Your machine usually comes with the general or all-purpose foot attached, but most sewing machines let you swap feet out for different techniques — zippers, buttonholes, ruffles, and more. The tricky part is that not all machines attach their feet the same way. Three common styles exist, and knowing which one your machine uses makes all the difference.
Your owner’s manual should explain which type your machine uses, but if it doesn’t, or you just like to see it done, I’ve broken down all three methods below (and updated my video to show each one).
Why Should You Change Your Sewing Machine Feet?
Changing your sewing machine feet lets you add interesting features to your projects, sew on zippers with ease, and sew more precisely. Most machines require a special foot for ruffles, zippers, and buttons. The old saying, “having the right tool for the job,” applies to sewing too.
How to Change Out The Feet On Your Sewing Machine
If you can’t view the video above, click this link to view it on YouTube: How To Change Your Sewing Machine Foot.
Not sure which type your machine uses? Look at the shank (the part the foot attaches to) — a small lever at the back means snap-on, a small screw means screw-on, and a straight bar with no lever or screw usually means slide-on.
Snap-On Presser Feet
This is the most common style on modern home machines, and it’s the quickest to swap.
- Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the hand-wheel toward you, then raise the presser foot lever.
- Release the foot by raising the lever at the back of the holder.
- Put the presser foot under the shank so the bar on the presser foot lines up with the slot on the shank.
- Lower the presser foot lever to fix the foot onto the shank. If it’s in the correct place, the bar will snap into place with a little click.
Screw-On Presser Feet
Some machines — especially older or industrial-style models — use feet that attach with a small screw instead of snapping in.
- Raise the needle to its highest position and raise the presser foot lever.
- Loosen the screw on the shank with a screwdriver (many machines include one) and slide the old foot off.
- Slide the new foot into place so the bar lines up with the shank.
- Tighten the screw securely, making sure the foot sits flush and straight before sewing.
Slide-On Presser Feet
This style is common on machines like my Husqvarna, where the foot slips directly onto a bar rather than clicking into a shank or being held on by a screw.
- Raise the needle to its highest position and raise the presser foot lever.
- Grip the foot and gently but firmly pull it forward and down and out of the groove. It can feel snug, so don’t be afraid to give it a bit of a tug — that’s normal, not a sign you’re doing something wrong.
- Slide the new foot up into the bar groove from below, lining it up carefully as you go.
- Press the foot back and into the groove firmly until it’s seated all the way into the groove. It’s easy to think it’s on when it’s only partway there, so give it a final push and gently wiggle it to confirm it’s fully seated before you start sewing.
If a presser foot isn’t installed correctly or with the correct orientation on any of these styles, the needle may strike the foot. This may bend or break the needle and cause injury, so always turn the hand-wheel by hand for the first stitch or two after changing feet to make sure everything clears properly.
Having trouble identifying the machine feet that came with your machine? Check out my feet guide to get familiar with what each one does, or start with Learn The Basic Sewing Machine Presser Feet for the essentials. Once you’re comfortable swapping feet, you’ll be ready to try more specialized ones — like the 1/4″ piecing foot, which is a must for quilting and precise patchwork projects.
Presser Foot FAQ
Q: Do all sewing machines change feet the same way?
No. Most modern home machines use a snap-on system with a lever, but some — especially older or industrial-style machines — use a screw instead, and others, like Husqvarna machines, use a slide-on bar. Check your shank: a lever means snap-on, a screw means screw-on, and a plain bar with neither usually means slide-on.
Q: Why won’t my presser foot snap into place?
This is usually because the bar on the foot isn’t lined up with the slot on the shank before you lower the lever. Raise the lever all the way, position the foot directly underneath, and make sure the bar is centered before lowering — it should click firmly into place.
Q: Can I use any presser foot on any sewing machine?
Not always. Presser feet come in low shank, high shank, and slant shank sizes, and a foot designed for one won’t properly fit a different shank type. Always check that a replacement or specialty foot is compatible with your specific machine before buying.
Q: Is it normal for a slide-on foot to feel stuck when removing it?
Yes. Slide-on feet, like those on many Husqvarna machines, fit snugly onto the bar by design, so a firm tug is normal when taking them off. Just make sure you’re pulling straight down and not at an angle, which can make it feel more stuck than it is.
Q: Do I need to turn off my machine before changing the foot?
It’s a good habit, yes. While you technically can change a foot with the machine on, turning it off first prevents the machine from accidentally starting if the foot pedal is bumped, which keeps your fingers safely out of the way of the needle.
Really helpful post. I often got stuck with this appropriate situation, when the thread got stuck on the hoop and the feet won’t work. what should i do then?
Are you using the feet that came with your machine? What do you mean the feet won’t work? What hoop are they getting stuck on?