Ultimate Presser Foot Set - The Digital Manual
Bookmark this page: madamsew.com/pages/pfs-dm so you can easily find your way back here!
IMPORTANT NOTE ON OPENING THE BOX
Please pay attention when opening the box. It should go gently. When you feel you have pull hard to open the clips, then put the box down and start over.
When opening a clip, make sure to push the lid and box together. You can do that by taking it in your hands (left and middle picture) or by putting the set over the edge of a table and pushing the lid down with your hand while opening the clip with the other hand.
TWO OPTIONS: USE ONLINE OR PRINT
You have two options to work with this digital manual:
-
Download (and print): download a pdf version of this digital manual, print it out and use the printed version to have it at hand wherever you want. You will need a mobile device with a QR-Code Reader to access the video's and tutorials. If that QR-code thing sounds intimidating, don't worry we will guide you through the steps on the download page. (Click the link to go to the download page)Go to the download page with this link: Digital Manual Download (Click the link to go to the download page)
Use Online Version: use it online, right here. Open this webpage on your web browser from any device and find your way to the presser foot you want to learn about with the content menu below.
ONLINE MANUAL CONTENTS
SHARE YOUR CREATIONS
We love seeing what you create! Share your photos on instagram with the hashtag #Madamsew32 or email them to us at hello@madamsew.com
LEAVE US A REVIEW!
Give us some love.
We would be very grateful if you would take a minute to review your purchase by clicking one of buttons below. We use this information to continue to improve our products and make our customer's experience the best we can deliver! If there is any reason that you wouldn't rate this as a 5-star experience, please let us know right away at hello@madamsew.com and we'll do what we can to make it right.
I. What's in the box
To help you get started as soon as possible, in addition to the feet themselves you also receive a 12 page booklet explaining each foot and how they can be used. Each foot is numbered on the insert, in the graphic above and throughout the manual to keep things simple.
All Madam Sew videos for the 32 Piece set will include the position of the foot within the box as a guide.
II. How to attach the feet to your machine
Changing the Presser Foot
VIDEO DEMO: Changing Your Sewing Machine Feet
Removing a presser foot: Raise both the needle and the presser foot lever. The way to remove the presser foot depends on the brand of machine you have. Sometimes it snaps off, but with most machines you have to push a button or lever on the presser foot holder. Consult your machine’s user manual to find the way to remove the presser foot.
Attaching a presser foot: Place the bar of the presser foot to align under the holder (2). Gently lower the presser foot lever so the presser foot bar (3) slides into the shank (2) in the presser foot holder (1). You may have to try a couple of times before it snaps in. If your presser foot holder has a lever or button for release, it may be necessary to pull/press it to facilitate snap-on.
Remember to be gentle with this process, no forcing is needed when the bar is correctly aligned.
The presser foot holder can look different on your machine, this picture is from a Brother sewing machine.
Using the Bonus Low Shank Snap On Adapter
If you have a low shank machine but no snap-on feet the Bonus adapter is for you. Use the bonus low shank snap on adapter to give the ability to use all the feet in this collection.
Step 1: attach the bonus adapter (B) to your machine’s shank (A) with the holding screw (C).
Step 2-3: place the presser foot under the bonus adapter, lower the presser foot lever so the presser foot bar (F) snaps into the opening in the bonus adapter (E)
Step 4: push the red button (D) at the back of the bonus adapter to release the presser foot from the adapter
Attaching the screw on feet in this set
To use the following feet you have to remove the presser foot holder/bonus adapter:
14 - darning foot
18 - gathering foot
20 - adjustable zipper foot
23 - darning foot
You can remove the presser foot holder/bonus adapter following the steps in the picture at the left.
Bernina Adapter - Optional Extra
If you bought this set together with a bernina adapter you will have to attach the adapter to your machine just like you attach a Bernina presser foot.
Step 1-2: attach the adapter (A) to your machine, just like you attach a normal presser foot. Note: This makes your Bernina machine, a low shank machine. Now you can use the adjustable zipper foot, the gathering foot and the two different darning feet.
Step 3-5: To use the other feet you attach the bonus adapter to the Bernina adapter as pictured and explained in detail at the Bonus Adapter section above.
