A walking foot is a special helper for your sewing machine. It is also often called an even feed foot. It works differently from your normal presser foot. This difference helps it sew many types of fabric better. People use it for tasks like sewing multiple layers of fabric, working with sewing thick fabrics, doing machine binding, handling sewing slippery fabric, and managing sewing knits. It is a great tool for projects like quilting.
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What a Walking Foot Is
Think of your normal sewing machine foot. It just sits on top of the fabric. The machine’s feed dogs under the fabric pull it along.
But sometimes, the top fabric layer moves faster or slower than the bottom layer. This makes the fabric layers not line up. This is often a problem when sewing thick things or many layers.
A walking foot helps fix this. It has its own set of “feed dogs” or teeth on the bottom. These teeth move up and down as you sew. They work with the machine’s feed dogs. They grab the top layer of fabric and move it at the same speed as the bottom layer.
This “walking” action keeps the layers together. It stops them from shifting. This means your seams come out even and flat.
Grasping Why Use This Foot
Why would you switch from your regular foot? A walking foot solves common sewing problems.
- Keeps Layers Together: When you sew many layers, like in a quilt, the top layer can creep ahead. The walking foot stops this creep. It keeps all layers aligned.
- Handles Tricky Fabrics: Some fabrics are hard to sew. Silks are
sewing slippery fabric. Knits stretch easily (sewing knits). Vinyl or leather can stick to a standard foot. A walking foot moves evenly over these. It prevents stretching, slipping, or sticking. - Manages Bulk:
Sewing thick fabricsor seams with lots of bulk can be tough. A regular foot might struggle to move the fabric evenly. The walking foot has more power to move these heavy materials. - Aids Machine Binding: Attaching binding around a quilt or edge (
machine binding) means sewing through several layers. The walking foot helps sew binding on smoothly and evenly. - Great for Quilting: It is often called a
quilting footfor a reason. It helps feed the quilt sandwich (top, batting, back) evenly. This is key for straight line quilting or sewing squares together. - Reduces Puckering: When sewing long seams, especially on thin or tricky fabrics, seams can pucker. The even feeding action helps reduce this puckering.
A walking foot is one of the most helpful sewing machine presser feet you can own. It makes many sewing tasks easier and gives you better results.
When to Use Your Walking Foot
You might be asking, “When is the best time to use this special foot?” Here are times it is super useful:
- Sewing Many Layers:
- Quilts (the ‘quilt sandwich’)
- Bag making (layers of fabric, interfacing, batting)
- Hemming jeans or thick fabrics
- Sewing Tricky Fabrics:
- Knit fabrics (stops stretching)
- Slippery fabrics (like silk, satin, rayon)
- Velvet or corduroy (stops pile from shifting)
- Vinyl, leather, oilcloth (stops sticking)
- Sheer fabrics (helps prevent puckering)
- Doing Machine Binding:
- Attaching bias binding
- Adding flat binding edges
- Matching Patterns:
- Stripes, plaids, or prints
- The even feed helps keep the pattern lines straight across seams
- Topstitching:
- On thick fabrics or multiple layers
- Ensures stitching is even and straight
Basically, anytime you have fabric layers that want to move at different speeds, reach for your walking foot.
Choosing the Right Walking Foot
Walking feet are not one-size-fits-all. You need one that fits your specific sewing machine brand and model.
- Machine Type: Most modern home sewing machines use ‘snap-on’ feet or have a low, medium, or high ‘shank’. The shank is the bar the foot attaches to.
- Brand and Model: Check your machine’s manual. It will tell you what type of foot you need. It might even list compatible walking feet.
- Special Features: Some walking feet come with guides. These help you sew straight lines or maintain a constant distance from an edge. Some are specifically designed for quilting.
Look at your machine’s presser foot holder.
* Does the foot snap onto a holder? (Snap-on)
* Does the foot attach directly to a bar with a screw? Measure the height of the bar from the needle plate to the screw hole. This tells you if it’s low, medium, or high shank.
Buying the correct foot is important. A foot that doesn’t fit right won’t work properly. It could even damage your machine. If you are not sure, ask for help at a sewing machine store. Tell them your machine’s brand and model number.
Getting Ready to Install Your Walking Foot
Before you put the walking foot on, get your machine and fabric ready.
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need your walking foot and maybe a small screwdriver to remove the old foot.
- Prepare Your Machine:
- Turn off your sewing machine. Safety first!
