Beginner's Guide to Using Walking Foot for Quilting

This beginner guide to using a walking foot for quilting will show you how to complete your whole quilt on a domestic sewing machine with a walking foot. Even better, the techniques are easy to learn with great results. I’m sharing the what and how for walking foot success in the post, from setting up your machine to fun designs and techniques for beginners.

What is a walking foot?

A walking or even-feed foot is a specially designed attachment that evenly moves multiple layers of fabric under the needle. The feed dogs grab the fabric on top and underneath the fabric layers at the same time. The timing creates an even stitch and pretty stitching lines. It’s a handy way to finish a quilt top because it keeps the layers of the quilt sandwich – top, batting, and backing fabric – from shifting and puckering. It’s also used for piecing, matching plaid fabrics and sewing seams on vinyl and thick materials.

Key Takeaways

Sewing with a walking attachment is easy to learn.
Beginners can complete a quilt with straight line stitching on a domestic sewing machine.
How to set up your sewing machine – attaching the guide bar, stitch length and thread tension.
Recommended marking and measuring tools
Different methods for preparing and marking the stitching lines.
Straight line methods and designs for beginners
Additional resources

Starting with a Machine Quilting Walking Foot

Most sewing machines designed for quilting include a compatible walking foot with the machine, or it’s available to buy. Check local dealers or the manufacturer’s site for options – I’ve listed some below. Many models have kits including accessories and various attachments.

Attachments

The first thing you notice about a walking foot is the size. It’s a boxy attachment that sits partially behind the needle.

You can attach a guide bar and exchange the soles on it for different kinds of stitching. I like using the guide bar to keep my lines uniform and straight. Change the width between seams by adjusting the bar. The guide moves over the previous stitched line – the needle stitches a parallel line next to it.

Stitching in the Ditch and Soles for Seams and Sewing

Other attachments are helpful for all kinds of sewing, called “soles”: edge guide, open toe, decorative and quarter inch.

See lots of options on the Babylock, Bernina, Juki and Janome sites. Sewing Machine Parts Online and Amazon sellers have generic feet that fit many machines (be sure to check the return policy).

Bernina has an excellent video overview of their #50 walking foot, attachments and setting up your foot on a Bernina.

Attaching and Using Walking Foot for Quilting

See the “arm” or two tined “fork” that sets on the bar just above the needle? That needs to slide around the bar. Here’s a quick video tutorial on attaching a Juki version that’s pretty universal, except for Bernina. You’ve got this!

NOTE: Some machines has a built-in stitch regulator (BSR) that does the same job as a walking foot so an attachment isn’t necessary.

Follow the directions in your sewing machine manual or manufacture’s website. If you have a digital control panel with a foot recognition system on your sewing machine, select “walking foot”.

Marking Tools for the Quilt

After you’ve made the quilt sandwich, mark the stitch lines on the quilt top. If you haven’t made one before, review this how-to tutorial.

Can you skip marking the quilt? Nope.

Try out these marking tools and techniques to see which ones work best for you:

Quilters marking pens and pencils: Draw stitching lines directly onto the fabric. There are SO MANY options in this category! I recommend using ceramic marking pencil, Clover Fine Line Air Erasable Marker and Frixion Erabs Follow the package directions and test to make sure the lines are removable.

Tape: Apply strips of masking tape to the quilt top to create straight lines. This method is particularly useful for straight lines or creating a grid pattern with walking foot for quilting. Quality masking tape, painter’s blue tape or Dritz quilter tape are good options as long as they are easy to remove and don’t leave sticky goo.

Mark the first stitchling with tape as a guide.

Add additional tape or use the attachable guide bar for the remaining lines.

Additional taped lines for stitching guides

Stencils: Make more intricate designs by tracing a stencil on the quilt top a fabric marking pen or pencil, or use a Quilt Pounce.

Quilt Pounce is an easy marking tool, although the chalk lines may wear off when handling the quilt.

Ready for quilting!

