Presser feet are devices that help to increase the efficiency of sewing machines. Essentially, the presser foot is the lever that is used to hold material in place as the fabric is fed through the machine. The presence of the presser foot helps to keep the material taut and steady while the needle passes through and creates stitches in the fabric.

In design, a presser foot somewhat resembles the letter “L”. As the needle lowers into position to initiate a stitch, the presser foot is placed firmly on top of the material. The section of the presser foot that rests on the fabric is split. The needle actually makes the stitches in the area of fabric that is exposed between the opening in the presser foot. Because the device holds the material in place, it is possible to quickly make a series of stitches that are evenly spaced and in a straight line with relatively little effort.

In order to allow the material to progress during the process, the presser foot will slide upward and away from the fabric at the same time that the needle is retracted. This allows another component of the sewing machine, known as the pantograph, to aid in moving the material so that the next stitch point can be properly aligned.

While there is a standard presser foot included with all types of sewing machines, the device is detachable. This is because different sizes and configurations of the presser foot exist. When working with material that is thicker and may be more difficult to stitch, the job may call for a customized form of presser foot. One example would be sewing machines used in factory situations to sew seams on sleeping bags. The presser foot employed in that scenario would be heavier and larger than the presser foot used on a machine used for home sewing tasks.

Fabric stores are often a good source when it is necessary to replace an existing presser foot. In like manner, repair shops that are certified to work on various types of sewing machines often have access to various types of presser feet. Generally, a replacement presser foot is inexpensive and will take very little time to put in place.