Vintage Singer Sew-On Button Foot - Part 189648 - Low Shank - Earlier Version

Vintage Singer Sew-On Button Foot - Part 189648 (Low Shank)

Stop hand-sewing buttons! This genuine vintage Singer sew-on button foot lets you sew 2-hole or 4-hole buttons by machine. Original Singer presser foot (Part 189648) designed for low shank machines with zigzag capability. Excellent vintage condition! This is an earlier, harder-to-find version of the low shank button foot - later Singer models came with different part numbers. A time-saving tool that creates perfectly secure buttons every time.

Why This Part Number is Special:

• Earlier Version - Part 189648 is an earlier low shank button foot design
• Harder to Find - Less common than later replacement part numbers
• Fits Vintage Machines - Perfect for 1950s-1960s Singer low shank models
• Collectible - Original vintage Singer part for your vintage machine
• Later Versions Available - Singer made other low shank button feet for later models

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 - Original Singer foot, not a reproduction
• Excellent Vintage Condition - Ready to use on your vintage machine
• 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
• Low Shank Attachment - Fits vintage Singer low shank machines

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 machines have a lever 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.

Fits Singer Low Shank Models with Zigzag:

206, 237, 242, 247, 248, 252, 257, 285, 306, 319, 327, 328, 329, 337, 338, 347, 348, 353, 360, 413, 418, 457, 476, 477, 478, 513, 533, 534, 543 and many more low shank Singer machines with zigzag capability.

Note: This foot requires a machine with zigzag capability and low shank attachment. Verify your machine has both before purchasing.

Popular Singer Series Covered:

• 200 Series - 206, 237, 242, 247, 248, 252, 257, 285
• 300 Series - 306, 319, 327, 328, 329, 337, 338, 347, 348, 353, 360
• 400 Series - 413, 418, 457, 476, 477, 478
• 500 Series - 513, 533, 534, 538, 543
• Many More Low Shank Models - See compatibility list above

About Low Shank Machines:

Low shank is the most common presser foot attachment system used by Singer and many other sewing machine manufacturers. The "shank" refers to the distance from the bottom of the presser foot holder to the bottom of the foot itself. Low shank machines have a shorter distance (approximately 1/2 inch) compared to high shank machines.

Most vintage Singer domestic sewing machines from the 1950s-1970s use low shank presser feet. This makes low shank feet widely compatible across many Singer models and even some other brands.

Condition:

This vintage Singer sew-on button foot (Part 189648) is in excellent vintage condition and ready to use on your Singer low shank machine. As an earlier version of the low shank button foot, it's harder to find than later replacement part numbers, making it a valuable addition to your vintage Singer accessory collection.

Earlier vs. Later Versions:

Singer produced several different part numbers for low shank button feet over the years. Part 189648 is an earlier version that came with vintage Singer machines from the 1950s-1960s. Later Singer models came with different part numbers for the button foot. All work the same way - the part number simply indicates which era and models they originally came with.

If you have a vintage Singer low shank machine and want to keep it original with period-correct accessories, Part 189648 is the authentic choice!

Why Choose Original Singer Feet?

• Perfect Fit - Designed specifically for Singer low shank machines
• Quality Engineering - Made to Singer's exacting standards
• Precise Design - 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: 189648
Brand: Genuine Singer
Type: Sew-On Button Foot (2-hole and 4-hole buttons)
Features: Open slot, thread shank groove, works with zigzag stitch
Shank Type: Low Shank
Era: Earlier version (1950s-1960s vintage machines)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Compatibility: Singer low shank models with zigzag capability