How to Use an Overcasting Foot

Make your home-sewn projects look professional by using the right tools for the job. The presser foot holds the fabric in place between the needle and the feed dog, which pulls the fabric smoothly through the sewing machine. Sewing machines come with several different types of presser feet, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. One of these is the overcasting foot. Use the overcasting foot to finish raw edges and to sew fabric that stretches or is prone to unraveling.

Step 1

Install the overcasting foot securely on your sewing machine.

Step 2

Thread your sewing machine. Adjust the stitch width and length and thread tension for the type of project you are sewing and for the type of fabric you are using.

Step 3

Lift the presser foot and place the fabric beneath it. Lower the presser foot. Turn the hand wheel toward yourself until the needle pierces the fabric.

Step 4

Sew two or three stitches by turning the hand wheel. Every other stitch should fall just off the edge of the fabric. If the fabric is not positioned correctly, left the presser foot, reposition the fabric and put the presser foot back down.

Step 5

Insert the needle into the fabric by turning the hand wheel toward yourself. Sew the length of your seam. Turn the hand wheel toward yourself to bring the needle up out of the fabric. Lift the presser foot, pull fabric away from the machine and clip the thread with your scissors.