III. Description and use of each foot
1. Invisible Zipper Foot
This zipper foot makes inserting invisible zippers very easy. The grooves on the bottom of the foot hold the zipper coils in place to avoid any slipping while sewing. This provides an invisible closure on skirts, dresses and all garments and can be used on other projects, such as bags and pillows as well.
The key to this foot is understanding the basic structure. Invisible zipper feet have grooves on the underside of the foot that allow the zipper coils to slide through smoothly.
I love adding an Invisible Zipper to a garment. There is no need to be afraid of them; they are really easy to install. All you need is a Madam Sew Invisible Zipper Foot and adding an invisible zipper is a snap. You’ll be an expert in no time at all.
The beauty of an invisible zipper foot is the way the coils fit perfectly into the grooves on the sole of the foot. Once in position, the machine needle glides right up to the edge of the zipper coils making for a very straight stitch. Place the fabric right side up beneath the the presser foot. Once sewn in place the zipper will be forming the seam and will have been pressed in place to the wrong side of the fabric.
- Place the zipper coils in the groove, upside down, and set your machine needle in the center position.
- Your fabric should be right side up with the raw edge of the fabric aligning with the edge of the zipper fabric.
- Slowly, begin stitching; the foot will place the stitching very close to the zipper coils. When you reach the bottom, the foot will not allow you to sew past the zipper pull. Stop, back stitch, and remove from machine.
- Repeat on the opposite side, with a new section of fabric again face up and aligning the raw edges.
- Press open as you would with any regular seam.
You cannot see the zipper against the fabric when the zipper is closed. To practice this technique, get an invisible zipper and a Madam Sew invisible zipper foot. Cut two pieces of fabric 6″ longer than the zipper and 5″ wide. Set your machine on the longest stitch setting and practice. Rip out, and try again. After 2-3 times, you will have it down.
INFO PAGE: How to Use the invisible zipper foot
2. Applique Foot
When it comes to appliquéing with a satin-stitch, the Madam Sew Appliqué foot is the expert: its simple design allows the fabric to feed easily over the stitches, even in the case of very dense rows of stitching. And since the Madam Sew Appliqué foot features a clear sole, you’ll have a perfect view of the stitch area at all times – a decisive advantage, especially when following outlines and corners. Perfect for quilting, personalized bunting, and decorative makes.
3. Satin Stitch Foot
This foot is ideal for decorative sewing, such as applique, satin stitching and cut work. It has a grooved bottom, which allows for thread build-up and a wide needle hole opening to accommodate decorative stitches. The cutout on the front of the presser foot will hold a narrow couching thread, making for trouble-free sewing of satin-stitching with cording. With its wide thread channel under the sole, the Madam Sew Satin Stitch foot is also ideal for sewing mini-piping, or for traditional sewing techniques. And since the foot features a clear sole, you’ll have a perfect view of the stitch area at all times – a decisive advantage, especially when following outlines and corners. Decorative table covers, placemats and delicate embellishments for any project will be a breeze with this foot.
Use a satin stitch or a zigzag stitch with very low stitch length. You can use a stabilizer at the bottom to secure your work. More information on stabilizers can be found here (click link to view or scan the QR-code).
4. Open Toe Foot
This foot provides an unobstructed view of your work while sewing since there is no bridge between the toes. In addition, there is a groove on the underside to allow dense decorative stitches to pass underneath without jamming. Both of these characteristics make this foot ideal for doing applique and other sewing techniques where precision sewing is important. Great for decorative work and showing of those special stitches on your sewing machine as borders for cushion covers, table linens and more.
5. Cording Foot
Another simple to use foot from Madam Sew which can create a range of beautiful effects. Lacing the stitches around cording to secure an attractive embellishment to the front of your fabric. Use this foot to attach decorative cords and threads. Select threads and small cords that will glide easily through the holes on the cording foot of your choice. Select the multi-step zigzag stitch and adjust it wide enough to catch the outside threads. Now that your threads are under control, you can place both hands on the fabric to guide and move through the pattern you select.
