Sewing Machine Feet & Attachments

Sewing Machine Feet and Attachments

Choosing the Right Sewing Machine Feet: Snap-On? Low Shank? High Shank?

Most machines made since the 1980s use snap-on presser feet, with the exception of Berninas, which will need an adaptor. If your machine's foot isn't attached with a screw, it's a snap-on part that is connected with a shank adaptor. Most Viking, Brother, Pfaff, and Japanese-made machines use snap-on feet.

However, if the presser foot screws on, then it is either a high shank, low shank, or a slant shank machine. If you are uncertain what you have, it's easy to measure.

Lower the presser foot and measure the distance from the bottom of the presser foot to the screw-hole secures the foot to the presser bar.

Here is the difference:

  • A high shank machine (which is often an industrial sewing machine) sits about 1¼” from the presser foot screw to the bottom of the foot. These machines use high shank feet. Some home models, such as those by Necchi and New Home, as well as the Pfaff 1200 series, also have high shanks.
  • A low shank machine sits about ¾” from the presser foot screw to the bottom of the foot. These machines use the Low Shank Sewing Feet.
  • A slant shank is a slightly angled shank made for specific Singer models in the 60s and 70s. These feet are changed by unscrewing a bolt, replacing the foot, and screwing the bolt back in.

Once you know what type machine you have, it’s easy to find the right presser feet and other parts to go with it. From basic replacement presser feet to specialty feet like the snap-on buttonhole foot and the button foot (no more hand-sewing flat buttons!), there are sewing machine feet that can take care of many different functions.

What’s A Presser Foot Used For?

Whatever purpose it’s designed for, sewing machine presser feet all have a basic function: to hold the fabric against the machine’s throat plate and keep it in place while you sew.

Most feet, such as the walking foot and roller foot, assist the fabric while it’s in motion. Others, such as the button foot and the free motion foot, hold the fabric down away from the feed dogs so you can stitch as you like. A zipper foot allows you to sew closer to the chain of a zipper in a straight line while avoiding broken needles.

Our Daisy Flower Stitch Presser Foot for Sewing Machines fits most low-shank sewing machines with a simple snap-on foot. With it, you can turn your regular home machine into a flower-embroidering one.

Sewing with Walking Feet

Does your machine need a little help when it comes to heavier items like quilts, denim, thicker fabrics, “sticky” fabrics, or multiple layers of fabric? 

The walking foot is what your machine needs to take care of the bigger, thicker-than-usual sewing jobs. Simply take off your normal foot and shank adapter and install a walking foot to add top-side feed dogs that hold your fabric from the top side, giving you better control while you sew. (Note: walking feet only work on straight stitches in a forward direction.)

Also called “even feed foot” or “dual feed foot,” and they ensure that fabric is fed evenly on top and bottom. For the home sewer, we carry two different walking feet:

Both work with low shank home machines and will keep your fabric from puckering and sliding during stitching.

Your Sewing Machine’s Shank Adaptors Make Projects Go Faster

Some machines require unscrewing a bolt to change the presser foot, and other machines use feet that snap on and snap off.

A shank adaptor allows you to use universal snap-on feet no matter what brand machine you have, allowing you to change to a different type of presser foot. If your foot doesn’t snap on and off like it used to, you may need a new one. We carry shank adaptors for both high shank and low shank machines so your machine will work like new again. Our affordable pricing means you can purchase spares, and we even offer a bundled low shank adaptor and a snap-on zigzag foot.

Why Buy Presser Feet and Accessories from GoldStar Tool?

Small parts can break or give out when you least expect it, but we can help. Our entire collection of sewing machine feet and accessories for all types of machines is on our website, including over 100 snap-on presser feet. If you need help deciding on the right presser feet for your sewing machine or machines, contact us online or give us a call at 1-800-868-4419. 

Sewing Machine Feet & Attachments

High Shank Presser Feet
High Shank Presser Feet
Slant Shank Presser Feet
Slant Shank Presser Feet
Walking Presser Feet
Walking Presser Feet
Low Shank Presser Feet
Low Shank Presser Feet
Snap-on Presser Feet
Snap-on Presser Feet
Sewing Machine Folders & Binders
Sewing Machine Folders & Binders
Serger / Overlock Presser Feet
Serger / Overlock Presser Feet
Coverstitch Presser Feet
Coverstitch Presser Feet

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What Are Sewing Scissors Used For?

Fabric-specific scissors and shears are used for one thing: cutting fabric.

They should cut smoothly and cleanly and feel comfortable when you use them. You should always use the appropriate type of scissors and shears for your fabric if you want them to last and you want your fabric to cut cleanly.

Using your sewing scissors to cut anything but fabric is a quick way to ruin a good, and possibly expensive, pair of scissors. Keep them sheathed or otherwise properly stored when not in use and always use a different pair of scissors for paper and other non-fabric cutting applications.

Choosing the Right Scissors for Your Fabric

Different types of scissors have specific functions, such as spring-mounted thread clippers, which are perfect for opening buttonholes and snipping off thread ends in everyday sewing. Dressmaker shears are designed to cut just about any type of fabric, from fine silks and cotton to the heaviest denim and leather.  Synthetics tend to shred a little with dressmaker shears and standard fabric scissors, so serrated-edged scissors are a much better choice. These Mundial shears have cushioned handles and micro-serrated stainless steel edges that ensure clean cuts without slipping.