- Raise the needle to its highest point. Use the handwheel on the side of your machine.
- Raise the presser foot lever.
- Prepare Your Fabric:
- Press your fabric layers flat. This helps them feed smoothly.
- Pin your layers together carefully. Put pins within the seam allowance, away from where you will sew.
- If using very slippery fabric, you might use basting spray or basting stitches to hold layers firmly before sewing.
Getting things ready makes putting the foot on easier. It also helps your sewing project go well.
Installing Presser Foot: How to Put On a Walking Foot
Changing sewing machine presser feet is a basic skill. Putting on a walking foot is a little different from a standard foot. Here is how to do it:
- Remove the Old Foot:
- Raise the needle and presser foot.
- For snap-on feet: There’s usually a little button or lever on the back of the foot holder. Press it. The standard foot will drop off.
- For screw-on feet: Use a small screwdriver to loosen the screw holding the foot to the shank. Keep the screw safe! Remove the old foot.
- Remove the Presser Foot Holder (If Needed): Some walking feet replace the entire holder. If your walking foot came with instructions to remove the holder, do that now. Unscrew the larger screw that holds the holder to the machine bar.
- Attach the Walking Foot:
- Look at your walking foot. It has the main foot part and an arm that sticks up, usually to the right.
- Lower the presser foot bar slightly using the lever. This helps line things up.
- Position the walking foot under the presser foot bar.
- Here is the special part: The arm sticking up must go over the needle clamp screw. This screw is on the needle bar, right above the needle.
- Line up the hole in the walking foot with the screw hole in the presser foot bar or shank.
- Secure the Foot:
- If it’s a snap-on type walking foot holder, align it and lower the presser foot lever. It should snap into place. Make sure the arm is over the needle screw.
- If it attaches with a screw: Insert the screw through the foot and into the presser foot bar/shank. Tighten it with your screwdriver. Make sure the arm of the walking foot is resting on top of the needle clamp screw.
- Check the Installation:
- Lower the presser foot lever completely.
- Turn the handwheel towards you slowly. Watch the needle go down. Make sure the needle goes straight through the center hole of the walking foot.
- Watch the arm of the walking foot. As the needle bar goes up and down, the arm should move up and down, causing the foot’s lower teeth to “walk”. If the arm is not over the needle screw, the foot will not work.
If the needle hits the foot or the foot doesn’t move right, turn off the machine and check how you attached it. Make sure the arm is correctly placed over the needle clamp screw.
Sewing with Your Walking Foot: Step by Step
Now your walking foot is on! Let’s sew.
- Set Up Your Machine:
- Thread your machine: Use the thread you need for your project. Make sure the top thread is correctly guided through all thread paths, including the tension discs.
- Choose your stitch: A straight stitch is most common.
- Set stitch length: Start with a medium stitch length, maybe 2.5 or 3 mm. Very short stitches can be hard for the foot to feed. Very long stitches might not hold well. Adjust if needed based on your fabric.
- Adjust tension: Your normal tension setting is usually fine. If you see loops on the top or bottom, adjust the tension slightly.
- Lower the presser foot: Lower the lever so the walking foot rests on your fabric.
- Position Your Fabric:
- Place your fabric layers under the foot. Make sure the edges are lined up how you want them.
- Start Sewing:
- Start sewing slowly. The walking foot works best at a moderate speed. Going too fast or too slow can mess up the even feed.
- Let the foot and feed dogs do the work. Do not push or pull the fabric. Just guide it gently. Pushing or pulling can cause stretching or shifting.
- Keep watching your fabric layers as they go under the foot. Make sure they are feeding together.
- Sewing Corners:
- When you reach a corner, sew to the point where you need to turn.
- Stop with the needle down in the fabric.
- Raise the presser foot.
- Pivot the fabric around the needle.
- Lower the presser foot.
- Continue sewing along the next edge.
- Ending Your Seam:
- Sew to the end of your fabric.
- Sew a few backstitches if needed to secure the seam.
- Raise the needle to its highest point.
- Raise the presser foot.
- Pull the fabric away from the machine.
- Cut your threads.
Take your time. Let the foot guide the fabric evenly. This will give you the best results.
Tips and Tricks for Better Results
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most from your walking foot and aid in preventing fabric shifting:
- Go Slow: As mentioned, a moderate, steady speed is key. Rushing can make layers shift.
- Gentle Guiding: Use your hands only to guide the fabric gently into the foot. Do not push or pull.
