What Is A Low Shank Sewing Machine? – Low Quality Content
Low Shank machines have a shorter shank between the machine and the needle bar. This makes it easier to attach vertically oriented presser feet such as zipper feet, buttonhole attachments, and walking feet – all common attachments for home sewing machines.
As with high shank machines, low shank IBM/Bernina models are front-loading while Singer low shank machines are top-loading.
When purchasing your first sewing machine you should always shop by brand not by the size of the machine bed or price to ensure compatibility with presser feet and accessories.
High Low Shank Sewing Machine Compatibility Chart reference Low Shank Machines Only If you already own a sewing machine there is no reason to switch over to a new one unless something about your existing model prevents you from getting a new attachment. In this case, you can usually purchase an adapter at the same time to solve the problem.
Low shank models:
1507, 1525, 1527, 66-1, 66-4 (66 series was Singer’s version of Elna Lotus) Elna Lotus 130/133/136/138/140/145/146/148 “Computer” models 2206 – 2412 produced from 1982-1986 are called the 3160 class machines These also have a wide flat shank which is compatible with most High Shank presser feet. The same as Pacesetter PSW serger or Kenmore 158.16130 or Brother Pacesetter 1000 & 2500 sewing machines.
Shank Measurements for Low Shank Machines:
Low Shank Presser Feet & Accessories come in 4 different sizes all measured from point to point on the foot or attachment.
Standard – 2 3/8″ Medium – 1 15/16″ Miniature – 1 5/16″ Micro – 3/16″
Presser Feet We Offer For Low Shank Machines:
Low shank presser foot holder for small feet such as the ones below. Sold only with a purchase of a sewing machine or one of our complete kits
Low Shank Elna Lotus / Pacesetter / Bernina Replacement Feet:
Micro Miniature – 3/16″ Standard 1 15/16″ Medium 1 5/16″ 2 3/8″
How to Check if Your Sewing Machine Has a Low Shank:
1. Look for the brand name printed on the front of your manual.
2. Check if your machine bed is about 14 inches wide or less with a measurement at least 6 inches from the left edge of the bed to the needle plate on some models.
3. If so, you have a low shank sewing machine and don’t need to purchase an adaptor when purchasing presser feet or attachments
4. You can also measure your existing machine’s shaft which is where your presser foot attaches to see what size it is. Low shank machines are smaller than high shank machines while high shank machines are larger than low shank ones.
5. If your machine’s shaft is 2mm/0.079 inches tall, you have a low shank sewing machine.
How To Check If Your Sewing Machine Has a High Shank:
1. Look for the brand name printed on the front of your manual.
2. Check if your machine bed is about 14 inches wide or more with a measurement at least 6 inches from the left edge of the bed to the end of the needle plate. To see this measurement, you may have to lift your presser foot.
3. If so, you have a high shank sewing machine and need to purchase add ons or shanks when purchasing presser feet or attachments.
4. High Shank Presser Feet come in 4 different sizes measured from point to point when looking at the foot against the shaft of the needle plate: Standard – 2 3/8″ Medium – 1 15/16″ Miniature – 1 5/16″ Micro – 3/16″ How To Buy High Shank Accessories For Low Shank Machines:
High Shank Machines That Can Be Easily Upgraded To Low Shank:
All Brother models EXCEPT: MQ2000 series MZ6000 series All Janome models except for Innovis 3500/3600E SQ9000 – a low shank version is available SQ8000 – a low shank version is available All singer models except for 1000s or older model 37 machines. Please check compatibility charts to see if the original shank can be DIY upgraded.
How To Buy Low Shank Accessories For High Shank Machines:
Since High shank machines have a wider protruding shaft that Low Shank presser feet won’t attach to, you’ll need the addition of an adaptor.
1) Determine what size your machine shaft is: 2mm/0.079 inches or 2.38mm/0.094 inches
2) Check if your existing screws will fit through the presser foot’s mounting hole
3) If not, you’ll need a low shank to high shank adapter such as this one from Singer Sewing Accessories which comes with all 4 sizes needed to cover most brands and models including the following: Janome DC series Brother PE series Elna Lotus Pacesetter Bern models 400 & 700 Slant needle models 400 series 600 series 800 series 1600/1700/2000 900S Juki – part #06N2448
4) If you’re not sure, it is best to contact us with the brand name of your machine and we can double-check compatibility for you.
5) If you have a Janome DC series or Elna Lotus Pacesetter, you’ll need to make sure your original presser foot holder will screw through the mounting hole of the adapter. If not, we offer a replacement foot holder for this as well.
Conclusion:
Any questions about this article? Feel free to contact us at xyz@mail.com with “Low Shank Sewing Machine” as the subject. You can also find more helpful information on our website at: www.improvesewing.com
Thank you!
