At a recent Fabulous Feet and Beyond workshop I was asked what my 3 favourite, most used feet are. Number one on my list must be the ‘sewing saviour’ baby lock SLIDING FOOT. I’ll tell you why it’s at number 1 and why you too will want it to feature in your top 3.

If you’ve ever struggled with fabric layers moving, wobbly seams, or layers that just refuse to behave under your presser foot, I understand, I’ve been there. Some fabrics just take all the pleasure out of sewing. Don’t despair, that’s where the baby lock Sliding Foot comes to the rescue. You’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.

What is the baby lock Sliding Foot?

The baby lock sliding foot is a specialized presser foot designed to help fabric glide smoothly under the presser foot. Unlike standard presser feet that can grip or drag on certain materials, the sliding foot is made with a non-stick sole that allows even tricky fabrics to move freely as you sew. It is completely smooth. When you compare it to the standard presser foot supplied with your machine, you can see it has a separate section at the back that has movement. This back section works with the feed dogs and differential feed and is particularly useful for gathering but it can sometimes snag on bulky, textured areas.

Perfect for challenging fabrics

The baby lock sliding foot is especially helpful when working with materials that tend to stick or drag, such as:

• Vinyl and faux leather
• Laminated cottons
• Leather and suede
• Plastic or coated fabrics
• Certain knits and stretch fabrics

Instead of sticking to the foot and bunching up, the sliding foot glides smoothly over them, giving you better control and more consistent stitches.

Glide over intersecting seam

Ridges form where seams meet, for example where the cuff seam meets the sleeve seam. The sliding foot glides over this hump with ease keeping you stitching smooth and consistent.

A Small Tool with a Big Impact

What makes the baby lock sliding foot so special is its simplicity. It doesn’t require complicated adjustments or special techniques. You attach it, start sewing, and immediately notice the difference. It’s one of those accessories that quietly upgrades your sewing experience.

Final Thoughts

Sewing should feel satisfying, not stressful. The baby lock sliding foot helps eliminate many common fabric-handling issues, making your projects smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re tackling a vinyl bag, a knit garment, multiple layers or intersecting seams, this foot is an investment that delivers big results.

And, that’s why the SLIDING FOOT is top of my additional feet list!

Available for OVERLOCKERS

COMBINATION MACHINES and COVER STITCH MACHINES

Click on your machine type to pop over to the baby lock shop listing and order your new sewing best friend!

Jane

Author

Jane White, City & Guilds Fashion Adv. CertED. 

Jane is qualified with City & Guilds in design, pattern cutting and couture sewing to degree level and has taught vocational and non vocational classes for over 20 years. She has been sewing as long as she can remember. Her journey took off with Great Aunt Margaret’s hand Singer sewing machine aged 9. Technology has advanced a lot since then but her passion for making garments and textiles that are a bit different, her love of sharing practical skills, supporting sewers and loving her baby lock machines is at the heart of what she does.