Even Feed Presser Foot

When I reviewed the Small Trifold Wallet, I noticed Yoan used an even feed foot. My universal presser foot worked fine until the last step, when I had to switch to a roller foot. In this post, I discuss what an even feed presser foot looks like and what it can be used for.

What does it look like

If you’re familiar with a universal presser foot (aka zigzag presser foot) you will notice that an even feed presser foot (aka walking foot) is wider, longer and bulky. On the left is my low-shank, snap on universal presser foot. In the middle is a walking foot and on the right is an open two walking foot. Both walking feet are for low-shank machines and screw on in place of the presser foot holder. Even feed feet have their own built in feed dogs.

top view of three sewing machine feet — Universal (left), even feed (center) and open toe even feed (right) presser feet

Here are some photos of even feed walking feet from other angles.

front view of three sewing machine feet — Front view of universal (L), even feed (C) and open toe even feed (R) feet

bottom view of three presser feet — Bottom view of universal (L), even feed (C), and open toe even feed (R) feet

oblique view of three presser feet — Oblique view of universal (L), even feed (C), and open toe even feed (R) feet

Specific even feed feet are available for most brands of sewing machines. Alternatively look for a universal even feed feet that is compatible with several brands of sewing machines. Slide the arm of the even feed foot over the needle clamp screw of your sewing machine.

The needle clamp screw on my LS-2125 was too short so I had to order a long needle clamp adapter online. Long needle clamps are standard on better quality machines.

close up of sewing machine needle clamp screw — Needle clamp screw is too short

close up of sewing machine needle clamp screw with adapter — Long needle clamp adapter

How Does It Work

The arm of an even feed foot moves up and down as your sewing machine needle moves up and down. The body of the foot coverts this vertical motion into elliptical motion of the feed dogs.

installed even feed foot — Open toe even feed foot installed

I took a short video of my open toe even feed foot while hand cranking my sewing machine to demonstrate this motion.

Use even feed feet to sew forward with a straight stitch or zigzag stitch. Sewing in reverse and other stitch patterns could damage your even feet foot.

What does it do

Sewing machine feed dogs feed your sewing project toward, under, then away from the sewing machine needle by pulling the bottom layer of fabric. An even feed foot’s feed dogs do the same thing by pulling the top layer of fabric. This means the top and bottom layers of your project are both being feed through the machine. This can be advantageous when sewing slippery fabrics, stripes or plaids, or thicker projects. Keep in mind that if your sewing machine isn’t powerful enough to push the sewing needle through your project, an even feed foot won’t be helpful.

I sewed a second Small Trifold Wallet to test whether or not an even feed presser foot made sewing the final step easier. Two sets of feed dogs pulling the fabric toward the needle worked better than one set and a roller foot.

Conclusion

Using an even feed presser foot results in your sewing project being feed under the sewing needle from both the top layer and bottom layer of your project. Depending on what your sewing project is, this may be the best way to ensure the layers are feed evenly.

Have you used an even feed foot? What do you use it for? Comment below and/or Pin Me for later.

Tanya

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