Walking Foot
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A walking foot is great for sewing multiple layers of fabric together. That's good news for you, because your quilt feels extra thick like a pad, right? That's called fabric bulk. And sewing through all those layers can be tricky.
Here's why:
- The needle works harder to penetrate the layers.
- The layers shift as you quilt.
- Puckers form on the backside of your quilt as a result.
These problems occur when you use a standard foot. Why? Because your machine only feeds the bottom layer of fabric. That means the other layers are loose as they pass under the presser foot. This causes the layers to shift.
So, What's a Quilter to Do?
A walking foot holds your quilt layers together as you stitch. It grips the top layer of fabric, while your machine grips the bottom layer. Together, they move the layers through your machine at an even rate.
If you don't have a walking foot, call your nearest sewing machine dealer. Tell them the make and model of your machine. If they don't carry your brand, ask them about a generic foot.
Of course, you don't have to use walking foot. You can also use a standard or open-toe foot. In this case, you'll need to:
- Adjust the tension on your machine (to handle the thicker layers)
- Feed the layers through the machine at the same rate
- Watch for puckers as you stitch
A walking foot makes quilting a lot easier. Do yourself a favor and try one. You'll be glad you did!
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