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How to use a Walking Foot

Let me show you how to make this adorable clover mini quilt. We’re going to be using a walking foot, so I’ll show you how you can incorporate this sewing machine attachment to help you finish your projects. The Even Feed Foot or Walking Foot, is used for sewing several layers of fabric, and is great for quilting, matching plaids or stripes and sewing fabrics with nap or pile, to keep them from shifting. This foot has its own set of feed dogs that work together with the sewing machine’s feeding system, for perfect fabric feeding!  Be sure to watch the video!

How to use a walking foot

Supplies

Anatomy of a Walking Foot

Anatomy of a Walking Foot

Let’s take a look at the anatomy of this walking foot. 

First we have our presser foot lever.  It’s in the shape of a fork which fits around the needle bar of your machine.  Next, we have the foot clamp for the screw.  This is attached to the post.   Then we have our feed dogs, which work in conjunction with the machine feed dogs.  Watch the video to see how easy it is to install.  The trick is to make sure you have the foot clamp and the presser foot lever in the proper place before you install the screw.  This dual feed dogs system will help keep your quilt top and quilt backing from shifting. You don’t have to use this just for Quilting. Many people use it for piecing also! 

I think it is important to note that I also don’t recommend aftermarket accessories/parts as this can void existing warranty and cause issues. I recommend using EOM parts and accessories only.

Prepare for Quilting

prepare for quilting with a walking foot

Now that we have our walking foot installed, we can start quilting our quilt top. I’ve drawn a line for reference, because it’s the easiest way to get started. You don’t have to draw lines on your quilt top. If you feel confident enough in creating a straight line, then just skip the drawing or chalking step.   For this project, I’m drawing lines and quilting lines that are 2 inches apart. You can certainly add a row of quilting in between each 2 inch mark which will add more interest and definition in your finished project. I am using a Sewline Chalk Pen and a Ruler to help me create my quilting lines.

Quilting with a Walking Foot

Quilting with a Walking Foot

Using a walking foot to finish your projects is an excellent way to start quilting your own quilts. Start with small projects like these and work your way into larger projects. 

Sewing with this foot is very straightforward. Once it is attached, you can just sew like you would with a regular presser foot. Don’t go too fast. It works best at a slower pace, medium speed.  

The Even Feed Foot or Walking Foot, is used for sewing several layers of fabric, and is great for quilting, matching plaids or stripes and sewing fabrics with nap or pile, to keep them from shifting. This foot has its own set of feed dogs that work together with the sewing machine’s feeding system, for perfect fabric feeding! 

The Perfect Mini Quilt

Mini Quilt with Kitty

This little 18 inch Lucky Clover Mini Quilt took me about a half hour to quilt with my Walking Foot. That doesn’t include the block assembly, trimming and binding but it makes for really cute project.  This fits perfectly on my wall.  It’s even kitty cat approved! Be sure to watch the video below and comment on your favorite use for the walking foot!

If you’d like to make your own Lucky Clover Mini Quilt, add the Quilt Block Pattern to your cart and get sewing! Be sure to share your finished project in my Facebook Group or tag me on Instagram!

Happy Quilting!

6 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for posting this! I have an even feed foot and I never knew how to use it.

  2. Diane Elder says:

    I use my walking foot to sew the tiny 1/8 to 1/4 topstitching on a garment or quilt. I just made a bunch of baby bibs and used that foot on every bib, no matter which pattern I used. Keeps my stitching even and on the garment. No stress!!!!

  3. Charlie diSante says:

    When I use my walking foot, it makes a lot of noise. Is there something I could do to stop the noisiness?

    1. Nicole Moore says:

      There are a lot of moving parts in a walking foot. Mine is not quiet either. Unless it is causing damage to your machine or not sewing properly, it may just be the way it supposed to be. I would check with your dealer.

  4. marilyn stephens says:

    Thanks for this tutorial. I’m getting ready to use mine for the first time . Timing was perfect and most helpful.

  5. Marie Andersson says:

    Love this walking foot! Had a project that was so bulky with ordinary foot so I tried this foot and oh so easy it made the job. No one told me about this in my quiltclass and it came with my new machine so I tried it and now I always use it when quilting the layers. Your video was helpful too how to make easy lines.

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