Use a selection of threads, invisible, irridescent or contrasting for a variety of effects. I have shown the basic triple zig zag, you can opt to use any of the decorative stitches to achieve the look that is perfect for your project.
Experiment and play with different cords, threads and stitches to learn how to get the most from this presser foot.
Stunning decorative effects for sleeves, bags bedding and more.
6. Straight Stitch Foot
This foot is especially useful on lightweight fabric and tackling multiple layers. It is designed to glide evenly over fabric so you avoid puckering. The built in measuring gauge on the right toe is great for accurate topstitching and the toes are a great edge stitching guide.
The larger left hand toe allows to easily tackle multiple layers of fabric by feeding them gently into the needle.
Multi layered skirts, bedding and flounces can be created with ease using the Madam Sew Straight Stitch foot.
7. Roller Foot
The Madam Sew roller foot makes sewing difficult fabrics such as leather, suede, oilcloth and vinyl a breeze. This foot is a very clever little invention in the presser foot arsenal of the home sewer.
This foot is aptly named, and it is generally obvious to anyone looking at it what it is, unlike some presser feet, one can see what it is, but what does it do?
This marvelous tool takes the frustration out of sewing slippery fabrics, which in addition to leather, suede, and vinyl, can include chiffon, organza and even velvet. The foot has one large roller on the front of the foot and two smaller ones on the underside of the foot, which help to stabilize slippery fabrics. This little jewel provides traction holding the fabric in place as the feed dogs feed the fabric through the machine, slippery fabrics are held securely in place and no longer slide around, or stick to the throat plate, allowing you to sew evenly as you work.
8. Blind Stitch Foot/Blind Hem foot
Use this foot for precise stitch placement on blind-hems. The procedure for creating a blind hem with this presser foot is clearly explained in the video demo.
Traditionally used to hem skirts, shirts and trousers the technique can appear tricky at first as there is a lot of folding and flipping involved. Once you have practiced the technique it will become a firm favourite, as will the Madam Sew Blind hem foot.
VIDEO DEMO: How To Blind Hem Trousers
9. Braiding Foot
The braiding foot is one of many types of feet used in couching, which is a form of decorative embellishment, where a length of braid, cord, piping, ribbon, thread, trim or yarn is couched or stitched over to attach it to a fabric project. Through Madam Sew, you might discover a wealth of new techniques or styles ;-). The foot has a hole in the top of the foot, allowing the braid to be threaded from the top of the foot and passed under the foot. The foot is adjustable for the size of the braid, having an adjustable guide that is moved to accommodate the width of the braid by loosening a screw and moving the guide back and forth to allow smooth movement of your braiding of choice.
The cutout in the underside of the foot allows your embellished work to pass smoothly as you work.
The type of stitch used is usually a straight stitch, zigzag or decorative stitch depending upon the type of embellishment that is being sewn. Braid is generally sewn to the fabric with a stitch right down the center of the braid. A Madam Sew favorite.
General instructions
1. Select a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch. Most of the time you will want to use a zigzag stitch.
2. Place the width of the zigzag just wide enough to clear the braid, cord, or elastic that you are using.
3. Loosen the screw on the left of the foot to allow you to move the adjustable plate forward and back to accommodate varying widths of braid, cord, or elastic.
4. Snug the plate close to the braid that you are applying to help guide the braid. Let the braid feed in as you guide the fabric on the transferred design.
Instructions for couching elastic
1. Thread the elastic through the hole on the braiding foot from the top and under the back of the foot. Move the guide by loosening the screw and snugging it up to the elastic but allowing the elastic to slide through freely.
2. Select the overcast stitch, adjusting the width to cover the elastic.
3. Begin sewing letting the elastic slide through the foot as you sew.
4. Pull the elastic up to the degree of gathers as desired. the elastic should slide easily in the thread casing.
We strongly advise testing for the correct stretch before diving into your final piece.
Instructions for trims with twin needles
1. Position the ribbon or trim in the spot desired. Select the twin needle width desired.
2. Thread the ribbon or trim through the braiding foot and tighten the screw.
Instructions for passementerie
1. Draw your design on your fabric first.
2. Back the fabric with tear-away stabilizer.
3. Thread the soutache cord through the hole on the front of the foot and under the back. Move the metal slide close around the trim.
