Cording Foot – What It Is And How To Use It?
A cording foot is a device that you can use to sew with.
You will need it if your sewing machine does not have one built in or if the needle of your machine has broken and needs replacing.
The corded foot allows you to stitch on top of an existing seam, which makes stitching much easier than trying to do so without any kind of guide.
This type of foot also helps prevent fraying when using thread.
If you are looking for how to attach a new needle onto your sewing machine, then this article should be helpful.
What Are Cordings For?
A cording foot is used to help create seams by guiding the fabric as it moves through the machine.
When you first start out learning about sewing machines, you may find yourself confused because there are many different types of snap on feet available.
There are two main categories:
- Free-motion
- Guided
Free-motion means that you don’t need to press down hard on the pedal while sewing; instead, you just move the material back and forth across the bed of the machine.
Guided feet require more pressure from the user to keep moving the fabric forward.
In addition, they usually come equipped with some sort of mechanism that keeps the fabric taut during the process. These mechanisms include pins, needles, hooks, eyes, etc.
Selecting the Right Cording Foot
Before purchasing a cording foot, make sure that you know what features you want before making a purchase.
For example, if you plan on doing lots of embroidery work, then you might choose a guided foot over a free-motion foot.
On the other hand, if you like to sew clothing items such as shirts, jackets, pants, skirts, dresses, etc., then you would probably prefer a free-motion foot since these kinds of garments tend to fray easily.
In order to determine whether you need a guided or free-motion foot, take into consideration the following factors:
- Fabric Type
Your choice of fabrics depends largely upon the purpose of your project.
If you are planning on working with delicate materials such as silk, satin, lace, chiffon, tulle, organza, velvet, etc., then you will definitely need a guided foot.
- Thread Weight
Another factor that determines the best type of foot to use is the thickness of the threads that you intend to use.
Thicker threads mean that you will need a guided foot, whereas thinner ones call for a free-motion foot.
- Needles & Threads
Most people who own sewing machines already have their favorite brand of thread. However, if you are still unsure about which type of thread to use, then consider buying several brands at once.
This way, you can try them all out in one sitting!
You can even experiment with various colors and textures until you find something that works well for you.
Once you decide which type of corded foot you want to get, you must select the right size.
The most common sizes are 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch and 5/16 inch.
These three sizes cover almost every situation imaginable.
Is a cording foot the same as a piping foot?
No, but both terms refer to the same thing.
Firm piping cords refers to any kind of decorative seam created using zigzag stitches.
Cordings, however, are made up of straight lines that run parallel to each other.
They are also known as “stitch guides” or “guiding stitch patterns.”
Some examples of stitching styles that utilize center cord are buttonholes, hemming, patch pockets, etc.
When it comes to choosing between a piped foot and a cording foot, there really isn’t much difference.
However, when it comes to selecting the correct needle length, you should always go by the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A good rule of thumb is to stick with the recommended settings unless otherwise instructed.
How do you use a cording foot on a Singer sewing machine?
Singer sewing machines are known for their ease of use and reliability. Gathering cords are also known for being able to sew a variety of materials including leather, denim, canvas, corduroy, etc.
However, there are times when you might want to sew a different material such as a size cording foot.
If you are new to using a cording foot with a larger cord, then you might be wondering how to attach it to your sewing machine foot.
To begin:
- Place the fabric under the standard presser foot so that it covers the entire area where you wish to create the pattern.
- Next, position the guide bar along the edge of the fabric.
- Then, align the top line of the guide bar with the centerline of the feed dogs.
- Finally, adjust the tension lever until the desired amount of pressure is applied.
Now, start stitching.
What does a cording foot look like?
It looks just like an ordinary sewing machine except for its unique design.
It has two rows of holes running across the bottom.
The first row contains four small holes while the second row consists of eight larger holes.
There are many types of cording feet and color cords available today.
Some come with only one set of holes while others contain multiple sets.
Regardless of what type you choose, make sure that they fit properly before attaching them to your machine.
Conclusion
In this article we have discussed everything about gathering cords. We hope our information will help you learn more about these useful tools.
