7 Basic Sewing Machine Presser Feet and How To Use Them

Are you familiar with the basic sewing machine presser feet that come with your sewing machine? In this video I’m going to go over 7 basic presser feet and how to use them.
You may be intimidated by the looks of some of these attachments, but you don’t need to be! Knowing how to use these basic presser feet will make your sewing experience so much easier and smoother.
Whether you are new to sewing or have been sewing for some time, you may want a little refresher course on how to use each one of these feet.
STANDARD FOOT: 1:56
ZIPPER FOOT: 2:44
OVERCASTING FOOT: 4:46
BLIND HEM FOOT: 6:12
BUTTONHOLE FOOT: 7:49
BUTTON FOOT: 10:43
APPLIQUE FOOT: 12:40
READ THE BLOG POST HERE
youmakeitsimple.com/2021/01/1...
Are you new to sewing or would like a little refresher on the basics of SEWING? Check out the course I have available. SEW SIMPLE SERIES
jan-howell.teachable.com/p/se...
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Fabric Clips (OPTIONAL) Amazon (paid link) geni.us/TDTvm
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[@malanaisl]

Thank you! I’ve been putting off using different feet for so long because all the terms are so confusing without context. I’m 14 and don’t have any seamstresses in my family, so KZbin is my teacher! Thank you Jan!

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome! I am so impressed with you sewing at your age. That is about when I started sewing. Keep at it. Sewing is a skill that is so good to know. Send me a note if you ever have questions.

[@materesaescobar3377]

d

[@cheryl5994]

I WAS 14 WHEN MY MOM BOUGHT ME MY FIRST SEWING MACHINE. I STILL HAVE ONE, I'M SELF TAUGHT PRETTY MUCH APART FROM SOME BASICS AT SCHOOL. KZbin WASN'T AROUND THEN SO I'M EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO UPGRADE MY SKILLS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO HAVE A MANNEQUIN, BUT IMA LITTLE SHPRT ON SPACE AT THE MOMENT.

[@juneworth9208]

Keep at it kid ! Sure you'll get thers

[@redcurrant2023]

I started sewing around that age too! I started cutting and sewing newspaper dresses and later moved on to old bedsheets. I am in my 80s. I am still sewing, in fact i am currently making fleece house dresses for winter.

[@ouzarua]

Finally!! Someone who actually explained it and showed it in practice, thank you so much 💕 Could you make a video with more complicated and advanced stuff, too, please?

[@JanHowell]

Sure thing! What kind of projects are you interested in?

[@oleladyx5613]

@@JanHowell I know that this is not my original question, but I would like some demonstrations on more feet. For instance, I have a quilting sewing machine which has two different quilting feet. I use one that is small and looks like a normal sewing foot, with "notches" for 1/4 in and 1/8 in seam allowance stopping and starting points off of the edges, and has an indent in the front of the right toe (?). But I'm not sure if I am using it to its full potential. The larger quilting foot is meant for the actual quilting of the layers, but that just baffles me. I would also like a better understanding of a ruffling foot. I've heard it called other things, and seen someone use it, but I don't really understand how that foot would work better than another foot for doing ruffles. I am not sure if you could answer my first two, but I would like to know if you could. Thanks

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

I don't know I cant thank the uploader enough 😂

[@leilalineberger995]

I did not know that foot was for the button. CRAZY 😊

[@letelilyfantfant4590]

I stored this video and comes back to it again and again; you made SUCH a difference to my sewing; thank you! 😊❤👍

[@05bastille]

Jan thank you so much! I was so afraid to use the button foot and now i see how easy it is to do! I had an awful day and now i feel fresh and new and with this sudden urge to sew buttons and button holes on anything i can! This is fantastic!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome! Wonderful.

[@victoriag868]

Wow!!!! I am new to the sewing world and I've finally found a video that actually showed the different foot options and exactly how they work!!!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mollysmum8008]

I agree - I just stashed the extra accessories which came with my machine because I didn't even know how to thread it when I got it (in May!!!) Now I have made my first item and am ready to experiment - excellent video, excellent tutor. Thank you ❤️👍

[@carolynb1413]

Thank you. Have stared at these for years 😳

[@ca6177]

Thanks, I started sewing in the early 80's and can honestly say I never used my machines to their full potential! I am now in the process of learning more and I am excited to begin a new journey, better late than never! 😊

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@cheryl5994]

I CAN SECOND THAT.

[@kennethskaggs2832]

Thank you Ms. Jan for explaining this all in Common Sense terms. I am very new to this all because my Bride was given a Sewing Machine for her Birthday. Brand new and never used I knocked the Dust off the case and here I am ! I believe that I am hooked. No pun intended ! Thank you Ma'am !

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful! So glad you've joined the sewing team. Isn't it fun and rewarding!

