High Shank or Low Shank? Let’s Get to the Foot of the Matter!

With so many different brands, models, and types of sewing machines out there, it gets really confusing trying to figure out which feet are compatible with your machine. Is my machine high shank, low shank, slant shank, medium shank? Do I need snap on feet, or screw-on (shank) feet? Do I need “top load” or “front load” feet?

The first thing you will want to do is figure out if your machine is high shank or low shank. This is easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy!

First- Lower your presser foot down to the needle plate.

Second- Measure from the middle of the thumb screw down to the needle plate.

If you measure about half an inch, then your machine has a low shank. If you measure about one inch, then your machine has a high shank.

*Slant shank is easy to determine by just looking at the shank. The shank will be slanted down towards the needle plate instead of straight up and down. You really only see a slant shank on some of the old Singer machines. Most sergers have a slant shank. However, some serger brands like Baby Lock and Bernina do not have a slant shank.

*A medium shank is much less common. This measures about ¾ inch and is only found on a few models made by Pfaff. This only matters if you are using the “spring free motion setting” on Pfaff models that have this capability (the spring free motion setting on a Pfaff is a dedicated quilting mode that lowers the feed dogs and uses a spring-loaded free motion foot), or when using a ruler foot for ruler work quilting. Otherwise, you will use low shank presser feet for these models.

Now on to the feet! (NOT defeat!)

This can be a little tricky, but I have some easy to remember tips that can help you be sure the feet you want to use will fit your machine. I always recommend using the same brand of feet as your machine. So, Janome feet for Janome machines. Baby Lock feet for Baby Lock machines. Juki feet for Juki machines, and so on. I know there are a lot of “after-market” or “universal” feet out there with a cheaper price tag, but they aren’t always compatible, and I have learned the hard way from personal experience that “universal” doesn’t apply to everything! Also, “after-market” doesn’t mean manufacturer approved for use on their brands and machines. Now on to the quick and easy tips!

• Most front or side-load (also called Oscillating Hook) sewing machines have a 5mm to 7mm stitch width. The stitch width is the widest stitch setting your machine will sew. You can find that information in your user’s manual. No manual, no problem! You can also check the stitch width directly on your machine. You will want to look for feet that say, “front load”, “5mm to 7mm”, or “oscillating hook models”. These machines are typically low shank machines.

• Most sewing machines that are “top load” or described as having a quick set “drop in bobbin” (also called Horizontal Rotary Hook) will have a 7mm maximum stitch width. So, you will want to look for feet that say, “top load” or “horizontal rotary hook models”. These machines are typically low shank machines. (The exception is some of the older Janome Memory Craft models that have a 7mm maximum stitch width but are high shank machines. So, if you see “Memory Craft” in the title of your machine be sure to measure the shank height.)

• Some brands, like Janome, will even have machines with a 9mm maximum stitch width. The feet for these machines will usually specify “9mm Maximum Stitch Width”. These machines are high shank machines.

*Most high shank machines can be used with a special “low shank adapter” to accommodate the low shank feet, but keep in mind that a foot made for a 7mm maximum stitch width machine is a narrower foot and will not line up properly with the feed dogs of a machine that has a 9mm maximum stitch width. The foot would not cover the wider feed dogs and this can lead to the fabric feeding unevenly, drifting to the side, or bunching up. You would also need to be sure to set your stitch width to 7mm or less so that your needle does not strike the foot or the needle plate as that can lead to serious damage to your machine and possible personal injury. Another reason I always advise sticking with the feet designed specifically for your machine brand and model.

• Specialty machines like the Janome HD9 and HD9QC, Brother PQ1600S, Bernette B08, or Juki TL2010Q and TL18QVP are high speed, straight-stitch only sewing machines. These specialty machines typically only use the screw-on (shank) feet. These types of feet are more durable and have better stability when sewing at high speeds and when sewing through heavier materials. These are high shank machines.

Manufacturer’s often have helpful information on their websites about what feet and accessories are compatible with your machine. They will also usually provide you with the part numbers to make it easier for you to find the right parts for your machine.

When in doubt, you are welcome to give us a shout! We enjoy talking with you and we are happy to help you find the right parts and accessories for whatever machine you have. Just give us a call, shoot us an email, or chat us up online! We are always here for you! ❤