4. Lower the needle into the center of the trim and begin sewing.
5. As you sew curves, do not pull the trim too tight as you sew.
6. Be sure to keep the needle in the center of the trim. Use your presser foot lever to pivot as you sew.
10. 1/4" Quilting Foot
This foot has markings so you can sew an exact ¼” seam when piecing or create perfect ¼” or ⅛” topstitching. This foot also features raised markings along the sides of the foot for easy and flawless pivoting.
A dream foot for the quilters out there who rely on accurate ¼” seams for their projects. It’s not just for quilters though. the foot is also great for doll clothes and many small shirt-making seams, too. The Madam Sew Quilting foot will quickly become a firm favourite.
Note: Never use this foot with a zig zag or decorative stitch as the needle will break and there is danger of injury.
11. Beading Foot
At Madam Sew, we LOVE this one.
Want to jazz up a project? The Madam Sew Pear Piping Foot quickly and easily adds a string of pearls or ribbon of sequins to any project perfectly. It's easy to install and smooth to sew with.
This foot has many uses such as sewing seams in knitwear, attaching beads up to 4mm, and making and applying piping up to 1/4” in diameter. Also sews corded pin tucks, sews piping 1/8", 1/4" & 3/8" (for piping your machine must have a left or right needle position).
To attach beads, select a zigzag stitch wide enough to clear the beads. The width of the zigzag should be set the same as the diameter of the beads. Use a matching or monofilament thread to hold the beads to your work. We recommend reducing the pressure on the presser foot to keep the beads from dragging and creating puckers in the fabric.
12. Standard Zig-Zag Foot
This foot is a ‘super’ version of the standard zig zag foot. It has a wide open area with clear sole to allow you to work with accuracy on your projects. The Madam Sew Zig Zag foot has centre markings for stitch position and alignment allowing you to accurately gauge stitch placement for your decorative work.
The clear sole also comes with the guide hole at the front of the foot to allow you to work with small ribbons, rik rak or elastic to embellish your work even further.
Perfect for bags, pockets and cushion covers the effects can be truly stunning, where will your imagination take you?
13. Non-Stick Foot
Non-Stick Foot (sometimes called a Teflon or Ultra-Glide foot). Why a Non-Stick Foot? Well, if you’ve ever tried to sew clear vinyl or laminated cotton then you know why someone created a Non-Stick Foot. And, let’s not forget leather, pleather, oil cloth, and ultra-suede. Without your Madam Sew Non-Stick Foot, these fabrics are not going to cooperate.
Basically, the Non-Stick foot is made of a highly smooth non stick plastic. You can see how the bottom of the foot is very smooth. The smooth, non-stick coating is what reduces friction and causes the foot to glide over the vinyl, etc.
The shape of this foot is the same as your regular straight stitch/zigzag/all-purpose foot to suit ANY situation.
Any project can be made easier when you have the right tool. Having a Non-Stick Foot is a perfect example of this. One place you might find this foot indispensable would be in making Halloween costumes. If you are attaching patches to costumes or using unusual fabrics this foot could save you hours of frustration ~ and seam ripping.
14. Darning Foot
The darning foot is a multi-purpose foot, not only is it used for embroidery, but it is also used for free motion quilting and of course darning, which is also just basic, old fashioned garment mending. The Madam Sew Darning foot has a distinctive circular shape.
The foot is attached to the presser foot bar by removing the existing presser foot and shank (see instructions in the beginning of this manual) and attaching the darning/embroidery/quilting foot, which has its own shank. You will need to ensure that the long arm of the foot is positioned above the screw which holds the needle in place. This will drive the movement of the foot in time with the drop of the needle allowing the user to move the fabric freely and the feed dogs are not used for this foot.
When using this foot the feed dogs must also be either dropped or covered.
For embroidery and darning the fabric project should be hooped for stability. For free motion quilting the fabric is moved back and forth under the foot manually by the sewer as stitching occurs, the key to obtaining the desired stitches is moving the fabric at the correct speed, not too fast and not too slow.
Practice is definitely recommended for the free motion quilting and embroidery uses of this foot..
