Preparations Before Putting on the Presser Foot
Before getting started, it is important to perform a few preparations to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. The first step is to make sure to gather all the needed supplies: the presser foot and the correct screws to attach it to the sewing machine. It is also necessary to check all the attachments and accessories for wear, tear and damage. All should be replaced if needed, to ensure a smooth performance when using the presser foot. Additionally, make sure the sewing machine is properly threaded and the bobbin is in place correctly, with plenty of free movement.
Remove the Old Presser Foot
Next up is the removal of the old presser foot. This involves unclamping the presser foot holder, either with a sliding clamp near the needle, or a handwheel on the side of the machine. Carefully loosen the screw and unthread the presser foot. Lift it up as far as it will go, and then use a screwdriver to remove it from the bracket. Upon removal, remember to remove the screws for later use.
Install the New Presser Foot
Installation of the new presser foot is a simple process, but it is important to do the steps in the correct order to ensure it is properly secure. Firstly, put the presser foot into the bracket and secure it with the same screw as what removed in the previous step. Make sure this is tightened with a screwdriver, as the screw may be too long to tighten with fingers. Now, thread the presser foot through the holder and onto the needle.
Once this is done, lower the presser foot back into the holder and tightly clamp the presser foot holder. This should be done with a gentle tug to ensure that it is secured properly. Now that the presser foot is installed and ready to use, be sure to test out the settings before starting on any stitching project.
What is the Best Way to Move the Presser Foot?
When using the presser foot, care needs to be taken in order to make sure everything operates smoothly. Firstly, it is advised to use the needle up/down button in order to lower and raise the needle. This will ensure that the needle is always in the correct position when lifting and lowering the presser foot. Additionally, the lever that lowers and raises the presser foot should be used for minimal pressure only, as an excessive amount of pressure could lead to stitches that have uneven tension.
When Not to Move the Presser Foot
Care should also be taken with when not to move the presser foot. When working with thick and layered fabrics, it is recommended that the lever not be used, as it could lead to the fabric being misaligned and jammed. Instead, use the hand wheel on the right side in order to move the fabric as well as the needle. Additionally, it is important to remember to not overstretch the fabric when attaching to the presser foot, as this could result in uneven stitches or even damage to the machine.
Maintenance and Cleaning
To make sure the machine keeps in tip-top condition, it is important to remember to perform regular maintenance and cleaning. This applies especially to the presser foot and the area around it, as the build-up of lint and dirt can impair the function of the foot. To clean it, simply use a dry cloth and some rubbing alcohol to remove the build-up of dirt and oil. This can then be wiped off with a damp cloth, and dried off with a soft cloth.
Additional Tips When Using the Presser Foot
While using the machine, make sure to always keep the fingers away from the needle, as it could cause serious injury. Additionally, fabric should be properly handled in order to make sure that the stitches stay even, as constantly pulling the fabric will result in a messy project. Be sure to also keep the working area organized, as too much debris or clutter can impede on the work being done, or even become caught in the presser foot.
Using Different Presser Feet
Different presser feet can be used with the sewing machine, such as the zipper foot, walking foot and quilting foot. For each type of foot, there are specific instructions and techniques that need to be followed. Furthermore, there are also specialty presser feet, like the invisible zipper foot, which is designed for specific sewing projects and require a bit more finesse to use correctly.
Choosing the Correct Presser Foot
With so many different types of presser feet available, it can be hard to choose the correct one. As each project is different, the choice really depends on what is needed. For a more basic project, a general-purpose presser foot would be fine, but for a more complex one, then a different foot may be required. Before starting on the project, it is important to select the right foot to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
Storage and Safety
It is highly recommended to store the presser feet and all the tools in the same box, in order to make sure that everything is kept in a manageable order. Additionally, when not in use, the presser foot should be secured back onto the sewing machine. Furthermore, all supplies, fabrics, and tools should be stored properly to ensure the longevity of the machine.
Using Quality Materials
When purchasing a presser foot, make sure to go for a high-quality product. This may be a bit more expensive, but it will be definitely worth it as the superior quality of materials will make sure that the presser foot will withstand a fair amount of wear and tear. Furthermore, avoid purchasing second-hand presser feet, as they may already be worn down and not fit the particular machine that it is bought for.
Practice and Skills
It is important to remember that although the presser foot is extremely useful and versatile, it does have its limitations. To get the most out of using presser feet, practice and experience needs to be gained. With a bit of time and dedication, anybody can use presser feet like a pro.
Conclusion
Putting a presser foot onto a sewing machine does not have to be a daunting task. With the proper knowledge and technique, anyone should be able to do it properly, and benefit from its many advantages. It is important to remember to follow the instructions carefully, use quality materials, and gain knowledge and experience in order to effectively use the foot. In this way, any project should be easily accomplished with a presser foot.
