The Open Toe Foot can be used for machine applique, decorative stitching and many types of surface embellishment. The foot provides a clear view of the stitching area, and the tunnel on the underside of the foot allows dense stitches or raised trims to feed smoothly under the foot.
The Open Toe Foot may be available in clear or metal, depending on your specific machine model.
The Open Toe Foot can be used for many sewing techniques. Here are some of the more commonly used applications.
Applique
Appliques are shaped pieces of fabric sewn onto a foundation fabric to form a design or pattern.
The most popular method for attaching an applique is with a satin stitch (a zig-zag stitch with a shortened stitch length.) Other stitches can also be used, such as the pin stitch, blanket stitch and blind stitch.
Attach an applique by stitching over the edges of the applique shape.
For satin stitch, make sure the right swing of the needle is just over the raw edge of the applique shape and the left swing of the needle is within the applique shape.
For a hand sewn look, use blanket stitch or blind stitch sewing.
Try using different threads with the blanket stitch for a vintage feel.
Set stitch length and width proportionate to the applique size and the look you want for your project.
Decorative Stitching
The Open Toe Foot works well for decorative stitching because the tunnel on the underside of the foot allows the stitches to feed smoothly under the foot.
Use a fabric marking tool to mark a guideline on the right side of your fabric for stitching.
Place a piece of stabilizer under the fabric, select the desired stitch and start sewing. Follow the stitching guideline on your fabric.
Tip: Stabilizer under your fabric can help the stitches stay smooth and prevent puckering.
Once you have completed the decorative stitching, follow the fabric marking tool manufacturer's instructions for how to remove guideline marks on your fabric.
You can experiment with different threads and stitch settings to create the perfect look for your project.
Get creative!
Surface Embellishment
The Open Toe Foot is useful when applying ribbons, yarns or trims to fabric surfaces. The foot allows you to easily guide the trim while stitching because of the generous viewing area and the groove under the foot.
Tip: Experiment with different decorative stitches and try changing the width according to the trim you are using.
You may wish to mark a guideline mark on the right side (top side) of your fabric.
Place a layer of stabilizer under the fabric. This may help prevent any puckering of the fabric when you sew.
Select a decorative stitch or zig-zag stitch and set the stitch width wide enough to cover the ribbon. Guide the ribbon under the presser foot to apply it to your fabric, and start stitching.
You can vary the decorative stitches used on the same project for unique combinations.
Imagine the possibilities!
Sewing Inspiration:
Topstitching is used most often on garment edges such as necklines, hems and pockets or on edges of other projects such as bags, pillows and curtains. Topstitching provides a clean, professional look.
Use the inside edge of the Open Toe Foot as an easy-to-see topstitching guide. Place the finished edge or seam line under the presser foot so that the right toe of the foot rests on the finished edge or seam line.
Understitching most commonly joins the seam allowance of a faced or lined seam to the lining or facing fabric, preventing the lining or facing from rolling to the outside of the finished garment.
Press the seam allowance towards the facing. Extend the facing and seam allowances so that they are outside of the finished seamline and place the work right side up under the foot so that the left toe of the foot is positioned along the seamline. Move the needle position so that the stitching is close to the seamline
Press the facing/lining side to the inside of the finished edge.
Stained Glass Quilting creates the intricate look of stained glass with fabric and bias trim.
The Open Toe Foot is helpful when creating stained glass quilting because the open area of the foot allows the bias tape to be easily guided while stitching.
Use fusible web to apply the fabric pieces to a foundation fabric. Cut the shapes so that they cover a foundation fabric piece, either white cotton or cotton muslin, completely.
Using a zig-zag or blanket stitch sew 1/4" bias tape over the raw edges of the fabric pieces, covering them.
Try this technique with fabric scraps and different geometric shapes. Or embellish your fabric pieces with decorative sewing machine stitches before sewing onto the quilt.
Reverse Bobbin Work Embellish fabric for children's clothing, home decor and more with reverse bobbin work.
Wind a bobbin with pearl cotton by hand. Use a moderate amount of tension, not too lose, not too tight. Thread the bobbin without taking the thread into the bobbin tension.
Stitch onto your fabric using your favourite decorative stitch with the correct, face side of the fabric facing the feed dogs.
Because the decorative thread is now in the bobbin, you will need to work in "reverse"! Apply a lightweight stabilizer to the wrong side facing you as you sew, because the right side (top side) of the fabric will be facing the feed dogs.
Choose stitch patterns that are more open in design, rather than thicker or denser stitches which may tend to bunch up underneath because the thickness of the bobbin thread.
When finished, gently remove excess stabilizer. Bring both threads to the wrong side of the fabric and tie off to secure.