Set Up Your Sewing Machine
A walking foot is an accessory for sewing machines that helps you sew thicker, heavier fabrics. It is commonly used when working with denim, upholstery, leather, furs and other fabrics of such a nature. Attaching a walking foot to your Singer sewing machine correctly is an essential part of making sure you have a successful sewing experience.
First, make sure that your machine is unplugged from the wall outlet. It’s also a good idea to make sure the machine is completely off and that the bobbin is empty. To begin, raise the presser foot lifter, which is situated under the presser arm. This will release the tension on the presser foot.
Know which Walking Foot to Use
Second, it’s important to understand the type of walking foot you’re working with. Singer makes several models of sewing machines, and each of these models will require either a low-shank or high-shank walking foot. If you’re uncertain which walking foot to use, simply refer to the user manual for your specific Singer model.
Attach the Walking Foot
Once you’ve determine the correct walking foot for your machine, the next step it to attach it. To attach the walking foot, move the screw clamp on the presser foot holder so that it’s loose. Then, insert the shank of the walking foot into the hole of the PRESSER FOOT HOLDER, hook it in and then rotate the walking foot clockwise to secure it in place. Then, simply tighten the screw clamp and confirm if the walking foot is attached properly.
Confirm the Attachment
Fourth, after you’ve successfully attached the walking foot, it’s important to make sure that it’s clear of the needle. To do this, bring the presser foot holder and lower the needle bar by turning the hand wheel. This will allow the needle to come up to its highest point and the connection between the presser foot and the walking foot can be seen. At this point, you will also want to check the height of the presser foot, making sure that it’s equal to the needle point.
Calibrating the Sewing Machine
Now that you’ve attached the walking foot and have confirmed that it is securely fastened and clear of the needle bar, the next step is to calibrate your machine. To do this, you will want to select a straight stitch on the machine. On a Singer sewing machine, this is typically selected with a lever that is located on the side of the machine. You will then want to lower the presser foot by pressing the presser foot lifter that is located below the presser arm.
Balance the Walking Foot
Then, you will need to adjust the walking foot lever, so that it’s balanced with the presser foot lever. This will ensure that the walking foot has the same height and tension as the presser foot. Finally, raise the presser foot with the presser foot lifter.
Test the Sewing Machine
Once the walking foot is balanced and the machine is ready to go, it’s recommended to run a test of the machine. Make sure to perform a test in both the forward and reverse stitching modes, this will confirm that the machine is working properly. As you test, pay close attention to the stitching and if anything seems off, review the steps you’ve taken to attach the walking foot, making sure that all components are correctly in place.
Maintaining the Walking Foot
It’s important to note that when using the walking foot, you may need to troubleshoot from time to time, depending on the type of fabric you’re working with. However, if you maintain the walking foot on a regular basis, you’ll be sure to maintain an even and consistent stitch when working with a variety of fabrics.
Cleaning the Walking Foot
Cleaning the walking foot of your Singer sewing machine is important in order to ensure that it continues to function properly. To keep the walking foot clean, regularly clean the presser foot with a dry cloth after each use and also make sure to remove any remaining lint or dust.
Check the Feet over Time
Finally, it’s important to check the walking feet of your machine periodically to make sure they’re in proper working condition. If you notice any wear, or the walking foot is no longer securely attached, it’s best to replace the walking foot before using it. This will help to protect the walking foot from further damage and ensure that it maintains an even and consistent stitch.
