Walking Foot Question

[grandma of 6]

Well, one class is at a Bernina shop, but I'm the only one there with a Bernina. Everyone is being "required" to get one, so I don't think it's for the sale. I'm also signed up for another beginning quilting class at another LQS and they also are "requiring" a walking foot. Guess what I'll be using my subbing money for!
Thanks for all the suggestions and help.

[georgiabaughman]

I have just started machine quilting and I love my walking foot---tried machine quilting many years ago and one side kept growing and they were a mess---this does not happen with a walking foot---can't do without it--mine is generic and works great!!

[scrappyquilter]

I agree with others, I don't use mine for piecing, I would think the shop owner is just wanting to make some money on selling the foot.
tell her no.

[Kapree]

ya thats kinda expensive for a walking foot...mine was under $10 I'd check Amazon or other online stores.

[GuitarGramma]

Debbie Mumm says in her book "Quick Country Quilts" that she always uses a walking foot for piecing. I tried it once and WAY didn't like it. Before you shell out $170, see if you can take a test run!

[Gayle8675309]

why not ask the teacher before your class starts and ask why a walking foot is needed. If you cant reach her, ask the shop owner, maybe she knows or she can contact the teacher for you.

I just taught a quilt as you go class at a quilt shop and my instructions clearly stated to bring a walking foot. In this case it was used for piecing and 2 students didnt bother to bring it. Guess who wasnt happy with their class projects? One said she had no intentions of completing it.

Denis, do you suggest that all piecing be done with a walking foot? I've heard that some people prefer it to the regular feet, but don't know why exactly. Why did you want your students to have a walking foot for piecing?

[MartinaG]

My Pfaff had the built-in IDT and I loved it. Thought I could never be without it. Well, my Baby Lock does not have IDT and it I do just fine without. That said: The walking foot is used for straight-line quilting. It can be done without - but it takes a bit more effort. If you are taking the class to learn the basics of quilting but not to get into quilting, I'd say don't spend the money.

[HdWench]

I bought a generic for my Pfaff and didn't like how it worked. When I got my new quilting machine, Viking 870Q I was a bit shocked the walking foot was over $100 -- BUT it is Amazing and I use it for piecing and everything. It does make a big difference even in piecing making sure those seams match up better.

Just my nickels worth

:-debbie

[Iris Girl]

I also have a pfaff and bought it for the IDT I love it and don't think I could sew on anything else no bulky walking feet and IDT works with almost all the different feet for the machine. Having worked for a small period of time for a viking sewing gallery, I learned early how my pfaff was superior in this respect to the viking. They sewed nice but for me it will always be a Pfaff. I guess like cars once you have a good experience you stick with brand loyalty.

[SallyO'Sews]

I was stunned a few years ago when I saw walking feet for Singers for about $30 at JoAnn's and then learned that for my Husqvarna, it would be $125! My children all chipped in and got it for me for Christmas, and I love it. You could do okay without one, but I'm finding more and more that the right tools make the job way easier. That said, maybe you could look for one on EBay or Craig's List, or even FreeCycle? Hope it goes well.