# Are sewing machine feet universal? Shanks and snap-on feet

Source: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/blog/are-sewing-machine-feet-universal
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Stitch and Hem

**In short:** No. Presser feet fit by shank type, and there are three main ones: low shank, high shank and slant shank. Many modern domestic machines, including most Brother and many Janome and Singer models, are low shank with snap-on feet, but some brands such as Bernina use their own fittings. Measure your shank or check your model's manual before buying.

Buying a new presser foot looks simple until you see the same 'walking foot' listed for low shank, high shank and slant shank machines. Feet clip or screw onto a bar called the presser bar, and the height and shape of that bar decide which feet fit. Once you know your shank type, and whether your machine uses snap-on feet, you can buy branded or generic feet with confidence and avoid ones that sit at the wrong height or miss the needle.

## What the shank is and why it matters

The shank is the part of the presser foot assembly that attaches to the presser bar. On most modern machines there is a permanent ankle, or foot holder, screwed to the bar, and individual snap-on feet clip into the holder. On others, each foot has its own shank that screws directly onto the bar.

The shank decides how high the sole of the foot sits relative to the needle and feed dogs, and where the foot lines up sideways with the needle. A foot meant for a different shank can sit too high or too low, press unevenly, or put the needle opening in the wrong place, which risks the needle striking the foot.

## Low shank, high shank and slant shank

The common way to tell them apart is to lower the presser foot and measure from the bottom of the foot to the centre of the thumb screw that holds the shank or ankle in place. The figures below are the widely quoted guide; your manual remains the final word.

| Shank type | Approximate measurement | Where you find it |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Low shank | About 1.3 cm (half an inch) | Most modern domestic machines, including most Brother models and many Janome, Singer and Juki home models |
| High shank | About 2.5 cm (one inch) | Some higher end domestic machines and some older or semi industrial models |
| Slant shank | The bar sits at an angle, sloping towards the back | Certain older Singer models |

The three main shank types

## Snap-on feet and adaptors

Most modern low shank machines use snap-on feet. The ankle stays on the machine, and you change feet by pressing a lever on the back of the ankle to release the foot, then lowering the ankle onto the bar of the new foot until it clicks. This makes changing feet quick, and many snap-on feet from different makers fit the same low shank ankle.

If your machine is low shank but uses screw-on feet, you can usually buy a generic low shank snap-on adaptor and use snap-on feet from then on. Adaptors also exist for some high shank and slant shank machines. Bear in mind that feet with moving parts, such as walking feet, ruler feet and some buttonhole feet, often have their own shank and do not use the snap-on ankle at all.

1. Switch off the machine and raise the needle and presser foot.
2. Press the release lever on the back of the ankle so the old foot drops off.
3. Place the new foot under the ankle so its bar lines up with the groove.
4. Lower the presser foot lever until the foot clicks into place.
5. Turn the handwheel slowly by hand to check the needle clears the foot.

Note: Switch off and unplug the machine before changing feet or needles. If the needle hits a foot that should fit, stop and check your manual; a qualified sewing machine engineer should deal with any timing or needle bar fault.

## Brands with their own systems

Some makers use their own fittings, so generic feet may not fit without a brand specific adaptor. Bernina machines are the best known example, with their own foot system across much of the range. Some top end models from other brands also use wider stitch widths or special feet that only the maker supplies, so a standard low shank foot may not use the full stitch width.

Stitch width matters too. A machine with a 7 mm or 9 mm zigzag needs feet with an opening wide enough for that stitch, while a foot made for a 5 mm machine could be hit by the needle on wide stitches. Branded feet are usually listed by model, which is the safest route. To understand what each foot does, read [sewing machine feet explained](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/blog/sewing-machine-feet-explained).

- **Brother**: most domestic models are low shank with snap-on feet; some wider stitch models need wide feet.
- **Janome**: many models are low shank snap-on, while some larger models use different heights or wide feet; check your model.
- **Singer**: most modern models are low shank, while certain older models are slant shank.
- **Bernina**: uses its own foot system on many machines, with adaptors available for some generic feet.
- **Bernette**: Bernina's more affordable line; check your model, as fittings vary across the range.

## How to check before you buy

Start with the manual or the maker's website, searching for your exact model number and its accessories list. Then measure the shank as described above, note your maximum stitch width, and check whether your existing feet snap on or screw on. When buying generic feet, read the listing for shank type and stitch width rather than relying on a brand name alone.

If you are choosing a new machine and want a wide range of feet available, look at the accessories offered for each model. Our guides to the [best sewing machines for dressmaking](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-dressmaking) and [best sewing machines for quilting](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-quilting) note which feet come in the box.

[See dressmaking machines](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-dressmaking)

## Frequently asked questions

**Are Brother sewing machines high or low shank?** Most Brother domestic sewing machines are low shank and use snap-on feet. Some models with wider stitches need feet designed for that width, so check your model's manual or accessory list before buying.

**Will a Janome foot fit a Brother machine?** Often, yes, if both are low shank snap-on and the stitch width suits, but it is not guaranteed. Feet with special mechanisms or wide openings may not fit or work correctly. Test by turning the handwheel slowly before sewing.

**Do walking feet fit every machine?** No. Walking feet have their own shank and an arm that sits over the needle clamp screw, so they are made for specific shank types and sometimes specific models. Buy one listed for your machine.

**What is a snap-on adaptor?** It is a low shank ankle that screws onto the presser bar of a machine with screw-on feet, so you can use snap-on feet. Versions exist for some high and slant shank machines too; check the listing matches your shank type.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-dressmaking
- https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-quilting
- https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/brother-sewing-machines-compared
- https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/janome-sewing-machines-compared