Not many people know what a walking foot is, aside from being an essential sewing machine part. A walking foot is a device that simultaneously feeds the fabric and the bobbin thread, preventing the fabric from shifting. It makes it much easier for sewers to select the right stitch, use the right pressure, and keep the thread from tangling.
The way a walking foot works is quite simple. When the foot is attached to the foot attachment on the sewing machine, it will “walk” along the fabric as the needle moves. As the needle moves up, the walking foot moves down, and then moves up again as the needle goes down. This motion helps to keep the fabric flat and consistent, preventing it from shifting and wrinkling.
At the same time, the walking foot adds extra tension to the bobbin thread, which helps to pull it taut and prevent it from getting tangled. This allows the sewer to sew longer seams without any issues. It also helps to reduce tension on the top thread, allowing the stitch to be tighter and more consistent.
As well, the walking foot can be used to stitch multiple layers of fabric. By stretching the fabric as the walking foot moves, it can help to prevent the fabric from bunching or slipping. This is especially handy for quilters, as it can help to ensure that the quilting is even and precise.
Additionally, a walking foot is a must-have for difficult fabrics such as leather and vinyl. Without the pressure from the walking foot, these materials can be difficult to work with and more likely to move. The pressure from the walking foot helps to keep everything in place and allows for more precise stitches.
Even though it may seem complex, using a walking foot is incredibly easy, even for beginners. All that is required is to attach the foot to the foot attachment, position the fabric, and let the sewing machine work its magic. With just a few adjustments, even a beginner sewers can create precise and consistent stitches.
How to Install a Walking Foot
A walking foot is surprisingly easy to install. To begin, you will need to remove the existing foot from the foot attachment. Once that has been done, you can attach the walking foot. You will need to ensure that the feet are aligned with each other and that the pins on the feet are in the same holes.
Once the foot is attached, you can adjust the tension control. This control is located on the side of the machine and will allow you to adjust the level of tension applied to the fabric by the walking foot. It is important to ensure that the tension is adjusted properly; if it is too tight, the fabric may bunch up and create an uneven stitch.
Lastly, you can set the needle position. This is done with a few quick turns of the dial on the side of the machine. This will determine how far the needle is inserted into the fabric, allowing you to customize the stitch length.
The Benefits of Using a Walking Foot
Once a walking foot has been attached to the machine, it will allow sewers to create precise and consistent stitching. From quilting to stitching multiple layers of fabric, a walking foot can help to keep the fabric from shifting and create a consistent stitch.
Additionally, a walking foot helps to create a tighter stitch, which is important for creating a professional look. As well, the pressure applied by the walking foot can help to prevent thread from tangling, ensuring that the stitches are even and consistent.
Lastly, a walking foot is a must-have for stitching difficult fabrics, such as leather and vinyl. Without the extra pressure applied by the foot, these fabrics mayshift and create an uneven stitch. With a walking foot, sewers will be able to create perfect stitches every time.
Common Problems with a Walking Foot
As with any sewing machine part, there are certain problems that may occur with a walking foot. One common problem is that the tension may be off, causing the fabric to move and the stitches to be uneven. If this happens, simply adjust the tension until the stitch is even and the fabric is no longer shifting.
Additionally, the foot may become detached from the machine. This is usually caused by the foot becoming unaligned with the rest of the machine. This can be easily fixed by reattaching the foot and ensuring that the pins are in the same holes.
Finally, it is possible for the needle to break. This often occurs if the needle is too heavy for the walking foot. To avoid this, use a needle that is designed for the machine and the type of fabric you are working with.
Tips for Using a Walking Foot
As with any tool, there are certain tips that can make using a walking foot easier and more efficient. One tip is to always use the correct needle and presser foot. Different machines and fabrics require different needles, and using the incorrect needle can cause issues.
Another tip is to use a fabric stabilizer. This will help to prevent the fabric from shifting and ensure that the stitches are even and consistent. Likewise, it is important to keep the walking foot clean and in good condition. This will help to prevent issues and ensure that the foot is properly functioning.
It is also important to adjust the speed appropriately. Sewing with a walking foot can be more difficult than normal sewing, and it is important to keep the speed slow and steady. This will help to ensure that the stitches are even and consistent.
Alternatives to a Walking Foot
Though a walking foot is a great tool for creating even and consistent stitches, there are other tools that can be used. One alternative is a roller foot. This is a device that has rollers on the bottom, allowing it to easily glide along the fabric. It is perfect for creating even stitches on slippery fabric such as silk.
Additionally, a gathering foot can be used to create extra gathers or pleats in the fabric. This is especially handy for creating pleats in lightweight fabrics and will help to evenly distribute the fabric. Lastly, a machine binder foot can be used to create tailored finishes on raw edges, such as hems and edges.
These are just a few alternatives to a walking foot, and with a bit of creativity, sewers can find other tools to help them create perfect stitches.
Tips for Taking Care of a Walking Foot
Like any other device, a walking foot requires proper care and maintenance. It is important to keep the feet and pins free from debris and other particles, as these can cause the foot to become unaligned or malfunction. Additionally, the foot should be stored away in a safe location when not in use, as it can easily be damaged.
When removing the foot, it is important to release the tension before doing so. This will ensure that the pins are not damaged, and that the foot is not damaged by the movement of the machine. Likewise, it is important to check the pins and the feet periodically, as they can become worn or damaged over time.
Lastly, it is important to use the right needle for the foot. Different machines and fabrics require different needles. Using the wrong needle can cause the needle to break and can cause misaligned stitches. By ensuring that the right needles are used, sewers can ensure that their walking foot will last for a long time.
