Vintage Singer Sew-On Button Foot - Part 161168 - Slant Needle - No More Hand Sewing!

Vintage Singer Sew-On Button Foot - Part 161168 (Slant Needle)

Stop hand-sewing buttons! This genuine vintage Singer sew-on button foot lets you sew 2-hole or 4-hole buttons by machine. Original Simanco-made presser foot (Part 161168) designed for Singer slant-shank machines with zigzag capability. New old stock or excellent condition - often never used! A common accessory in vintage Singer attachment boxes, this foot saves enormous time and creates perfectly secure buttons every time.

Why Sew Buttons by Machine?

• Much Faster - Sew a button in seconds instead of minutes
• More Secure - Machine stitches are stronger and more consistent than hand sewing
• Perfect Placement - The foot holds the button exactly where you want it
• Professional Results - Even, consistent stitches every time
• Save Your Eyes - No more squinting to thread needles for hand sewing
• Great for Repairs - Quickly replace lost buttons on coats, shirts, pants
• Perfect for Projects - Sew multiple buttons on handmade garments efficiently

Key Features:

• Genuine Singer Simanco - Original Singer foot, not a reproduction
• NOS / Excellent Condition - Often new old stock, never used
• Open Slot Design - Holds button securely in place while stitching
• Thread Shank Groove - Creates raised thread base for thicker fabrics
• Works with Zigzag - Adjust stitch width to match button hole spacing
• 2-Hole or 4-Hole Buttons - Handles both types perfectly
• Common Attachment - Included in most slant needle attachment boxes
• Later Replaced by #381066 (H) - This is the earlier version

How the Sew-On Button Foot Works:

This clever Singer foot makes button sewing simple and secure:

Open Slot Design: The foot features an open slot that holds the button securely in place while you stitch. The button sits flat on the fabric, centered in the slot, so your zigzag stitches go cleanly through the buttonholes.

Thread Shank Groove: A small groove in the back of the foot lets you place a toothpick or needle under the button. This creates a thread shank - a raised thread base that's necessary for securing buttons on thicker fabrics (like coats) or items that will be frequently buttoned and unbuttoned. The shank provides space for the fabric layers to fit comfortably when buttoned.

Zigzag Stitching: Your machine's zigzag function stitches back and forth through the buttonholes. You simply adjust the stitch width to match the distance between the holes on your button. The foot keeps everything aligned perfectly!

Perfect For:

• Garment Repairs - Replace lost buttons on coats, jackets, shirts, pants
• Sewing Projects - Attach buttons to handmade garments efficiently
• Children's Clothing - Secure buttons that will withstand lots of wear
• Home Decor - Add decorative buttons to pillows, cushions, upholstery
• Craft Projects - Attach buttons to bags, accessories, quilts
• Heavy Fabrics - Use thread shank for coats, jackets, thick materials
• Multiple Buttons - Sew many buttons quickly and consistently

Step-by-Step: How to Sew Buttons by Machine

1. Lower the feed dogs: Most vintage Singer slant needle machines have a lever on the back that allows you to drop the feed dogs. This is essential - the button needs to remain stationary while you sew it
2. Attach the foot and place the button: Put the sew-on button foot on your machine. Place the button on your fabric where you want it to be. Position the button so the holes are centered in the foot's open slot
3. Optional - Create a thread shank: For thicker fabrics or frequently-used buttons, place a toothpick or needle across the top of the button before sewing. This creates a raised thread base
4. Set to zigzag stitch: Switch your machine to zigzag stitch. Set stitch length to 0 (or very short) so the needle stitches in place
5. Adjust the stitch width: Manually turn the machine's handwheel to test that the needle goes cleanly into each buttonhole without hitting the button. Adjust the stitch width to match the distance between your button's holes
6. Sew the button: Once the needle is aligned, sew 6-10 stitches to secure the button. The zigzag motion stitches back and forth through the buttonholes
7. Lock the stitches: Set the machine to straight stitch (or stitch width to 0) and stitch a few times in place to lock the zigzag stitches. This prevents them from unraveling
8. Finish: Raise the presser foot, pull the fabric out, and cut the thread tails. If you used a toothpick for a thread shank, remove it and wrap the thread tails around the shank threads a few times, then tie off

Tips for Success:

• Practice first - Try on scrap fabric with an old button before sewing on your garment
• Test the width - Always hand-turn the wheel to check needle alignment before sewing
• Use enough stitches - 6-10 zigzag stitches create a secure attachment
• Lock your stitches - The straight stitch lock-off prevents unraveling
• Thread shank for coats - Always use a toothpick/needle for thick fabrics
• Mark button placement - Use chalk or pins to mark exactly where buttons should go
• 4-hole buttons - Sew through two holes, then reposition and sew the other two

Why This Foot Should Be More Popular:

It's surprising that sew-on button feet aren't used more often! Hand-sewing buttons is tedious and time-consuming, especially when you're sewing multiple buttons on a handmade garment or doing repairs. Once you master the button foot technique (which only takes a few practice buttons), you'll wonder why you ever hand-sewed buttons.

