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The Little Black Button

The Little Black Button

Magic Little Black Button on your sewing machine - what's it for? Pattern Emporium Tips & Tricks

Have you noticed that mysterious little black button on the side of your general sewing machine foot (presser foot) & wondered what it was for?

Sewing denim and thick fabrics - the black button

Well, it's pretty much magic!! That little black button helps you sew over bulky seams by levelling the foot & eliminating skipped stitches.

Let's take a look.

 

So, let's pretend you're sewing the hem on a denim skirt or shorts, perhaps a Pattern Emporium Ladies Chelsea Skirt or Get Zipped Skirt or the Girls Lovebuy Skirt or Busy Boys Shorts (all great designs to sew in denim) and you need to sew over a thick, topstitched seam. 

Ladies Chelsea Skirt - denim - little black button sewing machine Ladies A-line Skirt sewing pattern Girls A-line skirt sewing pattern with pockets  Boys Shorts sewing pattern with pockets

1) Sew up to the seam... 

Sewing denim and thick fabrics using the pressure foot black button bumper Pattern Emporium

You'll see that the foot lifts in the front. 

This is usually when you start to get skipped stitches.

you will notice that the front of the foot begins to lift.

Here's what to do:

3) Raise the presser foot with the needle down...

Sewing denim and thick fabrics using the pressure foot black button bumper Pattern Emporium

4) Press the little black button...

AND while holding it down, lower the presser foot.

Let go of the black button as soon as the presser foot is down. This levels the presser foot.

Sewing denim and thick fabrics using the pressure foot black button bumper Pattern Emporium

5) Start sewing over the seam. 

You'll notice that the little black button is pushed in. It will pop back out after a few stitches, when you have past the bump (and no longer need its magic).

Sewing denim and thick fabrics using the pressure foot black button bumper Pattern Emporium

6) See! Magic.

Sewing denim and thick fabrics using the pressure foot black button bumper Pattern Emporium

If your machine doesn't have a little black button on the presser foot, don't worry. The stitch finish you'll obtain will be beautiful and professional-looking if you make your own. To learn how to make your own bumper, click here.

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