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Adjusting the Presser Foot

How to adjust the presser foot

The machine has an adjustable presser foot that can be set from 0.5mm to 3.5mm above the needle plate. The presser foot height should be changed when the thickness of the material you are sewing changes dramatically. To adjust the presser foot height, the software must be open, and your machine must be on and communicating with it. A hoop with the fabric you will be using should be installed.

Video Demonstration:

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  • 1. Adjusting the presser foot is easiest with the needle case moved to needle 16. It is not necessary, but it makes the adjustment gear easier to see. If the machine is not on needle #16, the gear can still be accessed. Do not attempt to move the needle case during the following steps.
  • 2. In the software, go to Tools>Maintenance>Head Timing Tab.
  • 3. Make sure that only the material is under the needle, for the next step will command the machine to lower the needle.
  • 4. In the Head Timing Tab, click or tap the Bottom Center button.
  • 5. Locate the presser foot eccentric (gear) behind the needle case.
  • 6. Turn the gear with your fingers to adjust the presser foot height up or down as needed.
  • 7. Set the presser foot height over an unsewn section of the fabric. Set the presser foot so that it is just touching the material.
  • 8. Once adjusted, press the raise presser foot button in the software.
Melco Adjusting Footer Height Display
Melco Adjusting Footer Height Demonstration
Melco Adjusting Footer Height Demonstration

Setting the Presser Foot for Different Materials


The presser foot will need to be adjusted whenever you drastically change the thickness of the material that you are sewing on. For example, if you sew a sweatshirt and then sew a T-shirt, the presser foot would need to be adjusted.

The presser foot is meant to stabilize the material as the needle moves down through it and then help keep the material off of the needle as the needle moves back up. Ideally, the presser foot would sit just on the surface of the material, but that setting may not work for all material types.

For squishy materials like fleece or terry cloth, it is often better to lower the foot a bit more and press into the material.

Symptoms of Poor Presser Foot Height


Having the presser foot set poorly can result in a few sewing issues.

Melco Adjusting Footer Height Display