Have you ever had silk charmeuse and chiffon slither away from you, oblivious of the feed dog traction, or struggled to sew a bulky denim or wool seam? Well, here’s a sewing machine technique tip that will change your life.

There is a little-known option for the sewing machine’s presser foot that will make all of your struggles with challenging fabrics go much easier. It’s the tension knob for the presser foot.

The knob is usually found on the left side of the machine. If you are facing your sewing machine and stick your hand out as if to shake hands with your presser foot, the knob should be just above your hand. It’s generally marked with a picture of a presser foot. (The tension knob may also be on top of the machine or even inside one of the doors. Check your manual if you can’t find it easily.)

You can adjust the presser foot tension knob according to your fabric. For heavier fabric, you will want less tension so that that fabric slides easily between the presser and the feed dogs. For lighter fabrics, you will want more tension, or pressure, so that the presser foot holds the fabric securely to the feed dogs and keeps it from sliding away.

It’s amazing what this simple trick can do for your final sewing project. Stitches will be smoother and more even, and you will have more control over the fabric overall as you manipulate it in the machine.

For more great sewing tips and techniques, we put together this guide for sewists on sewing techniques and we have an incredible selection of workshops, patterns, magazines, and more in the Sew Daily Shop.

Do you have a great tip to share with us? Leave a comment and let us know!

Happy stitching!