15. Piping Foot
Use this foot to couch single or double rows of cording to your fabric. It can also be used to make single and double rows of piping. The underside of foot has two grooves to accommodate the cording.
The double rows of piping, also known as double welting cord, are often found as a finishing trim in home décor.
Maximum stitch width of 4 mm and cord size between 4 and 6 mm (between ⅛” and ¼”).
Instructions
1. Select a straight stitch.
2. Cut a strip of bias fabric approximately 4” wide. The fabric needs to be wide enough to cover the cording(s) being used plus 1 ¼” (for standard 5/8” seam allowances) excess can be trimmed off.
3. Fold the bias strip in half, placing the cord in the fold. Align the fabric covered cord under the foot and sew along the cord edge.
4. Add a second cord between the fabric layers. Move the cord under the first groove (or groove on right) in foot, and stitch along the edge of the cord.
5. Trim the excess fabric to an even width down the length of the cord.
16. 9-Groove Pintuck Foot
This is a firm favourite at Madam Sew. I love that delicate detailing this foot can bring to shirts and dresses for very little effort.
The Pintuck Foot creates even tucks and is easy to use. Simply install a Twin Needle, feed your fabric through the foot, and watch as perfect pintucks form instantly.
A Pintuck Foot can be used with or without cording. Thin cording (1/16) creates a bold and defined pintuck. When using cording with your Pintuck Foot, it is best to use a cording guide plate cover. This ensures your cording is fed directly into the foot center. The number of grooves to use depends on the weight of your fabric. The heavier the fabric, the less grooves. The lighter the fabric, the more grooves. See the video’s or the blog post for detailed explanation on how to use the pintuck feet.
17. 1/4" Quilting Foot with Guide
Similar to the ¼” quilting foot but with a guide built in at the right side. Possibly of more use for an inexperienced quilter who needs that added reassurance the fabric is not slipping away and ting a wonky seam as you sew.
I always use this foot if I am in a rush or working on a jelly roll race quilt as it takes away a level of thinking allowing me to concentrate on feeding the fabric though smoothly.
BLOG POST: Quilting Foot or Patchwork Foot
18. Gathering Foot
Fabric layers are placed under the foot and gathered automatically. Make ruffles for garments, pillows, or other home décor items.
A number of factors will affect the amount of fullness that is achieved:
• Stitch length: If adjusted to a longer stitch - more fullness. If the stitch length is shortened - less fullness.
• Needle tension: If needle tension is tightened: more fullness. If less tension: less fullness.
• Fabric types: If your fabric is light, such as batiste or lace, you will have more fullness. If the fabric is heavier, such as broadcloth or decorator fabrics, the fullness will be less.
This foot attaches directly to your shank. You have to remove your presser foot holder first before you can attach this foot to your machine.
You can remove the presser foot holder/bonus adapter following the steps in the picture below
Unscrew the presser foot holder screw (thumbscrew) (3) with a screwdriver (1) and remove the presser foot holder/bonus adapter (2). The presser foot holder can look different on your machine, this picture shows a Brother sewing machine.
If you look closely at your Gathering Foot - you will see a slot on the bottom. When using this slot, you can gather the bottom layer of fabric while attaching it to a flat top layer, such as on a waistband. I love that you can ruffle at the same time as attaching a skirt to its waistband. Perfect for creating a child or doll rara skirt.
When testing your machine for adjustments to achieve desired fullness, work with 10” increments of fabric, trim or elastic. This makes it easier to determine the adjustments and how much change is needed for your project. Always test on your project fabric on the same grain line as you will be using in your finished project.
Using the cross grain of the fabric will make prettier gathers than the straight of grain. For additional fullness, hold your finger behind the foot while sewing so the fabric gathers against your hand.
19. Knit Foot
This foot is cleverly designed to hold the fabric down firmly as the needle comes down and pierces the fabric and then let up on the fabric as the feed dogs rise and carry the fabric along for the next stitch. Effectively you are pinching the layers of fabric together to ensure no slipping as you sew.
There is a little rubbery plastic blue "stopper" piece that is controlled by the flange or arm on the side of the foot. IT grips the knit fabric firmly stopping and slip or slide as you work.