[@KiraOhmart]

u ACTUALLY just blew my mind with how u folded the blind hem

[@legacycosmo]

Thanks, I’m still watching this video but I really appreciate that you are showing us how to use them rather than just telling. It’s pretty cool to know that there’s so many things we can do with a sewing machine right!?!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lienhenderson4528]

Omg, thank you so much for this video demo. I’ve always wanted to know what are all those footing are for.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful

[@Cee1505]

Thank you for this demonstration! You are correct about getting the correct foot for your machine. Your standard foot has a "leveling" button on the side (very handy for going over thick seems or unlevel fabric!). My machine didn't come with one so I ordered a universal foot only to find that the hole that the leveler button goes in was on the opposite side on my shank. I did find an affordable low shank that fit my machine and was able to use the leveling foot.

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

Excellent tutorial!!! This is a FABULOUS explanation of what these presser feet actually do, as well as an explanation that presser feet are NOT universal and how important it is to buy a foot that’s compatible with your machine. Well done!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks and you are so welcome

[@ilonakatalindako-tolman5545]

Nice meeting you Jan, I grew up learning how to sow with mom, no teaching, just watching and I have sowing for a long time, for my boys, myself and church activities, many, and pretty much used them as you just shared, but I loved your very easy clear use of each one of them...good sound voice as well😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so kind

[@lisalisa20907]

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much! I have only used one foot because it looks so intimidating. Wow, I can’t wait to try them.

[@JanHowell]

Yay, let me know how it goes! :)

[@marlenejones6266]

Well hot dignity now I understand so much more for my beautiful new machine. I'm so very excited to make something awesome. Thanks to you and my precious manual I will get it done

[@JanHowell]

wonderful

[@barbarameehan113]

Great info. I have a tendency to use the same foot over and over. I must get my feet out and use them.

[@JanHowell]

You'll love them.

[@AvaScott-Elliott-qd7sm]

Very thoughtful of you to make a very important presser foot tutorial as it is intimidating and the books are tiedious!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Jan, I really really enjoyed watching you take us through these different feet for our sewing 🧵 machines. Although I’m a seasoned sewer, it’s still good to go over these different ways of using them. You teach us all so professionally and it’s always so helpful too. Please stay safe and well too xxxx Mags ❤❤❤❤

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@amaliamartinez7783]

Hi this is Amalia, I just want to let you know that you are a good teacher

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind

[@bysamirdz1992]

Think you,new follower from algeria 🇩🇿😍

[@UlieWalksWithTheKing]

This is so incredibly useful! I knew about the zipper and the regular presser foot and had a vague idea about the rolled hem foot. I am in the process of teaching my 7 year old and 6 year old granddaughter and great-grandaughter how to use their little sewing machines I gifted them and can pass this great wisdom on to them. Thanks a million! ❤❤❤

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome! And that is wonderful that you are teaching them to sew. It’s becoming a list art and I’m sure they will cherish this time with you

[@UlieWalksWithTheKing]

@JanHowell Thank you. The sewing went so well. They both made simple heart pillows that turned out adorable and made them feel so proud! They are already planning more projects for our bi-weekly sleepover. ❤️❤️❤️

[@delmaquezada6733]

Very useful video. I just bought me a new sewing machine and it came with all the feet You demonstrated, so timely. Thank you. Enjoyed the video very much.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@grahamnichols1416]

This is what I'm talking about. Liked and subscribed. 👍

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@kerstinsantos9062]

Thank you so much for taking your time and explaining and showing us how everything works. It can be very confusing if you a new sewer.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome and glad it was helpful.

[@tonyweyinmi4480]

This is a wonder.I have been using the only standard presser foot that was mounted on the machine.I see some of those accessories but never tried them because I had no idea of the many possibilities you demonstrated.I love your teaching method. Thank you..from Nigeria.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@sharynmathis1409]

Yes I was afraid of all the gadgets that come with my Machine Thank You for showing us how to use them and the machine settings as well , I will be watching more of your videos so that I can learn more from you.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@lindaalexis9744]

Jan thanks for meeting you I love your teaching and you explain that any person could understand I had never changed presser feet before I am new to sewing just learning so I will try to change the feet I will continue to learn from you thank you jan

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind!

[@user-vt8pm7lo8j]

Thank you Jan so much ….for showing how to use different presser feet. I can now start exploring at least two or so😊❤

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@yummymellon4058]

I'm 28..and just started sewing.. Would like to learn more about this. Excited to try out different feet but so confused on how to use them correctly

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful, and some good things to learn right from the start. Have fun sewing!

[@heathercloete7450]

Thank you. First time I have seen a KZbin videi which will teach me about my sewing machine. 💕

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@sheenaroxas127]

This is very clear and easy to understand even though i played it 2x speed, ❤it’s your vid who teach me first how to use different types of presser foots

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful.

