Skip to main content
Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine

Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine

Brittany McCrigler

Brittany McCrigler and 4 other contributors

Last updated on January 28, 2025

5 minutes
Very easy
Patagonia

Introduction

Go to step 1

Swapping out the presser foot lets you create different stitches for different sewing tasks, such as buttonholes, zippers, zigzag, etc. Use this guide to change the presser foot in your sewing machine. We’re using a Bernina 830 for this procedure; sewing machines can vary, so check your sewing machine's owner’s manual for specific instructions.

What you need

iFixit earns commission when you buy through these links.
  1. Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine, Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine: step 1, image 1 of 2 Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine, Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine: step 1, image 2 of 2
    • Set the sewing machine needle to the upright position by turning the balance wheel towards you.

    • Release the presser foot lever by sliding it up.

    • The presser foot will just fall out. Be ready to grab it.

  2. Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine: step 2, image 1 of 3 Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine: step 2, image 2 of 3 Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the presser foot down and slide it off the peg on the machine.

    • Be careful not to break the needle.

  3. Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine: step 3, image 1 of 3 Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine: step 3, image 2 of 3 Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • Grab your desired presser foot, and orient it foot-down.

    • Take the foot at an angle and slide the hole in the top of the presser foot onto the peg on the sewing machine.

  4. Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine: step 4, image 1 of 2 Change the Presser Foot on a Sewing Machine: step 4, image 2 of 2
    • Slide the presser foot lever down to lock the new foot in place.

    • Be sure to check your manual to see if you need to adjust the needle position. If it's not correctly adjusted, you may hit the needle on the presser foot and break the needle while sewing.

Finish Line

One other person completed this guide.

Brittany McCrigler

Member since: 03/05/12

89,769 Reputation

142 Guides authored

Team

iFixit Member of iFixit

Staff

118 Members

19,553 Guides authored

One Comment

Tolle Anleitung, vielen Dank und wie kann man die Drehteile ersetzen wo die Fäden reinkommen? Kann ich das selbst ersetzen oder muss ein Fachmann her?

Ben - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 5

Past 7 Days: 83

Past 30 Days: 600

All Time: 52,425