This arm fits nicely over the needle screw-bar. It moves as the needle bar moves, and there is a little spring that makes it - well - springy!
This knit foot perfect for lightweight knits and very slippery lightweight or stretchy fabrics of all sorts. With the needle down in the fabric the lever is in the position where the spring pushes the plastic down on the fabric. Then, as the lever rises with the needle bar, it forces the plastic piece up off the fabric and another stitch is on the way!
This foot is the simpler version of a walking foot. For a detailed comparison of the two you can watch this video: Walking foot vs knit foot - Which is the best for sewing knit fabrics? (click to view)
20. Adjustable Zipper Foot
This foot is designed to allow the placement of stitching close to a raised edge: zipper insertion, corded seams, tubular cording, slipcover welting and similar applications. Basically, the zipper foot prevents you from sewing into the zipper teeth.
If your sewing machine won’t let you change needle positions, the Madam Sew Adjustable zipper foot is for you. It has a slider on the back that allows you to change the foot’s position. Loosen the screw to adjust the slider and position of the foot in relation to the needle. Align the foot with the zipper. Don’t forget to re-tighten the screw once you’ve adjusted the foot’s position.
The foot is attached to the presser foot bar by removing the existing presser foot and shank and attaching the zipper foot, which has its own shank. This foot can look rather confusing before it is attached to your sewing machine. Remember the large flat foot, which faces you in the packaging needs to go flat down on the feed dogs of your sewing machine. It should all make sense for attaching it at this point.
A really simple way to use the foot is to treat your zipper as if it was any other fabric by placing it and the fabric right sides together, then sew the seam.
Turn and press.
If you are not making clothing where you don’t want it to show, then edgestitch it like the pros do.
It takes only seconds, literally. No tape, no pins; just you, the zipper, your fabric and sewing machine.
A more traditional technique is shown in the video below.
21. Fringe Foot
A simple to use foot to produce a couple of stunning embellishments for your sewing projects. Fringes, chenilles and loops can be used to great effect on cushions, clothes, quits, bags, toys and more. Use a zigzag or ladder stitch and stitch length depending on the effect you want, a shorter stitch gives a denser fringe effect.
Notice in the center of the foot there is a raised metal piece that looks like an upside down ice skate. Don’t worry, it’s not sharp. It just “looks” like an ice skate. This center bar is what the thread stitches over to create the fringe which is really just large loops. The wider the zigzag or ladder stitch used, the longer the fringe loops will become.
22. 5-Groove Pintuck Foot
This foot is explained together with the 7-groove pintuck foot (16)
23. Darning Foot
Similar in use and function to the other Darning Foot (14). This Darning Foot has a transparent sole that is a bit wider. This foot allows for a 7 mm extra wide zigzag stitch. The other one is limited to 5 mm. It is up to your personal preference which one of the two you want to use.
Ensure that you attach the foot with the arm over the needle screw bar to work the spring which lifts the darning foot.
24. Stitch Guide Foot/Presser Foot with a Ruler
This Presser Foot has a Ruler and can easily sew the precise even parallel lines you want while topstitching.
Use it for projects that require accuracy, such as garments, topstitching or piecing while quilting. It is also the perfect foot for gradual increases in echo quilting effects around a shape in an applique quilt.
The ruler allows to stitch precise seam allowances up to 1" wide and has a precision scale that goes up every 2mm.
When sewing a curve, keep the edge and the presser foot scale at right angles, In order to get a good curve effect.
25. 5 Hole Cording Foot/26. 7 Hole Cording Foot
Use this foot to attach decorative cords and threads. Select threads and small cords that will glide easily through the holes on the cording foot of your choice. Select the multi-step zigzag stitch and adjust it wide enough to catch the outside threads. Now that your threads are under control, you can place both hands on the fabric to guide and move through the pattern you select.
What is cording?
Cording is the technique of binding or connecting an uncovered cord embellishment to a fabric. It is different from welting, which is covered cording, meaning that the cord is encased inside a sleeve of fabric, then attached to another fabric, usually for a heavy duty project, a pillow edge for example for a decorative effect.
