Quilters, can you please tell me about a walking foot for quilting?

Question

I'm a beginner, and I've read that a walking foot is appropriate for machine quilting. Is it necessary or just helpful? Can you give me a link to a photo so I know what it looks like? What does a walking foot cost?

Thanks.

Answer 1

A walking foot is most helpful when you are doing the final "quilting" stage (not piecing). It keeps the fabric and batting layers from feeding through unevenly. You know how the feed dogs pull the fabric through the machine? A walking foot moves the same way the feed dogs do, but from the top. This way the top layers are pulled through at the same speed as the bottom. If you're doing free motion quilting where you lower or cover the feed dogs, you don't need a walking foot (but you do need a free motion or darning foot). You also probably don't need a walking foot if you're using flannel - it sticks to itself and to batting pretty well.

My machine has a built in walking foot, and I sometimes use it even when piecing. My mom also quilts, and she bought a walking foot for her machine. She likes the way it works, but walking foot attachments tend to be bulky and can get in the way when you're trying to see what you're doing.

Do you really NEED a walking foot? No. In fact, if you baste your layers well before quilting and lighten your pressure foot (if your machine allows that), there's no reason at all to use a walking foot. Try spray basting the layers - it's an adhesive that you spray on the batting and smooth the fabric over it. Do this on both sides. If you're doing a small project you don't need to do anything else for basting. Even a larger quilt will be okay if you quilt it right away. You can get basting spray at most craft and fabric stores. Just be sure to use it in a well ventilated area and put an old sheet down to protect other surfaces.

The cost of a walking foot varies depending on what kind of machine you have. Some brands have their own walking foot. Others just use one made for "low shank" or "high shank". They start around $30 and go up to about $60.

Check the link below for photos.

Answer 2

Quilting Walking Foot

Answer 3

A walking foot is designed for straight stitch quilting or layered fabrics. It will not sew curves or free motion designs (stipling).

If you are using batting with any polyester, a walking foot will ease the presser foot over the material. But if you use 100% cotton batting, you may not need a walking foot. On some machines, you can adjust the presser foot pressure. This will adjust how much "force" the pressor foot has when you drop it down on your fabric. Thus the walking foot would not be needed.

Each sewing machine has requirements for types of feet. Google the website for your machine type and search for info regarding its' requirements. A good sewing machine dealer (not vacuum center) should be able to look up a walking foot for your machine.

Most quilting stores can either order machine parts or direct you to someone who does.

I sew on an Bernina Artista and rarely use a walking foot. I like the look of 100% cotton batting....

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Quilters, can you please tell me about a walking foot for quilting?
I'm a beginner, and I've read that a walking foot is appropriate for machine quilting. Is it necessary or just helpful? Can you give me a link to a photo so I know what it looks like? What does a walking foot cost?

Thanks.

Answer 5

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD_ID=2022843&cid=25608&fp=F

Here you go. Not a seamstress myself so I can't be of any more help. I do know that most fabric stores have classes and are more than willing to let you try things out and will help you learn how to use and the best to buy for your machine.

Answer 6

For beginning quilters about.com has a section just for you
http://quilting.about.com/od/beginningquilters/
http://quilting.about.com/od/stepbystepquilting/
http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltpatternsprojects/tp/quilting_skills.htm
The cost of the foot for the machine can vary greatly depending on the machine you are using.
http://quilting.about.com/od/sewingmachines/
There's a newsletter you can sign up for at http://quilting.about.com/
and the links in red at the left are clickable for more info