Sewing Machine Foot – An Introduction

Ever since I started Craft Passion, I have been wanting to do some basic knowledge of sewing. Today I’m honored to have Toyota Home Sewing to guest post in Craft Passion to introduce the basic sewing machine foot.

There are vast varieties of sewing machine foot in today’s sewing technology that make sewing easy and convenient. Among the basic and the most common use are buttonhole, zipper, zigzag, straight stitch, embroidery or darning and blind hem foot. Other specialty feet include walking foot, piecing foot, roll hemming foot, ruffle foot, pintuck foot, cording foot, pearl & sequin foot, concealed zipper foot, binding foot, etc…. Get the basic sewing foot introduction & some sewing tips after this jump.
Toyota sewing machine has been one of the longest sewing machines I’ve ever used before I bought my recent sewing machine. In the early 1990s, my sister bought her first electric Toyota sewing machine which changed the whole sewing experience in the family. It is so easy to use compared to the antique foot paddle type, fast and neat, not to mention the built-in embroidery pattern available to make embellishment easy & beautiful. That time, my mom still preferred her old sewing machine because she thinks that the electrical one is too fast for her handicapped eye. With my passion for sewing and handicraft, I became the most frequent user of this sewing machine. Till today, it is still in working condition, with my mom, yes, the one who complains that it is too fast but now she is the one who is using it for mending clothes and some simple sewing.

Guest blog post by Toyota Home Sewing – UK suppliers of
Sewing Machines & Sewing Machine Accessories

Sewing Machine Foot

Sewing with machines can be as complex as you choose to make it; the key is to start by knowing the basics and then get “hands-on”!! Understand what you want to achieve, what best methods/equipment to use for that and treat it a bit like the concept of driving – “learning by doing”!! Everyone has a personal style and it’s great to throw yourself into that and impress yourself with your results, but the basics are essential to taking care of your machine (and mind)!!!

Below is some general advice on sewing machine accessories to help build up your knowledge of what’s available:

Buttonhole Foot
To achieve the correct measurements, quality and finish to a buttonhole – this foot is a must-have in any sewing box! It saves time and creates a neat, professional look. With buttons being the key to completing any item (both aesthetically and practically) this really is an aid not to be missed.

Embroidery Foot
Perfect for creating decorative stitches and embellishments. I love using this foot; it can transform an old tired piece (clothing/cushions/cards) to a completely contemporary feel or even give an item a more classic transformation. It becomes so personal-it is a tool that never tires me to use. You can sew to design or just really go with the flow and rhythm of the machine.

Straight Stitch Foot
Used for straight stitch work such as topstitching, seaming, quilting. Therefore it becomes a highly used, essential tool. It provides a great finish as it allows excellent fabric control when working with very fine material through to heavy fabric.

Blind Hem Foot
Like many of the feet the name describes this item exactly – a stitch that you can’t see the hem!! It is a more formal finish, extremely professional and yet so simple. Hand sewing takes time that most of us do not have so this foot makes the desirable result easily achievable with your machine!!

Zigzag Foot
Also known as the all-purpose foot, as this is perfect for most utility stitching and other standard functions. It is a great accessory to have on hand as a back-up foot. It has the benefit of a three needle position – center, left and right and allows control but movement whilst feeding.

Zipper Foot
This is designed for installing zips accurately; the design of the foot allows the needle to stitch closely to the item. It is also a must when piping with cord. Remember as well as new creations – Zips can be added to renovate old items (clothing and furnishings) to resize or even just bring them to trend!!

**If you know you are sewing a specific project or have a preferred method it is definitely worth taking a look into the ready to go Footwork Kits available by Toyota (ie “Footwork Kit Denim/Jean”) that make it simple to get started!!

Some other basic gems of advice when sewing with your machine are to:

• Use good thread
• Have a really good pair of scissors (sharp, clean and easy to hold)
• Multiple packs of machine needles and spare bobbins at the ready
• Keep handy a seam ripper that can efficiently (and safely) help undo any stitch errors
• Always have a selection of pins (you could make yourself a pin cushion!)
• Look after your machine!!!!! Keep it clean, free from dust (Machine Bags are fantastic), use a cleaning brush as routine, have a safe place for things and treat it well!!