Cording is also different from piping which is a lighter weight covered cord, placed inside of a seam or along a project edge as a trim on a garment. These are generally home décor techniques, but cording and piping can be used to decorate garments. There are also piping and welting feet, which have grooves on the underside of the foot, and work in a similar manner, but works differently than multi-cording feet.
27. Edge Joining Foot/Stitch-in-the-Ditch Foot
The edge joining foot is used for edge stitching, stitch-in-the-ditch stitching and heirloom sewing. The center bar is the perfect guide for fabric edges. Unlike the blind hem foot where the bar extends into the needle hole, the edge joining foot’s bar stops before the hole making it possible to use any stitch on your machine with this foot.
The marks on each side make aligning your fabrics and turning easier. The second mark on the left side lines up with the slight indentation on the right side of the foot. Use these marks to start sewing two lace edges or fabric and lace in the same place.
To begin sewing place the edge of the fabric, lace or trim against the left edge of the bar on the foot. Choose a straight or zigzag stitch that will catch the edge of the fabric or trim as well as sew into the background fabric.
Always ensure that you have worked any raw edges, either with pinking shears or a zig zag stitch to prevent fraying as once the fabrics have been joined this will become an incredibly fiddly task.
28. Overcast Foot
This foot delivers a consistent and accurate overcasting stitch for a serged effect using your sewing machine. Thread is locked around the edge of fabric, aligned with the edge, to prevent fabric from raveling.
Perfect professional edges for seams on garments.
29. Open Toe Foot
The large opening presser foot provides an unobstructed view of your work while sewing since there is no bridge between the toes. In addition, there is a groove on the underside to allow dense decorative stitches to pass underneath without jamming. Both of these characteristics make this Foot ideal for doing applique and decorative stitching.
30. Rolled Hem Foot/ 31. Flat Hem Foot
These feet are perfect for hems that are too small to sew by hand. It automatically curves under a 3 (⅛”) or 6 mm (¼”) double hem while stitching with a straight stitch. This foot works best on blouses, gowns, and other projects with lightweight fabric.
When hemming circle skirts these feet are an excellent option.
To use simply turn over the edge of the fabric, feed into the round spiral at the front center of the foot and sew down with a zig zag stitch for the rolled hem foot or a straight stitch in the centre of the flattened seam of the Flat hem foot.
The difference between the rolled hem foot and the flat hem foot is on the base of the foot. The rolled hem foot has a round groove that allows for a puffier finish, hence the zig zag stitch to give the fabric room to curl.
The flat hem foot has a squared off groove which compressed the folds into a neat flat hem.
Difference in use is very clearly explained in the following article from Threads Magazine: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3744/mastering-the-narrow-hemmer-part-one . (click link to view or scan the QR-code) In the article the name for the rolled hem foot is rolled hemmer. The name for the flat hem foot is narrow hemmer.
32. Adjustable Bias Binder Foot
The adjustable bias binder foot is indeed a marvel. This is a great foot for use on bags, skirts and giving a hem a bright pop of colour. Circle skirts or ruffles in particular will make you fall in love with the Madam Sew Adjustable Bias Binding foot.
The foot can be used with commercially made bias binding or with bias binding that you make yourself. There are also bias making machines on the market now that make creating your own bias binding easy, as well as bias making rulers that assist the sewer in cutting the bias strips consistently the same width. The adjustable bias binder is a clear plastic foot with a screw and markings on the foot that allow for the adjustment of the width of the finished binding. This foot is generally used to sew double-fold bias tape to the edge of a project. The width of the finished binding is determined and the foot is adjusted to achieve the desired width. The foot has two screws, one to hold the bias strip while it is being sewn; the second screw is used to adjust the foot to the right or left of the needle so that the stitching catches the edge of the binding.
The binding is fed into the upper and lower guides in the foot from the right.
The main fabric being bound is fed into the center groove of the foot from the left, creating a binding sandwich.
The main fabric being bound is fed into the center groove of the foot from the left, creating a binding sandwich.
Once you start to sew you are joining the binding to the fabric in one simple step creating a clean line of stitching front and back as you go.
Note:This foot is not suitable for quilt binding. When binding quilts the wadding is too thick to pass through the centre of this foot.