[@neelofersaeed3465]

Thanks for explaining the feet so easily. Waiting for more such videos.

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome! More to come.

[@neelofersaeed3465]

Thanks

[@zeitaholden3701]

Thank you, really appreciate being able to see what each foot is for and how to use them correctly

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@patriciajrs46]

Thank you so much for explaining these so well, with demonstrations. I greatly appreciate it.

[@JanHowell]

You're very welcome

[@queenhecate8975]

Thank you so much. I’m in my second month of learning to sew. It’s so fun and intimidating at the same time. Haha.

[@JanHowell]

Keep it up. It will become easier and less intimidating the more you practice.

[@MariaGonzalez-mb5tv]

Glad I found this, it was very helpful.

[@JanHowell]

So glad

[@wilycat5290]

Very, very helpful!!!! I do read my manuals but demonstrations are another way to learn and remember some of the presser foot info. Thank you for the video 😊👍💕

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patriciaberne613]

You have been a wonderful teacher, Jan. I have used suggestions in many of your videos. Thanks a million. PBerne

[@JanHowell]

Thanks Patricia, so glad to hear!

[@patriciathomson3849]

Thank you for quick straightforward answer about how to use this foot! Amazing…….

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@VereniceK]

This video was very helpful to me. You are so kind to put effort into making a video to pass your knowledge on to complete strangers. God bless you and thank you very much for your generosity!

[@JanHowell]

You're very welcome

[@beckytobey2984]

Wow! You do everything by the looks of your tutorials, and I'm going to join your brilliance. Thanks!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind

[@madelinevallejo988]

Thank you for the video. I like that you take your time explaining each item.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@debraandrews5568]

Thank You, Ms. Howell You are a Great Instructor.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@marianbora5493]

Your a BIG help for us like us a Beginners. Thank you for explaining and showing us up close on the out come of every stich in every foot you use.Also the placing of cloth so it can properly saw by the needle.Thank you so much.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@suzettewoolley5397]

Thank you Jan, that was perfect. You made everything seem so simple and clear😊.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@annikkituominen8741]

Thank you for a very useful tutorial 🙂. These new sewing machines are so versatile and technical. 🙂😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@loughton57]

You are the BEST! You really know how to make it easy for beginners like me 👍😁Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@Jas5]

Thank You so much! Such a great tutorial 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@nannygeorginasmith3938]

That was really helpful, you explain so well. Thanks for sharing 👍😎

[@JanHowell]

My pleasure!

[@deborahmason5056]

Fantastic, thankyou. Your video has helped me greatly. Happy sewing.

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@larryrichards3668]

Great video, just what I needed to watch. Thank you so much for posting this video.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome.

[@nan7503]

I have a Janome and am very thankful for your great tutorial. just excellent

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@lindycarimbocas1039]

Thank you so much, a well done tutorial. 👏 I was just exposed to trying out some of my presser feet. ❤💯

[@JanHowell]

You’re welcome 😊

[@Lillian.M.]

Very Informative and easy to follow and understand, thank you !

[@JanHowell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@annieinspain2404]

Excellent video, very informative. Thank you so much for posting

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@sheilacarroll7143]

Very informative video! Thank you for sharing. 😊🍁🍃🍂🍊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@sharronsimcox8528]

Absolutely brilliant, this has been so useful thank you.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful

[@anneedens3202]

What you call a blind hem foot I know as an edge joining foot (ie, joining lace to lace in heirloom sewing). I have another style foot for blind hemming. But, after watching your demo of using this foot for blind hemming, I will use my edge joining foot for blind hemming. THANK YOU!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@krisqueen5939]

That is good about the leave

[@blessingelelegu4622]

The tutorial is Very Very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindacoleman6322]

Thank you for your help with extras attachments 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@wendyfay16]

Thank you so Very Much for such a wonderful demonstration of the various presser feet. I've always steered clear of buttonholes, so I've even hand sewn press studs onto items and sewn the button on top so that it looked like buttons and buttholes! I have an automatic Singer machine that was top of the range when i bought it but I'd only used the straight strtch, zig zag stitch, and then i bought a ruffler foot to make a tulle tutu for my granddaughter ... 20+ layers of tulle ... It literally stood up on its own! However, im attempting to get back into my b sewing again, and im thrilled to be able to use the blind hem foot properly, the button hole foot, and the applique foot! Oh, how I could have used the applique foot soooo often recently! I also bought a side cutter foot recently as I'd bought an overlocker but had no one to teach me how to use it ... but I now have the side cutter foot and 2 people who are willing to teach me how to use it! It all seems to happen at once. So im looking forward to watching the rest of your videos. I also love the tip about holding the threads back for the first 2 stitchs as that's just behun to happen and I start know what to do to stop it, so thank you for that as well. I will also remember it when I start using the overlocker! Thanks again, i really appreciate the time and thought that you've dedicated to providing these videos. 🇦🇺😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome. Glad they are helpful

