Sewing machine settings can be very confusing. For example, Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure – what exactly is that? Just saying it sounds like a tongue twister let alone understanding and mastering it.
If you’ve been confused about presser foot pressure: what it is, how it works, why it’s important (how to say it!); let’s clear that up right now.
I found a video (below) by Marguerita McManus that does a very good job of explaining the basics of the sewing machine pressure setting and how it might affect your sewing projects, and in the words of Marguerita: “…The settings for how hard the machine forces that [presser] foot down is called the pressure setting…”
You may already know that your sewing machine presser feet hold the fabric taut against the feed dogs to assist in moving the fabric along as you sew. Presser feet also apply a certain amount of pressure to the fabric underneath helping to keep it securely in place as the feed dogs move it along. Thin fabrics may require more pressure and thicker fabrics less pressure.
Some machines allow you to adjust or control the pressure setting on your machine, other machines have automatic pressure that adjusts automatically to meet the pressure needs of the fabric beneath the foot. Being able to adjust the pressure allows you to create smooth, even stitches with no puckers.
If your machine has adjustable pressure you can practice on different types of fabrics to see the affects of different pressure settings on your sewing projects, just be sure to use scraps!
Here’s the video….
If you would like to read a little more about pressure settings the WestSideSewing.com site has a great pdf tutorial that goes into a little more detail. You can access it here: Presser Foot Pressure Tutorial.
Enjoy! 😀
