All Purpose Sewing Foot, The Main Presser Foot

The all purpose sewing foot is simply the presser foot that comes with all standard sewing machines. It may come with different names like the multi-purpose foot, universal presser foot, or utility foot. It is also known as the general foot or the standard foot. This tutorial will show you how to measure to choose the correct all purpose foot and how to use the all purpose sewing foot.

What is an All Purpose Sewing Foot

Depending on the design of the foot at the needle entry point, it may be used for a straight stitch, zigzag, or some decorative stitches. Generally, the standard presser foot is used to finish seams, stitch hems, topstitch, and sew straight-stitch projects.

All models of sewing machines come with an all purpose sewing foot. It is easy to recognize in your sewing kit and usually stays on the machine unless you are planning on using a specialty foot. The purpose of this foot is to hold the fabric in place while the feed dogs below provide the traction to push the fabric through the needle and complete the seam or other objectives. 

How to Use the All Purpose Sewing Foot

The all purpose presser foot is spring-hitched to give it flexibility. It is generally easily recognized by the two ‘toes’ that sit on either side of the needle as the foot feeds the fabric forward.  This foot is designed for everyday sewing tasks such as seams, hems, zig zag stitches, and decorative stitching.

The all purpose sewing foot is designed for everyday sewing tasks such as straight stitching, zig zag stitches, hemming, and decorative sewing. It is usually the default presser foot attached to the sewing machine and is suitable for most beginner sewing projects.

1. Attach the Foot

Attach the all purpose sewing foot to your sewing machine according to your machine instructions. Most modern machines use a snap-on system, while older machines may require the foot to be screwed onto the shank. Before sewing, lower the presser foot and slowly turn the handwheel to check that the needle clears the opening safely.

2. Choose Your Stitch

Select the stitch you want to sew. The all purpose foot can usually sew:

• straight stitches
• zig zag stitches
• decorative stitches

The wide needle opening allows the needle to move side to side safely when sewing wider stitches.

3. Position the Fabric

Place the fabric beneath the foot and lower the presser foot lever. Align the fabric edge with the seam guide markings on the needle plate if you are sewing seams or hems. I find the all purpose foot works especially well for stable woven fabrics such as quilting cotton and linen because the fabric feeds evenly beneath the foot.

4. Start Sewing

Hold the thread tails gently behind the machine and begin sewing slowly. Guide the fabric smoothly without pulling or forcing it through the machine. The feed dogs beneath the presser foot will move the fabric forward automatically while sewing.

5. Finish the Seam

Continue until you reach the end of the seam or stitching line. Raise the needle and presser foot before removing the fabric from the machine. Trim the threads neatly after sewing.

Tips for Using an All Purpose Foot

Testing stitch width and stitch length on scrap fabric first will help improve stitch quality, especially when sewing decorative stitches or zig zag stitches. I usually switch to specialty presser feet for techniques such as quilting, sewing leather, or inserting zippers, but the all purpose foot handles most everyday sewing tasks very well.

The toe piece is usually open to allow for wider stitches or for a zig-zag stitch and other decorative stitches. This wide needle slot can allow for stitch widths of up to 7mm depending on the make and model of the machine. The Janome foot pictured has a clear plastic part in the center, but many are all metal.

This foot may snap onto the shank of your machine or may need to be screwed onto the shank. 

Measuring Shank Height of All Purpose Sewing Foot

When buying a new all purpose sewing foot, it is necessary to know if your machine is a high shank machine or a low shank machine. The shank of the machine is measured from the presser foot to the screw hole. A measured distance of 1 ½ inch (3.8cm) is considered to be a high shank and a distance of 3/4 inch (2cm) a low shank. 

The high shank model and a slanted shank machine are older models of machines and not so common in the modern world of technically advanced machines. 

All Purpose Foot vs Straight Stitch Foot

An all purpose sewing foot is designed for everyday sewing and can sew straight stitches, zig zag stitches, and decorative stitches. A straight stitch foot is designed only for precise straight stitching and delicate fabrics.

All Purpose Foot	Straight Stitch Foot
General sewing	Precision sewing
Zig zag compatible	Straight stitch only
Wide needle opening	Small round needle hole
Everyday projects	Delicate fabrics and quilting

Best Fabrics for an All Purpose Foot

All purpose sewing feet work best on stable woven fabrics and medium-weight fabrics such as quilting cotton, linen, and broadcloth. I find the all purpose foot handles most beginner sewing projects well, although slippery fabrics and leather usually sew more smoothly with specialty feet.

Common All Purpose Foot Mistakes and Tips

An all purpose sewing foot works well for most everyday sewing tasks, but difficult fabrics may sometimes feed unevenly beneath the foot. Choosing the correct presser foot for specialty fabrics can improve sewing accuracy and stitch quality.

Common Mistake	Tip
Fabric puckering	Reduce tension
Uneven feeding	Use a walking foot
Skipped stitches	Change the needle
Sticky fabrics dragging	Use a Teflon foot
Decorative stitches uneven	Test stitch settings first

Pin for Later

All Purpose Sewing Foot – In Conclusion

The all sewing purpose foot will be the most used foot in your kit. It is the standard presser foot used for most everyday sewing techniques including seam sewing, hemming, topstitching, and decorative stitching. Because of its versatility, it is usually the default foot attached to the machine and is suitable for many beginner and general sewing projects.

More Sewing Feet Articles:

1. Gathering Foot
2. Rolled Hem Foot
3. Blind Hem Foot
4. Teflon Foot
5. Walking Foot
6. Binder Foot
7. Edge Stitch Foot
8. Straight Stitch Foot
9. Zig Zag Foot