Original Singer Adjustable Zipper Foot # 160854 - Low Shank

Original Singer Adjustable Zipper Foot # 160854 - Low Shank

Original Singer adjustable zipper foot for low shank sewing machines. This versatile presser foot attachment is designed for installing zippers and sewing close to raised edges such as cording or piping. Part #160854 features an adjustable design that allows the foot to slide to either the left or right of the needle, ensuring precise stitching without applying pressure to zipper teeth or raised trims.

What It Does

The adjustable zipper foot is one of the most versatile attachments in your sewing toolkit, valued for its flexibility in garment construction and home décor projects.

Professional Zipper Installation: The narrow profile and adjustable positioning allow you to stitch extremely close to zipper teeth without the presser foot riding on top of them. This creates clean, professional-looking zipper installations with stitching that sits right next to the teeth.

Adjusts Left or Right: An adjustment screw at the rear allows the foot to be moved to any position relative to the needle. Position the foot to the left when sewing the right side of a zipper, then adjust it to the right when sewing the left side - all without changing the needle position.

Multi-Purpose Beyond Zippers: The narrow profile and adjustability make this foot perfect for piping, cording, and any application where you need to stitch close to a raised edge. Many sewists use this as their go-to cording or piping foot.

Perfect for: Installing centered, lapped, or invisible zippers, applying piping to pillows and cushions, sewing cording on upholstery projects, topstitching close to seams, attaching trim and decorative cording, and any project requiring precise edge stitching.

Key Features

Adjustable Positioning:

• Adjustment screw at the rear of the foot
• Slides smoothly to any position left or right of the needle
• Locks securely in place once positioned
• Allows stitching extremely close to raised edges
• No need to change needle position - just move the foot

Narrow Profile:

• Slim design provides excellent visibility
• Gets close to zipper teeth, piping, and cording
• Doesn't apply pressure to raised edges
• Allows precise placement of stitching line
• Solid construction for durability and stability

Low Shank Design

This is a low shank presser foot, the most common shank type for vintage Singer sewing machines.

Side-Clamping Attachment: The foot attaches to the presser bar using a side-fastening thumbscrew. This is the standard attachment method for most vintage Singer machines and many other brands.

Low Shank Measurement: The distance from the bottom of the presser bar to the needle plate is approximately 1/2 inch (12-13mm) on low shank machines.

Compatibility - Low Shank Models

This adjustable zipper foot fits Singer low shank sewing machines with side-clamping presser feet, including:

Vintage Singer Models:

• Singer 15, 15-86, 15-88, 15-90, 15-91
• Singer 27, 127
• Singer 28, 128
• Singer 66, 66-1, 66-16, 66-18
• Singer 99, 99K
• Singer 101
• Singer 185
• Singer 192
• Singer 201, 201-2
• Singer 206
• Singer 221 (Featherweight)
• Singer 222 (Featherweight Free-Arm)

Modern Singer Models (200-500 Series):

• Singer 237, 239
• Singer 285
• Singer 306, 319
• Singer 327, 328, 329
• Singer 337, 338, 347, 348
• Singer 354, 360
• Singer 457, 476 Stylist
• Singer 538
• Singer 1200-1
• Many other 200, 300, 400, and 500 series low shank models

Other Brands:

Because this is a standard low shank foot with side-fastening thumbscrew attachment, it often fits other brands that use the same system, including:

• Kenmore low shank models
• White low shank models
• Necchi low shank models
• Other vintage machines with side-clamping low shank presser feet

Important: This foot is designed for low shank machines with side-clamping attachment. It will NOT fit high shank, slant needle, or snap-on presser foot systems.

How to Identify a Low Shank Machine

Not sure if you have a low shank machine? Here's how to tell:

• Shank Height: Measure from the bottom of the presser bar to the needle plate - low shank is approximately 1/2 inch (12-13mm)
• Attachment Method: Low shank vintage Singers use a side-fastening thumbscrew to attach presser feet
• Model Numbers: Most vintage Singer straight-stitch and early zigzag models are low shank
• Era: Vintage Singers from the early 1900s through the 1960s-1970s are typically low shank

Installation & Use

The adjustable zipper foot attaches to your low shank machine's presser bar using the side-clamping thumbscrew.

Installation:

1. Raise the presser bar
2. Remove the current presser foot by loosening the thumbscrew
3. Position the adjustable zipper foot under the presser bar
4. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the foot
5. Thread your machine normally

Adjusting the Foot Position:

1. Locate the adjustment screw at the rear of the foot
2. Loosen the screw slightly
3. Slide the foot to the left or right as needed
4. Tighten the screw to lock the foot in position
5. Test the position by lowering the needle - it should clear the foot opening

Installing a Zipper:

1. Baste or pin the zipper in place
2. For the right side of the zipper, adjust the foot to the left of the needle
3. Stitch close to the zipper teeth
4. For the left side of the zipper, adjust the foot to the right of the needle
5. Stitch close to the zipper teeth on the opposite side

Applying Piping or Cording:

1. Position the piping or cording along the fabric edge
2. Adjust the foot so the needle stitches close to the raised cord
3. The narrow profile allows you to get extremely close to the cording
4. Stitch along the length for professional results

Tips for Best Results:

• Always test the foot position on scrap fabric before sewing your project
• Use a zipper foot needle position if your machine has one, or adjust the foot instead
• Remove pins before stitching to avoid hitting them with the needle
• For invisible zippers, adjust the foot to get as close as possible to the coil
• When applying piping, use the foot's adjustability to control how close the stitching sits to the cord
• The adjustment screw should be snug but not over-tightened
• Clean the adjustment mechanism periodically to keep it sliding smoothly

Original Singer Quality

This is an original Singer part, manufactured to Singer's specifications. Genuine vintage parts are often stamped "SIMANCO" (Singer Manufacturing Company) or "Singer USA" on the metal.

Original Singer presser feet were precision-engineered to work perfectly with Singer machines, offering superior fit, durability, and performance compared to many modern generic replacements.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Singer Manufacturing Company (SIMANCO)
• Part Number: 160854
• Type: Adjustable zipper foot
• Shank Type: Low shank with side-clamping thumbscrew attachment
• Adjustability: Adjustment screw allows left/right positioning
• Construction: Solid metal construction
• Primary Uses: Zipper installation, piping, cording, edge stitching
• Compatibility: Singer low shank models and other brands with side-clamping low shank systems
• Material: Metal construction
• Weight: Approximately 0.7 oz

Note: This is an original Singer part, not a reproduction or aftermarket replacement.

Install zippers, piping, and cording with professional precision using this original Singer adjustable zipper foot!