[@delmaquezada6733]

Wonderful tutorial video. Indeed this very much. I just purchased a new machine and it came with every foot you demonstrated. I didn't know what to do with them. Your tutorial. Was a prayer answered. Thank you. Do you have one on what the different sewing machine needles are for? 😅😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome. I sure do. In this post, there are all the details and a video to watch. youmakeitsimple.com/2019/10/05/sewing-machine-needles-why-choosing-the-right-one-matters/

[@tracybrewer3377]

Thanks Jan for sharing this great tutorial. Your machine sews beautiful buttonholes. Sadly my very basic machine doesn't have many extras with it. But I want to buy some of the basic ones. Especially the binding foot.

[@JanHowell]

wonderful

[@lalagamma4452]

Extremely helpful I didn't know all of the presser feet and or how to use them all!! I shared the video. Namesta 🥰🐞🤗

[@JanHowell]

Namaste!

[@rekhashome5587]

This was eye opening and so so helpful. Thank you! You just got yourself a new subscriber just based on this video. I’ll be sure to check out your other videos soon.

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful. Glad you found it helpful.

[@saminabukhari1294]

Thank you very much jan for giving me the confidence of using the extra presser feet of my machine which i could never use. ❤

[@JanHowell]

You’re welcome 😊

[@semco72057]

That is a nice video and it did show me so much I need to know about using my machine and with this knowledge I am ready to begin sewing. I am new to sewing and have to learn to use the Singer 2277 Tradition and the Singer 44s Heavy Duty machines. I thank you for providing all of us with the knowledge we need to sew.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@pattijack]

Many thanks, this has helped me greatly! I love instruction!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@angelicarivera8014]

I have some of your tool but I don't know how to use it. Now I know how because of this tutorial video. Thank you very much!

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome 😊

[@shannonmisquadis]

Thank you for this sharing tutorial; it was so helpful to me. Grateful. 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@nosheenhaider9106]

Thanks for sharing excellent informative video JazakAllah Khair God bless you

[@JanHowell]

It's my pleasure.

[@ToxicMetropolis]

This is super informative. Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kristinedunkleman8767]

Very helpful. Guess I better read the handbook. Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@ceblair4974]

😊 i wish I had known how to use some of the attachments I had. It would have made a big difference in my sewing, thank you for this video. It is so very helpful. Again, thank you😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@janislong279]

Thank you Jan! I was so convinced that I need a serger and after your video and showing how the overlocker stitch foot works, I now know that I can make a beautiful seam finish on my domestic machine. I was too scared to try using the different feet but you make it look easy. Great video! 😊

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deniseochoa4442]

Oh my god yes… this was so helpful. Just the other day I was like I wonder what all these foot thingys for? And you have a great presentation of them and how to use. Very helpful

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luanahaigood278]

OH MY GOODNESS. I BEEN NEEDING THIS. IM SO READY TO TRY THEM NOW 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@JanHowell]

wonderful!

[@cyoung2021]

Thank you for this helpful video!

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome!

[@samanthavandieman8641]

Where can I buy me a machine like that

[@terryolsson4145]

Thank you Jan...

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@kenchin2769]

Thank you! You're my sewing guardian 🥰

[@JanHowell]

You’re welcome 😊 You are so kind!

[@chanthasinh08]

Thank you for sharing I learned so much from you

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@RADDII]

Thank you it's very helpful to see how we can use different feet 😍

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful to hear! So glad you're sewing again and enjoying it. Never too late to find new interests. Keep it up and thanks for your kind words.

[@RADDII]

@@JanHowell ❤️❤️

[@fatimahjamal2857]

It is very helpful. Thank you very much ❤

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@tamsynbird9249]

Really great video!!! 👍 you've really explained things really well and in clear detail. Definitely subscribing and watching your other videos too

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind

[@saraburke4795]

Thank you so much; very helpful!

[@JanHowell]

You're very welcome!

[@convenantcreations6017]

Great video thank you so much basic instructions

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome!

[@sheiladoerr1985]

Thank you ! that was very helpful.

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome!

[@lindaalexis9744]

Thank you for teaching me

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@LEDewey_MD]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@stefaniewagner3185]

Thank you! Super helpful!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

This is so helpful thank you!!!

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome!

[@reds2061]

Thank you so so much, this helped me a lot ❤

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@virginiavittachi8919]

So helpful, thanks alot.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@GiraffePlanter]

Thank you 😊

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome 😊

[@evarobbins2594]

Thank you for helping me I have so much foot but never knew how to used them

[@JanHowell]

Happy to help!

[@kousar4572]

Thank you 💕

[@fionaforth2649]

Great beginner tutorial

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anniemin5431]

Thank you so much! learned a lot~

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome!