When it comes to sewing, a walking foot can be a powerful tool. This guide will explain how to put a walking foot on a sewing machine, what a walking foot does, and why it can be so useful. As with any sewing process, learning proper techniques will make for easier and better results, so read on for a complete instructional guide.
What is a Walking Foot?
A walking foot is an optional foot attachment for a sewing machine. It works to evenly feed fabric through the machine, helping reduce slipping and puckering. It is also known as an even-feed foot, dual-feed foot, or an all-purpose foot. There are many styles and sizes of walking feet, and they are widely used in quilting and garment-making.
How to Install the Walking Foot
To install a walking foot on a sewing machine, begin by determining which type of foot will fit. Most machines have either a low-shank or high-shank presser foot. If it is a low-shank, select a foot labeled as a low-shank, or choose one with a universal shank or adapter that fits multiple machine types. High-shank feet typically come in a universal shank fitting.
Now, attach the walking foot. To do so, unscrew the screw at the back of the presser foot holder. Place the walking foot onto the presser foot holder with the back of the foot against the flange of the machine. The foot should fit securely; if it’s too tight, use a plier to loosen the screw slightly. Re-tighten the screw, and the walking foot is ready to use.
What a Walking Foot Does
The walking foot operates by alternating the feed dogs to feed the fabric through the machine. By alternately gripping and releasing the fabric, it is able to feed fabric layers evenly. This eliminates mis-feeding, resulting in a greater level of accuracy and stability in the stitching. It is ideal to use when working with thick fabrics or multi-layered materials, as it helps ease the stress on the machine’s throat plate or feed dog.
Practical Applications
The walking foot is a powerful tool for giving a professional, consistent finish to a wide range of projects. This includes quilting, garment-making, leather-working, and more. The foot can also be used to accurately stitch up to and around curves and corners. It may be used to join two panels of fabric together with a seam, to bind a project, and to stitch materials like vinyl and faux leather.
How to Use a Walking Foot
Using a walking foot requires a few steps to get the best results. First, use thin, synthetic fabrics as these tend to feed evenly and lie flat. This material is also less likely to shift or pucker. Next, select a straight stitch and adjust the stitch length to 5–6 stitches per inch (skeins per cm). This will ensure a tight, professional-looking finish. With the stitch length set, lower the presser foot onto the fabric. By guiding the fabric along the feed dog, the feed dog will keep the fabric in place as it feeds through the machine. Using a walking foot with other presser feet may not offer the same level of control required for accuracy and consistency.
Factors to Consider
When using a walking foot, be aware that the needle might need to be reset in the presser foot holder. This should be done when stitching thick quilting fabrics or multiple layers of fabric. Otherwise, the needle would have to be pushed too low, which could cause it to break or damage the material. Additionally, removing the needle and resetting it up in the holder will make it easier to steer the fabric through the machine while controlling the presser foot.
Alternatives
Though a walking foot can be helpful, it is not necessary for every situation. In some cases, fabric layers can be kept supported with weights placed on the top layers, allowing the machine to feed the fabric sufficiently. Using tissue paper as an interlayer between fabrics is also popular when working with quilting. By sandwiching the tissue paper between the layers and stitching on the paper, the two layers of fabric can be stitched together accurately and easily, resulting in clean, even hems.
Walking Foot Maintenance
It is important to clean and maintain the walking foot to ensure it continues to perform properly and to maximize its lifespan. Clean any dust or debris that might collect under the foot or in the feed dogs, and use a damp cloth for any excess built-up lint. Keep the machine well-oiled to reduce wear and tear, and keep the foot securely attached to the machine to avoid breaking or worse, injuries while using it.
Additional Tips
When using a walking foot, it is important to ensure that the two fabrics you are working with are of an even thickness. If not, the top layer of thinner fabric will be pulled by the foot, leading to uneven stitches. Additionally, use the same thread in both the top and bottom spools for greater consistency in stitching. Another option for difficult fabrics is to use a Teflon foot, which can aid in feeding the fabric through more smoothly and with greater accuracy.
Special Materials
When working with special materials such as leather, faux leather, vinyl, or even heavy knit fabrics, using a walking foot can be difficult. This is because these materials may be harder to pass under the foot, and might not feed evenly due to their thickness. To work with these materials, it’s best to select a walking foot specifically designed for the type of material and use a lower stitch length. Additionally, it is essential to adjust the presser foot tension, so the fabric does not pull too much or get bunched between the foot and the throat plate.
Summary
Overall, a walking foot is a powerful, convenient sewing tool that can help you achieve professional-looking results. Installing it on your machine can often be a quick and straightforward process. Once installed, it is important to maintain the foot and learn proper techniques for use to make sure the foot helps you get the best results. By understanding and properly using the walking foot, you can ensure that your projects will be finished to the highest quality.
