaining smooth and even stitching. Its design allows the foot to work in harmony with the feed dogs of the sewing machine, gripping the fabric securely and preventing slipping or stretching during sewing.

CONCLUSION

The Knit Foot is the right tool for anyone working with knit, stretchy, or delicate fabrics. Whether you’re creating T-shirts, repairing jerseys, or exploring creative projects with challenging materials, you’ll notice the difference when you change to this foot on your sewing machine.