Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

presser foot

American  

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of presser foot

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

From "Fannie Never Flinched" by Mary Cronk Farrell

Loosen the tension on the presser foot, use fine thread with light tension.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

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

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