Use the Overcast Presser Foot, a universal sewing machine attachment, in combination with an overcasting stitch to get neatly finished edges. With this foot, overlock or overcasting stitches will bind the edge of the fabric perfectly to prevent it from fraying. The end result looks like the finished edges that a serger creates! 

The overcast foot features 

• a guide bar at the side to keep the fabric in line and 

• a bridge in the middle to make sure the stitches lay flat. 

Your overcasting stitches are created right on the edge and your fabric will not bunch up or pucker. Varying zig zag and overlock stitch widths can be used with this foot. Most home sewing machines have at least 1 or 2 built-in overlock/overcast stitches. It can also be used for stretch and knit fabrics.

If you go back and forth between wanting a serger and being happy with your sewing machine, first take your chance on the overcast presser foot. You will be glad you did because this foot really works (and you can use the money you saved on fabric :-) The only difference is that the overcast foot does not cut the fabric like a serger. 

Even people that own a serger sometimes prefer using an overcast foot over their serger. A serger can be a pain to set up and thread with a new color. You will definitely gain time when you want to change the thread color to finish a project's edge!

Use your home sewing machine like a serger!

This Presser Foot is also included in our top-of-the-line 32 pcs Presser Foot Set.

The overcast presser foot is a universal snap on sewing machine attachment that fits on most low shank home sewing machine brands.

On some brands or models you might need an adapter to be able to attach and use this presser foot. Read our complete article about shanks, adapters and presser feet to learn if you need an adapter for your specific sewing machine and if so, which one.

• Go slow - the needle does have to go back and forth over the vertical metal piece, but gives a very even stitch.

• Cut your seam allowance down to ¼  inch if your seam allowances is ½  - ⅝  inch. 

• There is a bar in the center of the presser foot that controls the stitches. Be careful when you finish sewing and go to remove your fabric, as the last few stitches will be caught over this bar. Pull the fabric away from you, toward the back of your sewing machine, in order to free the thread from the bar. Otherwise, you might tear or distort the last few stitches.

For more information about the use of this presser foot, go to our online user instructions about the overcast presser foot. 

We also have an interesting blog article on the MadamSew sewing blog explaining how to use your your sewing machine as a serger.