The machine-sewn buttons are actually MORE secure than hand-sewn because the stitches are consistent and tight. Plus, you can create a perfect thread shank every time using the toothpick method. This is especially valuable for coats and jackets where buttons get heavy use.

Common in Attachment Boxes:

The sew-on button foot was a standard accessory included in attachment boxes with vintage Singer slant needle machines. Many of these feet were never used because people didn't realize how easy and useful they are! That's why you can often find them in new old stock or excellent condition - they sat unused in attachment boxes for decades.

Fits Singer Slant Needle Models with Zigzag (100+ Machines):

401A, 403A, 417, 500A, 503A, 600, 603, 604, 620, 625, 626, 628, 629, 630, 635, 636, 638, 639, 645, 646, 648, 649, 714, 719, 724, 734, 737, 750, 755, 756, 758, 770, 774, 775, 776, 778, 900, 920, 925, 935U, 100G, 1030, 1036, 1060, 1100, 1200, 1411N, 1411U, 1425N, 1425U, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2010, 4552, 4562, 4572, 4610, 4611, 4613, 4617, 4622, 4623, 5910, 5932, 6230, 6233, 6234, 6235, 6244, 6267, 6268, 7000, 7004, 7005, 7011, 7028, 7029, 7033, 7035, 7037, 7043, 7050, 7060, 8019, 9005, 9008, 9010, 9015, 9018, 9020, 9022, 9027, 9030, 9032, 9034, 9044, 9110, 9113, 9117, 9124, 9130, 9133, 9134, 9137, 9143, 9210, 9217, 9224, 9240, 9323, 9334, 9410, 9416, 9417, 9420, 9423, 9430, 9432, 9444, 9900, 30920, 93220, 93234, DX14C

Note: This foot requires a machine with zigzag capability. Most Singer slant needle models have zigzag, but verify your machine can zigzag before purchasing.

Popular Singer Series Covered:

• Slant-O-Matic - 401A, 403A, 500A, 503A
• Touch-N-Sew 600 Series - 600, 603, 604, 620, 625, 626, 628, 629, 630, 635, 636, 638, 639, 645, 646, 648, 649
• Touch-N-Sew 700 Series - 714, 719, 724, 734, 737, 750, 755, 756, 758, 770, 774, 775, 776, 778
• 900 Series - 900, 920, 925, 935U
• Futura Series - 1000, 1030, 1036, 1060, 1100, 1200
• 2000 Series - 2000, 2001, 2005, 2010

About Singer Slant Needle Machines:

Singer's slant needle machines featured an innovative slanted needle position that improved visibility and stitch quality. Produced primarily in the 1960s-1970s, these machines are legendary among vintage sewing enthusiasts. The Touch-N-Sew series, Slant-O-Matic (also called Golden Touch-N-Sew), and Futura models are particularly beloved for their reliability and capabilities.

Slant needle feet are exclusive to Singer. No other manufacturer ever produced slant needle machines, making Singer slant shank presser feet unique and collectible.

Condition:

This vintage Singer sew-on button foot is in excellent condition - often found as new old stock from original Singer attachment boxes. These feet were commonly included with slant needle machines but many were never used because people didn't realize how easy button sewing by machine could be! Ready to save you time and effort on your vintage Singer slant needle machine.

Replacement Part Information:

The #161168 sew-on button foot was later replaced by Singer part #381066 (H), which is a similar design. Both work the same way - the #161168 is simply the earlier version. If you're looking for the later replacement, search for part #381066.

Why Choose Original Singer Feet?

• Perfect Fit - Designed specifically for Singer slant needle machines
• Simanco Quality - Made by Singer's parts division to exacting standards
• Precise Engineering - The slot and groove are calibrated for perfect button sewing
• Proven Performance - Decades of successful use prove the design works
• Authentic Vintage - Keep your machine original with genuine Singer parts
• Collectible Value - Original Singer feet hold their value

Part Number: 161168
Later Replaced By: 381066 (H)
Brand: Genuine Singer Simanco
Type: Sew-On Button Foot (2-hole and 4-hole buttons)
Features: Open slot, thread shank groove, works with zigzag stitch
Shank Type: Slant Needle (Slant Shank - Singer Exclusive)
Condition: NOS / Excellent vintage condition
Compatibility: Singer slant needle models with zigzag capability
SKU: VO143