Have you noticed the un-named presser foot in my photos of top-stitching? It’s called an overedge presser foot. In this post, I discuss what an overedge 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 overedge presser foot is longer, has a bar in the opening and has a guide on the right hand toe. Overedge presser feet are also known as overlock feet and overcast feet. On the left is my low-shank, snap on universal presser foot. In the middle is my old (broken) overedge foot and on the right is my new overedge foot. My new overedge foot is a bit wider than my older overedge foot.
Here’s a photo of my universal foot and old overedge foot from the bottom.
Different brands of overedge presser feet can vary in guide design and overall width. Both brand specific and universal overedge feet are available.
How Does It Work
Place the edge of your project along the guide. Sew a straight stitch by positioning your needle to the left or right of the bar. Sew zigzag or overedge stitches by positioning your stitch so that it goes over the bar without hitting it or the sides of the opening. There are nine styles of overedge stitches and each one has a slightly different purpose. Zigzag and overedge stitches will be formed over the bar then slide off as your presser foot moves forward. The stitches will be looser than if you were using a universal presser foot. This prevents the stitches from distorting the edge of your fabric and makes it less likely that your fabric will get caught in the needle plate.
I took some photos while I finished a double layer of cotton sheeting (grey fabric) and a single layer of toweling (yellow fabric). First I used my universal foot and a zigzag stitch.
Notice the difference when I finished the raw edges of the same fabrics with my overedge presser foot and the same zigzag stitch..
What else does it do
Use your overedge foot with a straight stitch, zigzag stitch or overedge stitch to accomplish these six tasks:
- finish raw edges
- bind quilted layers together
- sew lettuce hems
- sew narrow hems
- make pintucks
- guide top-stitching
Your stitches may get caught on the bar of your overedge foot. This can result in stitches bunching together. I start and end my zigzag and overedge stitches by backstitching with a straight stitch to prevent this. Sewing with a steady speed also helps.
Conclusion
Sew straight stitches, zigzag stitches or overedge stitches with an overedge presser foot on woven and knitted fabrics.
Have you used an overedge foot? What did you use it for? Comment below and/or Pin Me for later.
Tanya
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