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

Burkinabe tailor Oscar Dao raises the presser foot of his sewing machine, severs the white thread and carefully slides out a pair of dainty, pink lady's underpants.

From BBC

He improved the operation of the needle bar, devised a roughened feed wheel, as a substitute for Wilson's serrated bar, introduced a spring presser foot, alongside the needle, to hold the work down in proper position while permitting it to be moved forward or in any other direction.

From Project Gutenberg

This unusual example featured two semidraped female figures holding the spool of thread, a mermaid holding the needle, a serpent which served as the presser foot, and a heart-shaped baster plate.

From Project Gutenberg

A type of retractable thimble or presser foot was used to hold the fabric down as required.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1861, the company introduced the famous glass presser foot, patented on March 5 of that year by J. L. Hyde.

From Project Gutenberg