presser foot

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of presser foot¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

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

From Literature

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

From Literature

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