Basic Steps to Put Foot on Sewing Machine
Having a sewing machine proves to be life-saver for any sewing enthusiast. Though a basic knowledge about the machine and its components are must for the best results. Learning the procedure to put foot on the sewing machine is first of many such steps. Therefore, it is important to know the steps involved in putting the foot on the sewing machine.
The process of putting foot on the sewing machine may vary as per the manufacturing brand of the machine. However, the basic process remains the same across the type of machine. The first step is to locate the “foot lever” on the machine. It is the vertical lever which sits atop the sewing machine, just behind the needle control. It may be situated in extreme right on the panel.
Once the foot lever is located, one need to locate the feet for the machine. Several feet are available in the market for the sewing machines. Therefore, locating the suitable feet for the sewing machine is the important second step. These feet may come along with the machine or may be bought from any fabric store.
After locating the feet, the third step involves the insertion of foot into the compatible machine. To insert the foot into machine, the foot lever has to be pulled downward. This brings down the current foot from its position and creates an opening at the foot bed of the machine. Once the opening is created, one needs press the new foot into the opening and ensure that the “shank” of the foot is properly inserted.
Once the foot is inserted, the last step is to test the stability and accuracy of the new foot. To do this, one needs to adjust the bobbins and the threads at the machine. Then, the pressure of the foot needs to be adjusted by the pressure lever or control. Now, the machine is ready with the new foot and thus one can start stitching with the new foot.
Types of Feet and their Usage
Different types of feet are available in the market for the sewing machines. Depending upon the type of sewing that needs to be done, one needs to select suitable feet.
Button-hole feet are the most common type of feet which comes with the machines. As the name suggests, a button-hole foot allows a user to stitch the perfect button-holes consistently. It helps a user in maintaining the same size of the stitches every time. These feet are perfect for making decorative and general button-holes.
Blind-hem feet is the perfect choice for any craft enthusiast. It helps in creating perfect hem finishes on the fabric and proves to be a great choice for any professional. The foot comes with an adjustable slit which allows the length of stitch to be predefined. Thus, it allows for the creation of accurate and perfect hem stitches on the fabric.
Though zipper feet are often considered as an extension to a regular foot, it comes with great advantages. It helps in creating perfectly consistent zippers and thus allows creating perfectly hidden zippers on the fabric. The foot helps maintain the distance between the needle and zipper teeth.
The last in the list of commonly used feet are Gathering feet. These feet can be used to gather up fabric quickly and efficiently. It helps in collecting the fabric in several layers, thus allowing a user to fold and sew the hem of the fabric.
Know the Foot and its Placement
Having proper knowledge about the feet helps in creating amazing projects. Therefore, it is important to understand the type of foot that is required to complete a project. Knowing the placement of foot properly helps in proper utilisation of the foot.
In order to identify the existing foot, one needs to understand the different components of the foot which helps in identifying the type of foot that is currently on the machine. Determining the width and length of the “shank” helps in knowing the type of foot that is currently being used.
Once the identification is done, the next step is to locate the compatible replacement foot. Brands like “Brother”, “Juki” and “Janome” provide several feet to choose from. Depending upon the work to be done on the fabric, one needs to choose a type of foot which suit their requirements.
Why to Buy Good Quality Feet?
Buying good quality feet is important for capturing the right stitches. Poor quality feet may cause strain on the motor of the machine which may cause excessive wear and tear of the machine. Moreover, poor quality feet may also increase the chances of needle breakage. Therefore, it is utmost important to purchase feet from a reputed brand.
Moreover, most of the reputed brands offer several feet which are crafted to suit the type of stitch that one needs to produce. Therefore, choosing the foot from a reputed brand helps in creating amazing projects with perfect stitches.
Benefits of Changing the Feet
Changing the feet helps in customising the machine. It allows a user to determine the type of stitches that can be captured on the machine. Changing the feet also offers another advantage of increasing the production rate of the machine. It helps in quick changing of the feet between the stitches and this ultimately helps in increasing the production rate.
Moreover, it also helps in creating perfect stitches on the fabric. Every foot come with its own specific advantages. Therefore, having several feet helps a user to make precise and accurate stitches quickly on the fabric.
Advantages of Automated Feet-Changing Mechanism
Technical advancements in the field of feet-changing mechanism have allowed many brands to launch automated feet-changing mechanism. This mechanism facilitates faster changing of the feet in a single button, thus allowing the user to create perfect and uniform stitches on the fabric.
Furthermore, automated feet-changing mechanism also prevents any accidental needle breakage which may occur due to manual feet-changing mechanism. Therefore, automated feet-changing mechanisms are must for any craft enthusiast who wants utmost accuracy and accuracy in their work.
Caring of Feet
Just like other accessories of the machine, one needs to take proper care of the feet to ensure that they are working properly. Feet need to be maintained and cleaned properly to ensure they can last long. For example, metal feet need to be oiled in order to ensure that they are functioning properly in the machine.
Moreover, plastic and rubber feet may be prone to melting if the temperature of the machine gets too high. Therefore, it is advisable to cover the feet with plastic sleeve/cover if the machine is getting too hot. This prevents the feet from melting and ensures that they can stay longer.
Correcting the Problems with Feet
Though feet are vital accessories of the machine, they can sometimes cause problems. Common problems like jammed threads, skipping stitches and needle breakage can be solved by changing the existing feet. These problems are caused by the misalignment and incompatibility between the foot and the needle. Therefore, it is important to periodically check the feet for the best results.
Moreover, if the feet are causing tensions in the needle, then a user needs to change to a proper foot which is compatible with the type of needle that is being used. In such cases, changing to a originally recommended foot from the manufacturer helps in avoiding any possible problems.
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips for Feet
Feet, like all other accessories on the machine, need to be maintained and cleaned properly to ensure that they are working properly. For example, metallic feet should be oiled regularly to prevent rust damage. Moreover, plastic or rubber feet can be cleaned with a piece of cloth. If required, these feet can also be cleaned with mild cleaning liquid.
Furthermore, while changing the feet on the machine, it is important to ensure that the tension of the thread is kept consistent throughout the change. This facilitates quick and easy changing of the feet on the machine with minimum mess.
Conclusion
The process of putting a foot over the sewing machine is essential skill to learn. Knowing the types and placement of the foot helps in creating accurate and impressive stitches. Automated feet-changing mechanism help in increasing the production rate of the machine and also helps in avoiding needle breakage. In addition, proper cleaning and maintenance of the feet ensures that they can last long and can create perfect stitches.