Guide: Walking Foot Quilting for Beginners

Step 1: Marking the stitch lines

First, take your time with marking. Use a large ruler to make your first stitching line that runs near the center of the quilt. I say near the center because your pattern may not line up directly in the center. Ideally, we stitch out toward the edges from the middle, so the excess fabric is pushed to the edges. Feel free to mark the entire quilt or the primary stitching lines in each direction, then use a guide bar attachment.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Machine

Check to make sure the attachment is secure and in the right position. Move the hand wheel to watch the needle go down and up again without nicking anything.

Step 3: Setting the stitch length and pattern

Generally, a 2.5 to 3.0 is mm stitch length used for straight line quilting, allowing the layers of fabric to move smoothly under the needle. Now choose a running stitch pattern on your machine. Test your settings on a quilt sandwich scrap.

How does it look? Check the back of the scrap – the stitches should be even and smooth on both sides of the fabric. Adjust the tension if necessary.

Step 4: Stitch the first line

Position the quilt so the needle falls next to edge of tape, on the marking line or even with the edge of the quilt.
Lower the presser foot and make sure the fabric is flat.
Guide the fabric slowly without pushing or pulling.

Walking Foot Machine Quilting Patterns

In addition to using a walking foot for quilting straight lines, various even feed techniques can enhance the look of your quilts with patterns and textures. Some popular techniques include straight line, grids, spiral, and echoing. They look great on modern quilts and add tons of texture.

Diagonal and straight line stitching combined

Straight Line Quilting
Gentle Curves and Waves
Echo Quilting
Decorative Stitches
Stitching in the Ditch

Walking Foot Quilting Designs for Beginners with Tutorials

Straight line quilting is a great place to start. You can create so many designs with straight stitches designs – you’ll look like a pro! Here are some fun and easy ideas with thorough instructions on Finish A Quilt – Stitch Methods.

Wavy Lines and Decorative Stitches for Using Walking Foot for Quilting

In addition to straight lines, wavy lines and decorative stitches work well.

Wavy lines: Experiment with different wave patterns, creating gentle curves and undulating lines across the quilt top.
Decorative stitches: Use the decorative stitches available on your sewing machine to add interest and texture to your quilting. Explore different stitch patterns, such as scallops, flowers, or stars.
Variegated thread: Choose variegated thread to add color and dimension to your quilting. The different shades of thread will create a unique and eye-catching effect.
Stitch width: Adjust the stitch width to create wider or narrower wavy lines, allowing you to customize the look of your quilting.
Angled straight lines

More Resources for Quilters

Blog Resources for Finishing and Binding

When you’re finished stitching, learn my favorite machine quilt binding method with a tutorial.

25 Creative Ideas for Binding a Quilt

Fancy something fancier?! Learn about binding a quilt in 25 creative ways.

Creative binding on Panache Feathered Star

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, mastering these skills take your projects to the next level. You’ll quickly learn the benefits and differences of using walking foot for quilting. Enhance your quilts with various designs and learn how to troubleshoot common issues like skipped stitches. Make sure to follow a step-by-step guide when learning different stitches – you’ll finish beautiful quilts you’re proud of! I hope you try this attachment and enjoy the journey of quilting with confidence and creativity.

BY THE WAY, YOU CAN JOIN AURORA BOM ANY TIME!

Introducing the Aurora Block of the Month, an all NEW design for 2024! Colors and shapes create beautiful symmetry in this modern triangle quilt design. Make Aurora or any of our BOM quilts in Make Modern Triangles Club.

MORE RESOURCES

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a walking foot for all of my quilting projects?

You can use a walking foot for most quilting projects, therefore, it’s a multi-purpose pressor foot.

Is using walking foot for quilting recommended?

I recommend using the attachment for piecing and quilting because it prevents fabric and batting layers from shifting.

Is quilting with a walking foot for beginners?

Yes, this method is beginner friendly and offers even stitching.

How do I maintain my walking foot?

To maintain your walking foot, clean it regularly by removing any lint or debris. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lubrication, and store the foot in a protective case or bag to prevent damage.

What is the stitch length for walking foot quilting?

The ideal stitch length for walking foot quilting depends on the quilt design and personal preference. It is recommended to start with a stitch length between 2.5-3.5mm and adjust as needed for the desired look.