- Check Your Setup: Before starting a long seam, especially on a tricky fabric, sew a test seam on scraps of the same fabric layers. Check the stitch length, tension, and how the layers are feeding.
- Use Enough Pins: For very slippery or many layers, use more pins than usual to help hold things while they get to the foot. Remember to remove pins before they go under the foot!
- Consider Basting: For critical seams on slippery fabric or complex layers (like quilt borders), hand or machine basting within the seam allowance can help
prevent fabric shiftingbefore you even get to the sewing machine. - Stitch in the Ditch: A walking foot with a guide is excellent for “stitch in the ditch” quilting. The guide follows the seam line, helping you sew right next to it or in it.
- Keep it Clean: Fabric lint and fuzz can build up around the feed dogs and under the foot. Clean your machine regularly.
- Needle Choice: Use the correct needle for your fabric type (e.g., ballpoint for knits, sharp for wovens). A fresh, sharp needle also helps fabric feed smoothly.
- Don’t Force It: If your fabric is really struggling to feed, stop. Check your installation, stitch length, and machine settings. Forcing the fabric can cause problems.
Using these tips will help you master your walking foot and get smooth, professional-looking seams, even on challenging projects.
Walking Foot vs. Standard Presser Foot
Let’s look at how the walking foot compares to your everyday presser foot.
| Feature | Standard Presser Foot | Walking Foot (Even Feed Foot) |
|---|---|---|
| How it Works | Sits on fabric; only feed dogs pull fabric from underneath. | Has its own upper feed dogs that move with machine’s feed dogs. |
| Fabric Feeding | Relies on lower feed dogs only; top layer can lag or creep. | Pulls top and bottom layers together evenly. |
| Best For | Single layers, standard woven fabrics, basic sewing tasks. | Sewing multiple layers, sewing thick fabrics, sewing slippery fabric, sewing knits, quilting, machine binding. |
| Handles Bulk | Can struggle with thick seams or many layers. | Moves more easily over bulk. |
| Fabric Types | Best with stable woven fabrics. | Handles unstable fabrics (knits, slippery) well. |
| Results | Can cause shifting, puckering, or uneven seams on tricky projects. | Reduces shifting, puckering, and leads to more even seams on challenging projects. |
| Noise/Movement | Generally quiet, stays still. | Makes a “walking” motion, can be a bit louder. |
As you can see, while your standard foot is great for everyday sewing, the walking foot is designed to tackle specific, more difficult tasks where preventing fabric shifting is key.
Caring for Your Walking Foot
Your walking foot is a tool. Like any tool, it needs a little care to work well.
- Clean It: Fabric lint and dust can get into the moving parts. Use a small brush to clean around the foot, especially the upper and lower teeth. Do this regularly.
- Check for Damage: Look for bent teeth or other damage. A damaged foot might not feed fabric evenly.
- Storing: Store your walking foot safely in your machine’s accessory box or another protective container. Do not just leave it loose where it could get knocked around.
- No Oiling (Usually): Most home sewing machine walking feet are sealed units. They do not need oiling by you. Check your foot’s instructions if it came with any. Do not add oil unless the maker says to.
Taking simple steps to keep your walking foot clean and stored right will help it last longer and work its best.
Solving Common Walking Foot Problems
Sometimes things do not go perfectly. Here are some issues you might have with your walking foot and what to do:
- Fabric Still Shifting:
- Is the walking foot installed correctly? Is the arm over the needle clamp screw?
- Are you sewing too fast? Slow down.
- Are you pushing or pulling the fabric? Just guide it gently.
- Is your stitch length too short? Try a slightly longer stitch.
- Are you using enough pins or basting?
- Stitches Look Uneven:
- Check your tension settings.
- Is the needle the right type and size for the fabric? Is it new and sharp?
- Check the installation of the foot again.
- Machine Sounds Loud or Foot Doesn’t Move:
- Turn off the machine immediately.
- Is the arm definitely over the needle clamp screw? If not, it is installed wrong and could damage the machine. Reinstall it correctly.
- Is the foot clean? Remove lint.
- Are you trying to sew something too thick for your machine? Even with a walking foot, every machine has limits.
- Needle Breaking:
- Turn off the machine.
- Did you install the foot correctly? Is the needle going through the center hole? Reinstall if needed.
- Is the needle bent or damaged? Replace it.
