This is a genuine vintage Singer Shell Hemmer Foot (also known as a Rolled Hemmer Foot) - original Singer Part #189653 in excellent condition, not a reproduction. This low-shank presser foot is designed to create narrow, professional-looking, rolled hems on fabric edges with a distinctive decorative "shell" effect when using a zigzag stitch.

Features and Compatibility

• Original Singer Part #189653 - Authentic vintage quality
• Condition: Vintage, excellent condition
• Hem Width: Creates 3/16 inch wide (approx. 2 mm) hems
• Design: Features a scroll or curl mechanism that folds the fabric edge twice before it reaches the needle
• Low Shank Compatibility: Fits a wide range of vintage Singer sewing machines:
  • Singer Featherweight 221 and 222
  • Models 15, 27, 28, 66, 99, 201, 206, 306, 319
  • Many other low-shank domestic machines

Function

This foot automatically curls the edge of the fabric while guiding it under the needle, forming a neat, rolled hem. When used with a zigzag stitch, the stitches catch the edge of the rolled fabric to create a decorative, scalloped ("shell") edge. Perfect for:

• Narrow rolled hems on delicate fabrics
• Decorative shell edges on lingerie, scarves, and handkerchiefs
• Professional finishing on napkins, tablecloths, and garments
• Lightweight fabric edges that are challenging to hem by hand

How to Use the Shell Hemmer Foot

The shell hemmer foot simplifies the process of creating a fine, neat hem, which can be challenging to do by hand.

1. Attach the foot: Secure the 189653 foot to your machine's low-shank presser foot holder
2. Prepare the fabric: Trim the edge of the fabric where you want the hem to start. For the first few inches, you might manually fold the fabric edge into the scroll once or twice to help it feed correctly initially
3. Position the fabric: Place the leading edge of the fabric into the scroll of the foot. Lower the presser foot onto the fabric
4. Select stitch:
   • For a standard narrow rolled hem, select a straight stitch
   • For the decorative "shell" hem, select a zigzag stitch. Test the stitch width to ensure the right side of the zigzag just goes off the rolled edge of the fabric, creating the scallop
5. Sew: Begin sewing slowly. As you sew, the foot's scroll mechanism will continuously turn the raw edge of the fabric under, creating a perfectly even rolled hem. You just need to gently guide the fabric into the scroll, ensuring you don't pull it too tightly or push it too hard

Add authentic Singer quality to your vintage machine. This genuine shell hemmer foot delivers the precision and durability you expect from original Singer accessories. Perfect for creating professional hems and decorative edges on delicate fabrics, lingerie, scarves, napkins, and more.

Order your genuine vintage Singer Shell Hemmer Foot #189653 from Central Michigan Sewing Supplies today.