Do all sewing machines have a presser foot tension regulator?

That is a good question. I assumed they all did. Did you google this? Perhaps it has a sensor of some type, instead of manual adjust?

I found this, does it help? https://help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/80135/~/how-to-adjust-the-presser-foot-pressure

I had a sewing machine my folks bought me when I was in high school and it had a pressure regulator that could be activated with your knee.

No, unfortunately, many of the newer models of sewing machines do not have a presser foot regulator.

I too find this frustrating at times, as simply you can not adjust the presser foot according to different individual thickness of fabrics you are sewing.

I have had the same Kenmore for 40 years, yep, since 1980, and it has the tension adjustment. (It is a little knob at the top of the machine that you push down.) 5 years ago I bought a Babylock after being convinced that it was newer, more modern, faster, and had easier access to the bobbin shuttle, and had the snap on presser feet instead of the 'old' screw on style.

More than once have I regretted my decision, and still prefer the Kenmore overall.

Although the Babylock is faster, it is also much lighter (plastic, instead of metal) so it tends to bop around at high speeds. And no, it does not have the presser foot tension adjustment.

To all the questions about sewing here on Hometalk that I respond to, I always like to ask the poster if they are familiar with Threads magazine.? It is a quality publication from Taunton Press, with consistently clear close-up detailed photos and a variety of topics.

I discovered them years ago, and always find that there is something that I can learn. You can subscribe to hard copies, or borrow free from public libraries. And, of course they are available on line now as well.

https://www.threadsmagazine.com

I would think they should, because fabrics come in different thicknesses.

I have a 45 year old Kenmore and it has a snap on presser foot, different presser foot for different fabrics and widths.

Hello. I have an older portable machine from the 1980s, this is news to me. Hope you find a solution the answers that you need.

This is a standard feature on older machines. If you find a nice vintage sewing machine, it should have this control. I'd go for a nice all-metal, mechanical machine. They're easier to fix and maintain. I've written about this here: https://mermaidsden.com/blog/best-vintage-sewing-machine

Yes.

Hi Judy: Yes, it should be under the cover where the bobbin is and where the needle goes down. It should be a little lever. Or, you can call the company and ask them, they should be happy to help you. Good luck and happy sewing.

I did find this link pertaining to Brother sewing machines.

Maybe yours has this feature?

https://help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/80135/~/how-to-adjust-the-presser-foot-pressure

Hello Judy,

Get in touch with a Brother retail outlet and ask if they can get you a copy of the machine instruction booklet. at should help, or try looking on Ebay for a copy. Best wishes

You're 100% right! I learned to sew when I was 12 years old, my Mother signed me up for summer sewing lessons at our local Singer store. I was taught the purpose and importance of the pressure foot tension regulator then as well as in my 4 years of Home Economics clothing construction classes (that's a blast from the past!) I've sewn with chiffon and corduroy over the years and those fabrics cannot be sewn with a universal presser foot tension regulator, NO way. This lousy Brother sewing machine is constructed of 95% plastic to 5% metal, if that much. I wish I'd had the foresight to have my old Kenmore and White sewing machines refurbished. Live and learn, huh? Sometimes the hard way.