- Are you trying to sew over pins? Never sew over pins with any foot, especially a walking foot. Remove them before they reach the foot.
- Is the fabric too thick or dense?
Most problems come from wrong installation, sewing too fast, or not preparing the fabric well. Troubleshoot by going back to the basics: check installation, check speed, check fabric prep.
Comprehending Presser Feet for Sewing Machines
A sewing machine has many different sewing machine presser feet. Each foot does a special job.
- Standard Foot: The one that comes with your machine. Good for basic seams on woven fabrics.
- Zipper Foot: Lets you sew close to zipper teeth.
- Buttonhole Foot: Helps make buttonholes. There are different types.
- Blind Hem Foot: Guides fabric to make nearly invisible hems.
- Overcasting Foot: Helps finish raw edges to prevent fraying.
- Darning/Free-Motion Foot: Used for quilting or repairing holes, lets you move fabric freely.
- Walking Foot (Even Feed Foot): Helps feed multiple layers or tricky fabrics evenly. Often used as a
quilting foot.
Knowing about different sewing machine presser feet helps you choose the right tool for each part of your project. Using the correct foot makes sewing easier and gives better results. The walking foot is a key player for projects that need extra help with fabric control, like sewing multiple layers or sewing slippery fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Feet
Here are some common questions people ask about using a walking foot.
Q: Can I use a walking foot for all my sewing?
A: You can, but it is not always the best choice. For simple seams on single layers of stable fabric, your standard foot is often easier to use and quieter. The walking foot is best when you need its special feeding action.
Q: Is an even feed foot the same as a walking foot?
A: Yes, even feed foot is just another name for a walking foot. They are the same tool doing the same job.
Q: Do I need a special walking foot for quilting?
A: The standard walking foot is excellent for straight-line quilting and sewing quilt blocks. Some walking feet are sold as ‘quilting foot‘ and may come with guides specifically for quilting evenly spaced lines. But a regular walking foot works well for many quilting tasks.
Q: Can I use decorative stitches with a walking foot?
A: Generally, no. Walking feet are designed for forward and backward straight stitches or sometimes a basic zig-zag. They do not work with complex decorative stitches that require the fabric to move side-to-side smoothly. Always check your foot’s instructions.
Q: Why is my walking foot making noise?
A: Walking feet have moving parts, so they are naturally a bit louder than a standard foot. A clicking or whirring sound as the arm moves is normal. If it is a grinding or loud banging noise, stop and check that it is installed correctly and that the arm is over the needle screw. Clean any lint away.
Q: My fabric is still shifting even with the walking foot. What else can I do?
A: Make sure the foot is installed correctly with the arm over the needle screw. Sew at a moderate speed. Do not pull or push the fabric. Increase your stitch length slightly. Use more pins or try basting your layers together before sewing. Check that you are using the right needle for your fabric.
Q: Can I sew backward with a walking foot?
A: Yes, walking feet work in reverse, just like your machine. This is useful for securing seams at the start and end.
Q: How do I know if I have a low, medium, or high shank machine?
A: Measure the distance from the needle plate (the flat metal part under the needle) to the screw hole on the presser foot bar when the bar is raised.
* Low Shank: Around 1/2 inch
* High Shank: Around 1 inch
Check your machine’s manual, it should tell you. Most modern home machines are low shank or snap-on (which usually fits a low shank adapter).
Q: Can I adjust the pressure on my walking foot?
A: No, you usually cannot adjust the pressure of the walking foot itself. If your machine has a presser foot pressure adjustment, you would use that. However, the design of the walking foot naturally applies even pressure as it walks.
Q: My walking foot won’t attach to my machine. Why not?
A: It is likely not the correct type for your machine. Check your machine’s brand, model, and shank type. Make sure the walking foot matches it. Some walking feet require removing the whole presser foot holder first; check the instructions.
Conclusion
The walking foot, or even feed foot, is a game-changer for many sewing projects. It is specially designed to help with sewing multiple layers, sewing thick fabrics, sewing slippery fabric, and sewing knits. It is a must-have quilting foot and makes machine binding much easier.
Learning how to install a walking foot (installing presser foot) and use it correctly will open up new possibilities in your sewing. By following the steps, sewing at the right speed, and letting the foot do the work, you can say goodbye to uneven seams and frustrating fabric shifts (preventing fabric shifting).
Add this valuable foot to your collection of sewing machine presser feet and enjoy smoother, more professional results on your next project.