The Little Black Button

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

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.

You can use this method whenever you're sewing the hem on a garment made of denim or another thick fabric, and need to sew over thick, topstitched seams. 

Once you've folded up the hem, start sewing.

When you get to the seam, as pictured below, you'll notice that the foot lifts at the front to try to get over the thick seam. This is usually when you start to get skipped stitches.

To stop this happening, raise the presser foot with the needle down.

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.

Then you can 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).

See! Magic.

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.

For example, the Pattern Emporium Ladies Chelsea Skirt or Get Zipped Skirt or the Girls Lovebuy Skirt or Busy Boys Shorts.