SewLibra:
Brother has released a new snap-on narrow zipper foot, the SA208. It is made for 7mm stitch width, drop-in bobbin Brother machines. I bought mine from Allbrands for $19.99. The original is foot "I" and the SA208 is "I+" (I plus.)
SewLibra:
The original zipper foot that comes with Brother machines is too wide in the back to be very useful. I have been using a screw-on Brother sliding foot that is narrower, but a hassle to take on and off. The entire length of the SA208 snap-on is narrow.
SewLibra:
Here are comparisons of the old and new zip feet. The old foot is indented on each side to supposedly glide over the zip teeth, but it's too wide to get close enough. Also you have to remove the foot and reposition it for each side of the zip.
SewLibra:
The size of the SA208 is comparable to the adjustable foot. On the SA208 I like that the default left needle position fits the left drop point of the foot, and the max of 7.0 needle position fits the right drop point. It is variable down to 5.5mm.
SewLibra:
The original zipper foot did not glide well over the zipper teeth and to get the needle close enough, it was not in the drop point of the foot for optimal performance.
SewLibra:
Here I'm showing how close the foot can get to the zipper tab so you can keep a straight topstitching line. I'm doing the method of keeping the pull above the fabric edge, unzip when done, and cut off the extra zipper tape.
SewLibra:
If you prefer to not cut your zipper and move it past the zipper foot, it's easy to do with the narrow SA208. I found it difficult with the bulky back end of the old foot.
SewLibra:
The SA208 fits much more closely to the seam for the method of hemming jeans to preserve the original hem. The needle needs to be really close to be effective!
SewLibra:
As an aside, though I like the SA208 MUCH better than the original zipper foot, the most sturdy and narrowest zipper foot I've ever had is the Bernina #4. I use it with my mechanical Bernina 1008.