What to Look for In A Pair of Scissors or Shears + -

Of course, you want to look for a good quality brand. At Goldstar Tool, we carry brands like Mundial, Wescott, Wiss, and our own Goldstar brand of scissors. Scissors can be expensive, but price isn’t always a good indicator of how good they are. Just because they are pricey does not automatically make them good. Stainless steel forged blades are strong, sharp, and will last a long time. When choosing a good pair of blades, you should ask yourself… Are they comfortable? If they don’t feel right when you’re cutting, they’re not right for you. A good pair of shears should be sharp and cut cleanly through your fabric from the start to the end. Of course, with use, they may need sharpening, which should restore them to a like-new condition. However, if they don’t cut well when they’re new, sharpening really won’t help, and it may be time to invest in a better pair. When you buy new shears or scissors, ask yourself… Is it the right type for your needs? Do you need a longer set of dressmaker shears, or would a pair of offset scissors work better? Will they cut thin fabrics as well as thicker fabrics, or do you need a separate pair for heavier materials? Remember that a good pair of scissors is an investment, so put some thought into your choice and be sure to take care of them. Repeatedly buying inexpensive scissors that you throw away can add up to a costly expense. 

Types of Shears + -

Dressmaker shears are the most important scissors to have. Heavier than traditional scissors, they’re designed to cut fabrics of all types and typically do so very well. These Mundial shears are engineered for right-handed or left-handed users, and come in 6”, 7” and 8” models (including left-handed 8”.) Our Goldstar brand 8-inch forged stainless steel shears cut the entire length of the blade, all the way to the tip. If you prefer pinking shears, we have two types from the GoldStar line. Our heavy-duty shears have classic metal handles, and the other has cushioned plastic handles. For the quilter, Mundial professional quilting scissors in either 5 ½,” 8 ½, or 9 ½” offer soft grip cushioned insert handles for comfort and extended use.  Do you enjoy applique work? Our Mundial applique scissors help you make quick work of trimming around appliques, as well as evenly trimming Are buttonholes your nemesis? Our exclusive buttonhole scissors have a screw that stops you from cutting through your carefully made buttonholes. Safer than regular scissors or a scalpel, the screw limits your cutting length, so you cut exactly the length you need.

Other Cutting Products + -

Keep your scissors handy with a leather belt/hip holster, animal print belt holster or a lanyard that hangs around your neck. These will keep your shears handy and always available. Rotary cutters are a great way to do precise, fast cuts with ease. Goldstar Tool’s rotary cutters make fast work of whatever you need to cut. We also carry the replacement blades for all of our rotary cutting tools. Straight paper cutting is fast and easy with Westcott Titanium Bonded Paper Trimmer. It trims up to ten sheets of paper quickly with a completely safe, no-touch covered blade assembly.

Caring for Your Shears and Scissors

Caring for Your Shears and Scissors

Keeping Your Shears and Scissors in Tip Top Shape + -

The first thing you should NEVER do is cut anything but fabric with your scissors and shears intended for fabrics. The second is to never cut into a pin or needle since it will damage them permanently. When you’re finished using your shears, the best thing you can do is wipe the blades with a dry cloth to remove lint, threads, dust, and other small particles that can make them harder to use. Synthetic fibers can also dull the blades. Clean away the dry particles after every use. Keep your shears and scissors working smoothly with a small drop of quality sewing machine oil in the fulcrum or the pivot screw. Carefully open and close them a few times (point down) to distribute the oil, and wipe them, spreading some of the remnant oil over the blades. You want to oil your scissors and shears about once a month, more if you use them daily.  Of course, be careful not to drop them, or they could be damaged to the point of being unworkable.

Sharpening Your Shears and Scissors + -

When they just don’t cut like they used to, sharpening is a must to prevent damage to your fabrics. You may have heard that cutting through aluminum foil steel wool and/or sandpaper as a way to quickly sharpen your dulled scissors. Despite their popularity, we don’t recommend these methods. Think about it—if you shouldn’t use your sewing shears and scissors for paper and other things, or attempt to cut through a pin or needle, why would you use either of these to sharpen a blade? There are better ways to sharpen your shears at home or in your commercial shop. Need something small and efficient to keep around? These handy Scissors And Blade Sharpeners are economical, convenient, and sharpen on the fly. Our ExtremEdge V2 Knife and Shear Sharpener is a fast, easy way to sharpen non-serrated scissors and knives safely. The bottom section holds it in place for simple one-handed operation, and it’s sold for a reasonable price. If you have more than a few pairs of scissors, sending them out for sharpening can shut down operations. Our Wolff Industrial Twice as Sharp Scissor Sharpening System is an investment that will save you and your workers time and money, and keep your scissor arsenal sharp and cutting perfectly every time. Priced at under $500, you can sharpen your tools in-house whenever you need to. Plus, it comes with instructions so that anyone can learn to use it for fast on-demand sharpening.  Pinking shears, like our own soft-handled or heavy-duty shears, are best sharpened by a professional. There’s no reason to keep working with dull scissors and shears. Get one of our exclusive sharpening tools today.