First of all, we need to understand that what is a shank? And then what is a low shank sewing machine? A screw exists at the needle bar to attach an adaptor or presser feet. When the needle bar moves at maximum down position, then the distance from the center point of the screw to the bedplate is called the shank.
If the distance is about 1/2 inch, then the machine should be a low shank sewing machine. A short shank sewing machine is suitable for beginners, domestic purposes, and best for small home businesses. Some other types of shanks are also available in sewing machines for different requirements.
- Low shank
- High shank
- Slanted shank
- Snap-on shank
Definition of a low shank sewing machine
A machine with a maximum ½ inch distance from the presser bar screw to the bottom of the presser foot is called a low shank sewing machine. You can identify this distance by measuring through a scale.
If the distance is 1 inch or more than 1 inch, it’s considered a high shank sewing or industrial sewing machine.
How do I know if my sewing machine is high shank or low shank?
If you are new in the sewing field, then you should clear this confusion. It’s not a challenging task; you can easily recognize that your machine is high shank or low. To identify the low or high shank, you need to locate the screw on the needle bar that holds the press foot adaptor.
Then you need a ruler to measure the distance between the center points of the screw to the bottom of the foot pedal. If space is about ½ inch, then your machine is a low shank sewing machine. And you can use all kinds of low shank presser feet on your sewing machine.
If the distance between screw and foot pedal is 1 inch or more then your machine is a high shank sewing machine.
What is a low shank sewing machine?
Most domestic sewing machines are low shank. But if you want to make sure you can measure the distance as described above. Low shank sewing machines provide you versatile sewing capabilities with its different presser feet. In comparison, high shank or industrial sewing machines have limited sewing options. Industrial sewing machines are designed for specific tasks; they are not multipurpose.
You can enjoy the features of expensive sewing machines on a small budget, like by just installing the overlock presser foot; you get an overlock stitch of a serger machine. If you are not a professional, you don’t need to buy a serger machine for a few overlock stitches.
8 Popular Types of Presser Feet You Can Use with Low Shank Sewing Machine
The presser feet of low shank sewing machines are a little bit different from other standard presser feet. So here, we discuss some necessary short shank feet that are readily available in the market. Here we discuss eight standard feet that are compatible with low shank machines and what their use is.
Keep in mind an important thing that you need an adaptor to utilize all of these presser feet. And this adaptor is a part of the sewing machine, before buying the best sewing machine to ensure additional adapters are provided.
Walking foot
So the first foot is a walk
¼” Patchwork foot
The next presser foot is a quarter-inch patchwork foot. This presser foot gives you a quarter of an inch from the center needle to both sides of the foot. This foot is used for quilt piecing. To get a ¼” seam allowance at fabric this foot will help you exactly. This foot is only used for straight stitching and ¼” seams.
Rollerball foot
Invisible zipper foot
Here’s another kind of strange foot you can find the deep grooves on the bottom. This incredible foot is used for stitching invisible zippers, but we think it has another function, you could also stitch cording with this foot. It’s worth and essential for versatile sewing.
Teflon foot
Overlock foot
This magical overcast foot gives you an overlock stitch like a serger with any low shank sewing machine. The design of this presser foot prevents the fabric from unraveling and allows the thread to wrap around the textile’s edge.
Open-toe applique foot
Pintuck foot
Pintuck foot is a unique foot that is used two needles to raised “tucks” in the fabric. The twin needles and two strands of thread are used through the top of your machine. Previously this type of tucks designed on heirloom garments, but now table sheets, bed linens, and other crafts are decorating with pintucks.
Pros of low shank sewing machine
- Good for domestic purpose
- Best for beginner’s
- Budget-friendly sewing machine
- No need to upgrade initially
- Enables versatile sewing with different presser feet