walking Foot in reverse?

[Kathleen H.]

I heard from a Sewing Machine service man that the walking foot should never be used to stitch backwards (that it fights the walking foot motion). I had never heard that and just watched Paula Reid on Fluff and Stuff where she did it. I never had a problem with it before. Has anyone else heard one way or the other?

[Nancy R.]

I've never heard of that and use my walking foot in reverse all the time since I use that foot for most of my sewing, including piecing. Perhaps it depends on the machine? Logically, it seems that if the foot were working in the opposite direction as the feed dogs when running backwards, you would immediately see problems with the fabric layers being pulled apart, and I've never seen that. If it's a concern for you, I would ask your dealer directly to see if there are any issues for your machine. They should know if it's a problem and should be able to explain why.

Nancy

[Kathleen H.]

Very sensible reply. I just posed the question to Bernina. A friend has a different machine and was told the same thing by her dealer. Odd!

[Teri L.]

The way the walking foot works is in conjunction with the feed dogs and the needle bar. Here's a link http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Product...-seam-guide-usto the BERNINA website with a video of how to attach the walking foot. One of the best lines in there is that it acts like a 2nd set of feed dogs. Since the walking foot is working with the feed dogs it will work in whatever the feed dogs are moving.

Now would I go for a mile in reverse, well no because I wouldn't be able to see where I'm stitching. Would I go for enough stitches to secure what I'm doing, yes absolutely.

Happy Quilting!
Teri

[Kathleen H.]

Bernina responded to me:

It is not recommended to sew in reverse with a walking foot.

[Nancy R.]

Interesting! Thanks for letting us know.

Nancy