Last Updated on July 19, 2023
If your Fabric won’t fit under the presser foot and you’ve ever struggled with sewing through thick fabrics or getting over bulky seams, you may have wondered why your fabric won’t fit under the presser foot smoothly.
Many sewing machines, including Baby Lock machines, are equipped with a leveling button on the J foot that allows you to easily sew through multiple layers of fabric and handle challenging sewing tasks like hemming jeans.
What to do when Fabric won’t fit under presser foot?
Well, don’t worry; there’s a helpful solution for this common sewing challenge! Here, we’ll explore why fabric might not fit under the presser foot and how to use the leveling button to overcome this issue effectively.
Understanding the Leveling Button
The black button on the J foot of your sewing machine is known as the leveling button. Its primary purpose is to provide a convenient way to sew through thick fabrics and seam allowances without your machine struggling or getting stuck. Whether you’re sewing denim, heavy canvas, or other bulky materials, the leveling button can be your savior.
Sewing through Thick Fabrics
When sewing thick fabrics like denim, you might notice that your sewing machine starts to slow down or have difficulty climbing over the thick seams. This is where the leveling button comes into play.
Using the Leveling Button
Let’s say you’re working on sewing a denim seam where you need to stitch through multiple layers of denim fabric. Once you’ve set your stitch length, start sewing until you approach the thick seam. You might experience the machine struggling to continue sewing smoothly at this point.
To resolve this, follow these steps
If the fabric does not fit under the presser foot, especially when sewing thick fabrics together, raise the presser foot lever to its highest position. This will create enough space to easily place the fabric under the presser foot and begin sewing. Here is the detailed guide:
1. Raise the Presser Foot
Lift the presser foot lever to its highest position. This will create enough space to accommodate the thick fabric or seam allowance.
2. Engage the Leveling Button
Now, press down firmly on the toe of the J foot and push in on the leveling button until you hear it click into place. This action will disengage the back part of the presser foot, almost like having a front-wheel-drive on your sewing machine.
3. Position the Fabric
You can easily slide the fabric under the foot with the presser foot raised and the leveling button engaged. This feature allows you to sew through multiple layers without any resistance from the presser foot.
4. Start Sewing
Once the fabric is correctly positioned, lower the presser foot and begin sewing. With the leveling button engaged, you’ll find it easier to sew over thick seams or multiple layers of fabric.
5. Automatic Disengagement
The leveling button will automatically disengage as you sew off the thick seam and return to the regular fabric thickness. The presser foot will resume its normal movement, allowing you to sew smoothly again.
Conclusion
With the leveling button on the J foot of your sewing machine, sewing through thick fabrics and handling bulky seams becomes a breeze. This handy feature offers front-wheel-drive-like functionality, enabling you to sew effortlessly over challenging areas like those found in jeans hems.
So, the next time your fabric won’t fit under the presser foot smoothly, remember to engage the leveling button and easily conquer your sewing projects!
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