Basics of the Walking Foot
A walking foot is a special presser foot attachment used in sewing machines. It is designed to move the fabric in a synchronised, even manner while stitching. This is in contrast to the machine’s main foot pressure, which can cause the fabric to bunch up and create friction as the needle moves through. The walking foot has a set of jaws, which hold onto the fabric and pull it forward through the machine. This ensures even feeding, prevents the fabric from bunching, and improves the quality of the stitch.
Setting Up and Installing a Walking Foot
The first step to installing a walking foot on your sewing machine is to make sure you have the right attachment. Most sewing machines come with a variety of presser feet, including a walking foot. If you don’t have one, you can purchase one from a sewing machine retailer or online. Before you install the walking foot, you will need to remove the existing presser foot from the machine. To do this, turn the hand wheel of the machine so the needle is in the highest position and lift the presser foot lever. Then, slide the presser foot off the machine.
Once you have the walking foot, you will need to attach it to the machine. To do this, slide the walking foot onto the bar beneath the machine and secure it into position. Then, lower the presser bar lever and check that the walking foot is securely in place. Once you have installed the walking foot, you can begin sewing.
Using the Walking Foot Feature
Once you have installed the walking foot, you will need to familiarise yourself with the feature. Most walking feet feature a tension lever on the side of the foot, which allows you to adjust the pressure that the foot is applying to the fabric. You will also need to adjust the feed dogs of the machine to ensure that the fabric is being moved evenly through the machine while stitching. To adjust the feed dogs, turn the hand wheel of the machine so the needle is in the highest position and use a screwdriver to make the adjustment.
Once you have adjusted the pressure and the feed dogs, you can begin sewing. Sewing with the walking foot is similar to sewing with the regular presser feet, however you may find that the walking foot is better at feeding the fabric through the machine. This will help to produce more even stitches and will reduce the number of skipped stitches.
When is the Walking Foot Useful?
The walking foot is most commonly used for quilting, although it can also be used for tasks such as piecing, appliqué and garment construction. The walking foot is particularly useful when dealing with bulky fabric or thick layers of fabric, as it will help to feed the fabric through the machine more evenly and reduce the amount of bunching. The walking foot is also useful for fabrics such as leather and velvet, which can be difficult to feed through the machine.
Caring for the Walking Foot
When you’re done sewing, you should take the time to clean and oil the walking foot. This will help to keep the mechanism working properly and to ensure that it lasts a long time. To clean the walking foot, simply use a damp cloth to wipe away any dust or lint. To oil the walking foot, simply use sewing machine oil and apply it to the moving parts of the foot.
Advantages of Using the Walking Foot
Using a walking foot can significantly improve the quality of your sewing. It will help to reduce the number of skipped stitches and will help to keep the fabric moving evenly through the machine. The walking foot is also a great investment, as it can last for many years with proper care.
Stitching Techniques
Using a walking foot can open up a range of new stitching techniques. The walking foot is ideal for stitching projects with multiple layers, as it will help to keep the fabric flat and even during stitching. This can be especially useful when stitching quilts and other layered projects. The walking foot can also be used for sandbagging, which is a technique used to create thick, strong seams.
Preventing Damage
Using the walking foot can help to protect the machine from damage. When sewing with standard presser feet, it is easy to put too much pressure on the fabric, which can cause the fabric to bunch up and tear, or the needle to break. The walking foot helps to keep the fabric moving evenly and prevents excessive pressure from being applied to the fabric. This helps to reduce the risk of damage to your machine.
Tension Adjustment
Learning how to adjust the tension of the walking foot is key to ensuring the best results when sewing. The tension setting determines how tight the jaws of the foot hold onto the fabric, so it can be adjusted as needed. If the jaws are too loose, the fabric may not be pulled through evenly and the stitch will be uneven. However, if the jaws are too tight, this can cause the fabric to bunch up and the needle to break. Adjusting the tension of the walking foot will help to ensure that the fabric is moving smoothly through the machine and that the stitches are even.
Troubleshooting
If you find that your stitches are uneven or that your fabric has started to bunch up, you may need to troubleshoot the walking foot. The first step is to check for any debris that may be blocking the jaws of the foot. If there is debris, blow it away with compressed air or gently wipe it with a cloth. You should also check that the tension lever is set to the correct tension for the fabric. If the tension is too high, lower it until the fabric is moving smoothly. If the tension is too low, raise it until the fabric is being pulled through evenly.
Conclusion
The walking foot is a useful addition to your sewing machine that can significantly improve the quality of your stitches and protect the machine from damage. With the right knowledge, you can install and use the walking foot easily, and benefit from better stitching results.
