Presser Feet Quick Reference Guide
Complete printable reference for your sewing room
What This Reference Guide Includes:
• Quick Reference Table: Essential feet with uses and compatibility
• Compatibility Guide: How to measure and identify shank types
• Troubleshooting Chart: Common problems and solutions
• Buying Priority: Which feet to purchase first
Choose your preferred format to keep this guide handy in your sewing space
| Foot Name | Primary Use | Fabric Types | Skill Level | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/All-Purpose | General sewing, straight & zigzag | All fabric types | Beginner | Essential |
| Zipper Foot | Zippers, piping, close edges | Cotton, denim, most wovens | Beginner | Essential |
| Walking Foot | Quilting, thick layers, knits | Stretchy, slippery, multiple layers | Beginner | High |
| Buttonhole Foot | Creating buttonholes | Medium weight fabrics | Beginner | Essential |
| 1/4″ Foot | Quilting, precise seams | Cotton, quilting fabrics | Intermediate | High |
| Blind Hem Foot | Invisible hems | Cotton, linen, medium weights | Intermediate | Medium |
| Invisible Zipper | Hidden zippers | Garment fabrics | Intermediate | Medium |
| Rolled Hem Foot | Narrow hems, edges | Lightweight, delicate fabrics | Intermediate | Medium |
| Non-Stick/Teflon | Sticky materials | Leather, vinyl, plastic | Beginner | Specialty |
| Free Motion/Darning | Free motion quilting | Quilting cotton, various | Advanced | Specialty |
Low Shank
Measurement: 3/4 inch (2cm)
From: Screw to needle plate
Brands: Singer, Brother, Janome, most domestic machines
High Shank
Measurement: 1.25 inches (3cm)
From: Screw to needle plate
Brands: Some Pfaff, industrial machines
✅ Standard all-purpose foot
✅ Zipper foot
✅ Buttonhole foot
✅ Most snap-on feet
⚠️ Walking foot
⚠️ Free motion foot
⚠️ Some specialty feet
⚠️ Computerized machine feet
- Fabric Puckering: Check presser foot pressure, use walking foot for stretchy fabrics, adjust tension settings
- Skipped Stitches: Ensure proper foot attachment, check needle condition, verify foot compatibility with stitch type
- Uneven Feeding: Switch to walking foot, clean feed dogs, adjust presser foot pressure
- Foot Won’t Attach: Verify shank compatibility, check for damage, ensure proper alignment
- Thread Breaking: Check foot clearance, use appropriate needle, adjust upper thread tension
- Fabric Bunching: Use correct foot for fabric type, check feed dog condition, adjust stitch length
- Poor Stitch Quality: Match foot to fabric weight, check needle size, clean machine regularly
Level 1 – Essential
🔸 Standard foot (included)
🔸 Zipper foot
🔸 Buttonhole foot
Level 2 – High Priority
🔸 Walking foot
🔸 1/4″ foot (quilters)
🔸 Blind hem foot
Level 3 – Specialty
🔸 Invisible zipper foot
🔸 Rolled hem foot
🔸 Non-stick foot
| Project Type | Primary Foot | Alternative | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quilting | Walking Foot | 1/4″ Foot for piecing | Lower presser foot pressure |
| Garment Construction | Standard Foot | Walking foot for knits | Match foot to fabric weight |
| Home Décor | Walking Foot | Zipper foot for piping | Heavy fabrics need walking foot |
| Alterations | Blind Hem Foot | Standard foot | Practice on scraps first |
| Leather/Vinyl | Non-stick Foot | Walking foot | Use leather needles |