The Must-Have Sewing Machine Attachments You Need in Your Toolkit

Plenty of inventions transformed the world as we know it — cars, refrigeration, televisions, and so many more. Near the top of the list has to be the sewing machine. Without it, making garments, upholstery, bags, flags, and other necessities would still be time-consuming, laborious tasks. 

However, what really makes this piece of equipment so versatile and useful are the attachments and accessories.

Some of the most useful sewing machine attachments are specialized for specific tasks or materials. They make it possible to switch from sewing fine silk to thick leather without having to switch to a different machine. If you want professional results, invest in the right tools for the job!

Presser Feet

All-purpose feet are great for generalized sewing, but to expand your repertoire to a larger variety of garments and projects, you’ll need some specialty feet.

Walking Foot

Also called an “even feed” or “dual feed” foot, the walking foot will let you sew several layers of fabric without slipping or shifting. It pulls material from the top and bottom at the same time, thanks to its built-in feed dogs.

In case you’re not familiar with the term, “feed dogs” are the reciprocating teeth that sit in the needle plate. Normally, these are the only feed dogs on the machine, but the walking foot places another set on top.

If you’re working with inherently slick materials like leather or you’re making a quilt, you’ll quickly realize why a walking foot is so valuable. Getting perfectly straight lines can be tough, but it’s a breeze with a walking foot.

Zipper Foot

Putting a zipper into a garment is easy in theory but complicated in practice. It’s surprisingly easy to sew over the zipper’s teeth by accident and have to start over. This is because normal all-purpose feet are too wide to get the needle in the right location, but zipper feet move the needle off-center for more optimal placement.

With a zipper foot, you can get the needle very close to the edge while still holding the fabric in place. This is handy for zippers, of course, but it’s also useful in other situations.

Perhaps you want to sew piping into a garment, but the all-purpose foot pushes the fabric too far to get it tight against the piping. With a zipper foot, it’s an easy fix!

Button Sewing Foot

Sewing buttons can be monotonous, but a button sewing foot makes it a chore that takes a fraction of the time. It uses a set of rubber grips to hold the button in place while you sew.

You can sew two-hole buttons or four-hole buttons of any size with any pattern you like. Button sewing feet also make the results more consistent, as hand-stitching can result in irregularities.

Needles

Once you have the right feet, the next sewing machine attachments to consider are the needles. While you can do many projects with a universal needle, materials often require specific needles for the best results.

Ballpoint Needle

To sew knit fabrics, you need a ballpoint needle to slip between the large threads. Standard universal needles are actually too sharp and will cause the machine to skip stitches.

Denim Needle

Piercing thick fabric like denim requires a robust needle. Denim needles are brawny enough to go through denim without bending. They also have incredibly sharp points and narrow eyes for easier penetration.

Microtex Needle

When you need the ultimate precision, the precise, extra-sharp point of a microtex needle is what you’re looking for. They can easily penetrate tightly woven fabrics such as microfiber as well as thick, sturdy materials like suede or leather.

Twin Needle

Making two parallel rows of stitches will test your patience and your skill. However, it becomes a simple task with a twin needle! Essentially, a twin needle is two needles that stitch simultaneously, which is perfect for creating aesthetically pleasing hems and decorative elements.

Accessories and Tools

Rather than being luxuries or niceties, these tools will transform your sewing experience. They aren’t sewing machine attachments per se, but you won’t mind the distinction when experiencing how useful they are!

Seam Ripper

Everyone makes mistakes. When you make a bad stitch, reach for your seam ripper. Its pointed end will let you pull out even the most stubborn tight stitches. It also has a blade that will let you slice through a thread.

Sewing Scissors and Cutting Tools

Getting precise cuts through fabric is simple with a sharp set of sewing scissors or cutting tools. They have ergonomic handles to reduce fatigue and improve grip. Remember to only use them to cut fabric or they’ll dull rapidly.

Measuring Tape

A measuring tape is an essential tool for precise sewing, to take body measurements, mark fabric, and make sure consistency in your projects. It’s flexible and durable so it can work with various fabrics and patterns.

Bobbins and Cases

You never know when you’ll need a different thread color. Have spare bobbins at the ready, but store them in cases to ensure the thread is taut and ready to pop into the machine.

Edge Guide for Fabric

Walking feet aren’t appropriate for every task, so if you want to maintain a straight line with your other presser feet, attach an edge guide. It’s a necessity when making even grid patterns for quilts.

Embroidery Hoops

A beautiful, even embroidery pattern is impressive, especially when it’s in material known for being slippery or stretchy. The secret is to use an embroidery hoop, which holds the fabric in place like a drum head.

Thread Stand

If you want to use extra-large spools with your machine, you might need a separate thread stand. This will ensure the thread feeds smoothly and won’t twist or tangle.

Extension Table

Creating an extra large project, such as a flag or blanket, can be challenging when your work table is only a few feet wide. With an extension table, you can spread out and keep your project from snagging on a table edge or dragging on the floor.

Find Your Ultimate Sewing Machine Attachments at GoldStar Tool

Whether you’re just taking up sewing as a hobby or you’re a seasoned pro for crafts, GoldStar Tool can supply you with the sewing machine attachments you’re looking for. We carry general-purpose and specialized tools to make your sewing easier and more professional-looking.

If you need advice or don’t see a options for the tool you want, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at GoldStar Tool!