Patchwork Foot #57 -- Worth purchasing?

[Susan K.]

The answer to this question probably depends on the quilter, but I'll ask anyway!! My dealer is having a 15% off sale on Bernina bobbins and feet. I just purchased a bunch of fabric for a new project, and I don't want to buy both bobbins AND a foot, but I could use some bobbins and I've been drooling over the #57 patchwork foot for a while. I use the #37 for piecing just fine though, and I'm wondering if the #57 is worth it.

Does anyone here use it? Is it fantabulously better than the #37 for accuracy? I don't want to succumb to a pure 'want' while I'm trying to watch the budget.

[Diane F.]

My answer to your question is...it depends! The 57 foot has a metal piece (think barrier) attached to the edge that helps to keep your seam allowance consistent. I am guessing by the wording of your question that you really do not need the extra help. If true, enjoy spending your money on the extra bobbins.

[Diane F.]

I use my #37 foot for piecing and am very happy with my accuracy. I also own the #57 foot but do not use it. I was told that the bar on the #57 could wear down the feed dogs, (not sure if it's true). My advice would be If your doing fine with #37 buy the bobbins now. There will always be more sales, and more feet.

[Keith D.]

I almost didn't post this 'cuz it's almost useless but the boards have been kind of quiet lately so, why not? =)

Good advice, Nina. And dfrank. I don't have a 57 because I thought it would be less versatile than the 37 that I love. I think the bar would get in the way of some of the piecing that I do. Like "Y" seams, but maybe not...

Someone talked about this in another thread too maybe. ?? Something about the bar not always being exactly 1/4 inch away anyway... ?? Or was that about 1/4 inch feet in general?

[Beth A.]

I have a Pfaff and not a Bernina, but I would highly recommend that foot with the 1/4" edge on it. I bought Pfaff's equivalent foot several years ago, and I LOVE it!! It is far less stressful to keep a consistent 1/4" seam with it and easier on the eyes.

I would DEFINITELY go for it!!

BethMI

[Susan K.]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

"Easier on the eyes" is one of the reasons I'm attracted to the foot (my eyes tend to dry and blur easily), but I will definitely do more research regarding whether it is an accurate 1/4" and whether it wears down the feed dogs. I may wait on the foot until the summer when my dealer usually runs a big early bird sale. The earliest "birds" can get up to 40% off just about everything in the store (that's how I got my machine!!)

[Susan K.]

I use the #37 foot and was able to slide a bar in the back of it tightening it with a screw. I think I got the bar with my machine.
It works fine for me. Denise

[Susan K.]

I didn't like the foot at first, I have one for my 630 and the 57d for my 830... now I hate to piece without it, I've come to love it!

Created by CJ

[Diane O.]

I have a 1/4 inch foot for my Pfaff with the bar and one with out. I use them both, depending on what I'm sewing and love them both for different things. I didn't think I would need the foot with the bar before I got it, but once I did, and started using it, I wouldn't be with out it.

If you really need something to help guide your fabric for an accurate seam you can always use post it notes (a small stack of the kind that have the sticky on one side not the kind that pop up from every other side) and measure from your needle the 1/4 inch. Or put anything else that is sticky and easily removed on the bed of your machine for your seam allowance.

It may not be as convienent to put on and take off as a foot would be, but if you can't afford the foot now, and need something, it would be better than nothing.

Diane in Colorado Springs

[Diane O.]

I have the 37 and the 57 and use both about equally. The guide on the side does NOT touch the feed dogs and when it arrives it is set at a generous 1/4 inch, you just need to tighten the screw in the back!

Jean in Windsor, ON

[Paula D.]

For me, part of the fun of quilting is collecting all of the tools and gadgets. Bernina feet is a major part of this. It's not a question of "is it worth it" for me, as much as "how can I use that one". Like, take a class, buy a foot! I love it. Now about fabric.... :wink:

[Susan K.]

For me, part of the fun of quilting is collecting all of the tools and gadgets

Hoo boy, I know! It is fun having an array of tools in the toolbox. Reading all the posts here has gotten me excited again, and I definitely will be adding this foot to my collection. I'll just have to decide when --this sale or the summer sale.

It's not so much a matter of being able to afford it, but I try to control myself because this hobby could so easily become a money pit! More fabrics, more feet, more notions . . . That's why I set a budget and try really hard to stick to it. [/quote]

[Susan K.]

. . . That's why I set a budget and try really hard to stick to it.

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I know that one. :roll:

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[Barbara L.]

I know what you mean- those gadgets are so much fun. Since I have purchased the Bernina Volume I & II books I have really learned what those feet are capable of doing. Volume III is waiting for me for my birthday.

[Barbara L.]

I have got the equivalent foot for my Janome - the one with the bar on the edge. I find I have to adjust the needle position slightly to get a scant 1/4" seam that I prefer, but I think that is common with a lot of machines anyway. I find the foot with the 'edge' really useful, and use it all the time I am doing a 1/4" seam. It is easier on the eyes!