Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment
 

Does anyone ever adjust it?

I do, when I'm machine quilting I adjust to keep it much looser so that the quilt will move easier as I free motion.

Yep, for fmq and ruler work (novice learner here with both of these).

Yes. If I have many layers of fabric to sew through (such as with purses or bags), or a very fluffy batting, I will adjust the pressure.

Yes, I do in order for the pressure to fit the project I'm working on. However, with my new machine, I was told not to do that. It's suppose to adjust automatically...but I really need some control over it. So, I'll get on the Naughty List because I do fiddle with it.

I loosen the pressure to do FMQ and to machine sew binding onto the front of quilts. Any other time it needs to be adjusted.

My Bernina 1230 does not allow for presser foot adjustment, so I never do it. Have not needed it either. I have adjusted the pressure in some of my vintage machines -- usually to loosen it so both fabrics feed evenly under the foot.

I learned to use the presser foot pressure adjustment on my first Bernina. I really like how it makes it easy to sew on different fabrics and thicknesses.

Yes. For thick projects.... hemming geans, quilt sandwiches, binding.... if the project seems to be dragging.

With my Janome 6600 I had to constantly adjust the pressure foot pressure
specially when sewing over thick seams and for quilting. Now that I'm using
the Janome 9400 I don't have to. It seems to do it automatically. Sewing
over thick seams is a dream.

It drives me crazy when salespeople and technicians tell us NOT to adjust something. It's the same thing as the bobbin tension. If we're NOT supposed to adjust it, then why does the manufacturer make a knob or button that does exactly that?!?!?

I have been working on a bag with multiple layers of foam stabilizer and have had to adjust the presser foot pressure for the first time ever.
It is an easy setting adjustment on my machine so I can't see any reason why I wouldn't.

I adjust it a lot on all of my machines. Whether quilting or sewing garments or home dec items I test the needle, thread and pressure before I start a project. I try for the least amount of pressure I need. I was not good about doing this when I was younger but now I take the time to sample before plunging ahead.

Yes, I adjust it based on the materials I’m working with.

Rob

I adjust the machines that are adjustable. My Elna is supposedly self adjusting which is why she can't quilt. Too much pressure shifts pieces just as they reach the presser foot. She did a imperfect job of stitch in the ditch for the same reason, which is why I purchased vintage machines that can be adjusted.

I'm just learning how to adjust the pressure on my machines but my DD's machine is supposed to be self adjusting. Well, as someone stated above it puts way to much pressure on the quilt so she can't use it for quilting at all. Also the needle bar does not go up very high and she has a hard time getting the quilt under the foot in the first place.

And, can anyone tell me the best way to test for correct pressure?

I agree, if it is on the machine it has a purpose

It seems that the instruction books give little info on how to adjust the presser foot pressure.

Usually, I decrease the pressure for thicker items. In terms of testing, it’s more a matter of whether or not the materials are feeding correctly. For example, if the layers are being shifted away from each other in a quilt sanwich, then decreasing the pressure should help. If the item is not feeding, then it may be that the pressure needs to be increased. Thinner items may need increased pressure to keep them feeding properly. All but one of my machines has an adjustment for pressure and I can tell if it needs to be increased because the fabric doesn’t feel like it is being adequately “grabbed” by the feed dogs- if the feed dogs are up and functioning correctly, then the reason it feels that way is because the presser foot isn’t holding the fabric down firmly enough.

Sometimes it takes a little experimentation to get it right, but on most modern machines and some vintage machines it is a dial with numbered settings, so pretty straight forward.

Rob

Yes, but usually lessen the pressure a bit when sewing anything with batting in it and the walking foot engaged (I have a Janome 6600).

I adjust mine all the time, depending on how many layers of fabric I'm sewing through and whether or not the top and bottom fabrics feed together correctly. It's good to know that some machines don't allow this adjustment - one more reason to keep sewing on my 40-year-old Kenmore.

I adjust mine whenever I feel it's needed, If I feel it's not feeding like I expect, I'll adjust. I think I would not be happy with a machine that I could not adjust if I felt it was needed.

Yes I do. Especially when FMQ.

My machine that self adjusts is a 1973 Elna 62C. 44 years old. Sews wonderfully except for this one 'flaw'. Right now I am stitching 24" tubes and it consistantly shifts the top layer by the time I reach the end.

Pressure Foot Adjustment
 

Thanks for the info on the Janome 9400. I recently purchased this machine (love it). Have quilted several baby quilts and had no problem with the pressure of the foot. After reading the post I wondered if I might need to consider adjusting the pressure foot at some point.Always nice to hear advice from another quilting friend.

watch Jamie Wallen tension problems on u tube

Yes, for the same reasons Peckish does.

Yes, when fmq with a puffy batt. Actually, I've had my Babylock Crescendo for 4 years and just found the pressure foot adjustment last week when I decided to fmq a baby quilt. Feeling dumb over here.

I didn't realize I could adjust the pressure on my 'newer' machine and had trouble trying to stitch through a thick, fleece, robe belt loop so had to go to my other machine. I then discovered I could adjust this machine and now don't have that problem. It's about the only time I've needed heavier pressure.

Yes...especially now that I make fleece crate comforters to sell for funds for the animal shelter. Definitely helps with the fleece (and I do use the walking foot dual feed but the pressure foot adjustment really helped more.)

Do you not adjust yours? It is a nice feature in my opinion. And I know that some machines do not have the feature.

I adjust mine a lot since I am sewing fleece crate comforters these days. The walking foot dual feed was not enough to control the shifting.

That has always annoyed me. My mom was having trouble with her machine once, so I went over to see if I could help. After the basic, unthread, clean, rethread, it was better but still not good so I started to adjust the tension. She says "Don't do that! A repairman told me never to touch that knob". Then why is it there and how do you expect me to help you with the machine?

My Elna has an adjustable pressure foot...it is not vintage. It is an Excellence 720 model...very good machine.

same here...mostly when there is batting involved or something of the like.

If you sew fleece you might want to consider a machine with this feature.

I'm glad Elna corrected my machine's only flaw. It stills sews wonderfully so it won't be replaced for anything except quilting.

I love my Elna as well. But unless I am mistaken, I believe Janome makes Elna now (has for a few years or so). At least, I recall reading that. I am very satisfied with this machine...

Yes. I have and use a vintage 403-A for machine applique. It's practically mandatory to be able to adjust the presser foot pressure. I don't think I'd want to use a machine that is not adjustable.