presser foot

American  

noun

1. a forked, metal device on a sewing machine used for holding the fabric in place while stitching.

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Etymology

Origin of presser foot

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Coughing from the sweatshop’s foul air, Fannie dropped the presser foot onto a new seam.

From "Fannie Never Flinched" by Mary Cronk Farrell

He studied the small heap of light blue cloth still held in place by the machine’s presser foot.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

The earliest ones were those made by Nettleton & Raymond based on Charles Raymond’s patent of March 9, 1858, which featured a hinged presser foot acting as the top feed.

From The Invention of the Sewing Machine by Cooper, Grace Rogers

The presser foot was made of metal but shaped like an open _ into which was slid a small glass plate, with a hole for the needle descent.

From The Invention of the Sewing Machine by Cooper, Grace Rogers

Stitching can be done more easily on the right of the presser foot with the bulk of the material lying to the left.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz