The Mystery Foot Series: What Those Sewing Machine Feet Actually Do

If you’ve ever opened your sewing machine box and thought,

“What on earth are these little metal things?”

— you are not alone.

Most sewing machines come with a handful of different presser feet, but many of us stick to the same one forever. Not because the others aren’t useful… but because no one ever explained them properly.

So this week on Needle Say More, I launched a Mystery Foot Series to help you feel confident using the tools you already own.

Let’s demystify sewing tools — one foot at a time.

Buttonhole Foot

This foot helps your machine sew neat, evenly sized buttonholes automatically.

Instead of guessing where to stop and start, the foot measures the button and does the hard work for you.

Perfect for:

Shirts, dresses, children’s clothes, cushions

Watch here:

Button Foot

Yes, you can sew buttons on by machine — and it’s surprisingly quick!

This foot holds the button steady while the needle stitches it in place.

Perfect for:

Fast repairs, school uniforms, batch sewing

Watch here:

Overcasting Foot

This is your best friend if you don’t have an overlocker.

It helps prevent raw fabric edges from fraying by guiding a zigzag stitch neatly along the edge.

Perfect for:

Finishing seams, cotton fabrics, sustainable sewing

Watch here:

Blind Hem Foot

This clever little foot helps you sew hems that are nearly invisible from the outside.

Most of the stitches stay hidden on the inside of the garment.

Perfect for:

Trousers, skirts, formal wear

Watch here:

Monogramming Foot

Great for decorative stitches, lettering, and creative details.

It gives you better visibility and control when stitching slowly and carefully.

Perfect for:

Personalised gifts, creative projects, mindful stitching

Watch here:

Zipper Foot

Designed to stitch close to zipper teeth, piping, and bulky seams.

It helps you get neat, professional-looking results without wrestling the fabric.

Perfect for:

Cushion covers, bags, clothing

Watch here:

You Don’t Need Fancy Tools — Just Confidence

The truth is, most of what you need is already in your sewing box.

You don’t need expensive upgrades or complicated equipment — just a little guidance and a willingness to try.

That’s what Needle Say More is all about:

✨ Calm

✨ Clear

✨ Confidence-boosting sewing education

So next time you spot a “mystery foot”, don’t hide it away.

Give it a go — you might be surprised how helpful it is.