Do I need to buy a walking foot?

[Hannelore N.]

I have been hand sewing and quilting a small quilt but am tempted to machine sew the binding for speed (anxious to start next project!) I am wondering whether to buy a walking foot for my machine - do I need one for attaching the binding and also is it only used for several thicknesses of fabric or does it stay on all the time? I have never done any machine quilting before - thanks!

[Hannelore N.]

Though the walking foot is really nice to use in keeping the layers even, you don't have to buy a foot. I survived many years before getting my walking foot. I would lighten presser foot preasure a little so there is less drag on the top layers and you would have to pin unless you have quilted to the edge. THat being said, if you want an excuse and have the money, go ahead and get the walking foot. It also comes in handy when you are piecing bias edges.

HOpe this helps in your decisions. Cheryl

[Hannelore N.]

Thanks Cheryl - I'll hang on a bit then I think - I'll have a go with the regular foot first! x

[Cheryl K.]

I would go ahead a get the walking foot. Machine quilting will be so much easier with it!!!

Why not take a small block or quilt sandwich and take it to you quilt store to try one out? If your machine isn't portable, take along the main sewing foot that you work with...that will help the staff know what type of foot will fit your machine.

Ask the staff to show you how to put on the walking foot and then sew for yourself. Also while you are there, have them show you how to use a foot for free-motion quilting and introduce you to that technique. They can show you how to do this on their machines but you can duplicate this at home on yours.

Trying to tackle a new technique without the right equipment might frustrate you to the point of not ever trying it again.

[Sandy F.]

A walking foot came with my new machine and I use it for sewing on binding and it works great but I sewed on binding with my regular foot for many years and it worked great. You don't really need one.

[Sandy F.]

The owner of the shop where I bought my machine earlier this year is really helpful and he'll have the same machine as mine set up as a demo model so I can ask him to demonstrate the walking foot and free motion work as well. He is genuinely helpful and like a lot of places doesn't talk you into buying a more advanced machine than you really need. The machine I've got is one that a lot of the local schools use as it is easy to use and apparently can stand a lot of abuse! It may need to!

[Sandy F.]

I so agree with kmouse. If you are going to do much machine quilting, a walking foot removes all the frustration of having your quilt back (and fronts) get all those nasty tucks in it while you are trying to quilt. The walking foot keeps the layers together, so the fabric doesn't slip and cause those tucks.

I'm with you about not buying more machine than I really need. I waited quite awhile before buying my walking foot, but I was really getting frustrated when I did a great job piecing the quilt and made a "mess" while trying to do straight line quilting. The walking foot solved all those problems.

I've used my walking foot not only for the straight line quilting, but also for attaching the binding. In addition, I use it in fashion sewing when I'm working with slippery fabric or with stripes or checks when they need to be aligned. It's a really handy multi use foot. Have fun experimenting!

[Mary K.]

I just purchased a walking foot for my Bernina (on sale at the LQS this weekend during their Bernina sale). Can you recommend where to find info or video on how to put a binding on a quilt with the walking foot? (I have only sewn the binding on the front and then used a blind stitch to stitch the second half of the binding onto the back of the quilt.

Thanks so much for any advice you can provide! I am looking forward to this new tool that I invested in!!!

Mary Kay

[Mary K.]

I also agree with kmouse. I don't use my walking foot for bindings, but I do use it to stitch-in-the-ditch before doing my free motion quilting. It really does help avoid those nasty tucks in the back of the quilt. Also, once you've done your ditch stitching, you won't have to start free motion quilting from the center out. You can start any where you like, or where ever makes sense. Deb

[Margo C.]

Mary Kay, you might want to take a look at the BINDING video in Sharon Schamber's FREE AREA called:

http://sharonschambernetwork.com/fre...gel/index.html

She doesn't use a walking foot, and stitches the back by hand, but her technique makes a flawless binding. I've always used my walking foot to apply my bindings, and think it helps a lot, but I think it's a good idea to learn techniques from someone who has taken BEST OF SHOW twice at Paducah (AQS) and also just last month in Houston with her SPIRIT OF MOTHER EARTH quilt. Her work is amazing, her videos are really detailed and informative, and a lot of them are FREE!

For machine applied bindings, I love Ricky's great technique for applying PIPED BINDING to the back of the quilt and stitching it on the front with a #10 foot which he teaches at his Super Seminars. Detailed instructions come with Susan Cleveland's PIPING HOT BINDING if you can find a copy, but I see that it is no longer available. :? I don't know for sure, but the directions are probably also included with the GROOVIN' PIPING TRIMMING TOOL that is available in the TQS Shoppe. Maybe you could ask someone in the Shoppe before you make a purchase? I also don't know if binding instructions are included in her new PIPING HOT CURVES book.

https://www.thequiltshowshoppe.com/i...a=VP&id=62

EDIT: The PIPING HOT BINDING tool and directions are available on Susan's Website!
http://www.piecesbewithyou.com/patterns.htm

[Mary K.]

Thanks, Deb and Margo! I am looking forward to trying some of these new (to me) methods! Mary Kay

[Mary K.]

A walking foot is especially helpful if you're stitching binding on a quilt with "poofy" polyester batting! This stuff just crawls around with a regular presser foot.

I've always used a walking foot for applying binding -- I think it makes everything go together more evenly and easily.