Dear Geraldine,
Do I really need a walking foot??
I'm a beginning sewer and quilter, and have just purchased a sewing machine and quilting supplies. My budget is stretched.
I've read they are handy, but do I really need a walking foot if I want to start quilting?
-Strapped in Seattle
Dear Strapped,
Welcome to the fold!! (LOL a little fabric humor there...)
I'm all for being thrifty, even for quilting!
I don't know what kind of machine you purchased, but do check if it has a built in walking foot feature. Or perhaps it came with a darning foot- that can be used in a pinch for free motion quilting.
But if it's straight-ish line machine quilting you're after, you will, in fact, probably need a walking foot.
Without it, your machine is likely not going to be able to feed your quilt under the presser foot evenly, resulting in uneven quilting stitches and other snafus.
The GOOD news is that walking feet don't have to be expensive!! You many have gotten scared off by the price of the brand name walking feet that are sold by sewing machine dealers.
But lucky for us, there are Universal walking feet for a fraction of the price!
They fit most machines- just check the product listing. Here is a link. These even comes with a free guide you can use for quilting perfectly parallel lines!
I hope that helps, and I wish you a lifetime of fun and happiness with the wonderful hobby of quilting.
XOXO, Geraldine
10 comments
Will this walking foot fit a Bernina? It was not on your list.
Absolutely a must if you are quilting. It feed top and bottom layers of fabric at same speed. I am fortunate my Phaff has a built in walking foot. You will not regret it!
I would not be without it. You will need it to do quilting on a small quilt that you make like I am doing know. Otherwise your machine will not be able to feed the sandwiched quilt evenly through the machine. Use mine all the time.
wouldn’t be without one
I have one but don’t use it.