Bernina Walking Foot vs.
Claw-Feed
Systems
The classic walking foot was designed about 50 years ago as a second set of
feed dogs on
the top of
the fabric. It
can help
feed fabrics
like velvet
and complex plaids
through your
sewing machine
without shifting
the fabric.
As machine
quilting
became popular,
a walking foot
became a useful tool
for linear
stitching because of the non-interwoven, lofty nature
of batting.
When a sewing machine feeds fabric, the feed dogs pull the fabric through the
machine, while
the presser
foot sits on
top of the
fabric. The
fabric next
to the feed
dogs will move
at a slightly
faster rate.
In some machines,
this phenomenon
is more prevalent
based on the
engineering
of the product,
while it is
hardly noticeable
on others.
In a Bernina,
the presser
foot hops up
slightly to
allow the top
fabric to feed
along at the
same rate as the bottom layer. This
is called the
Bernina Hopper
Mechanism.
A slight adjustment
of “presser
foot pressure”
can also be
of benefit.
But, all that
being said,
most fabrics
will feed through a quality machine
without the
need to adjust
anything.
When the need arises, a walking
foot works
well because
a second set of top feed dogs will pull equally with the
lower feed dogs. When the fabric reaches
the end of
its pull (equal
to the selected stitch length), the feed dogs will drop
down into the machine to return
to the front.
The walking
foot feed dogs lift slightly and slide forward. The total
combined action of a walking foot
and feed dogs
give greater
feed-ability. In fact, if you use a walking foot with regular
fabrics, the results will
be an overfeeding of the fabric.
A well-designed machine is engineered to not require a walking
foot for general
sewing with
regular fabrics.
The question is this, “Do you need
it for all or most sewing?” The answer is an emphatic NO!
In fact, most people can sew a lifetime without the need
for a walking foot! A well-designed machine will feed everyday
fabric beautifully without it and give superior feed when
needed.
If you are shopping for a new machine
or are being
told you need
an integrated
feed system (a modified walking foot that resembles
something like
a claw or finger
in the rear of the presser foot), consider
this ... If
your current machine will feed normal fabrics without this
device,
why would you
need this pulling
device on a
new machine?
If it works to make “regular” fabrics feed better, it will
have diminished
results with
velvets, plaids,
and battings.
If a machine needs a built-in system to feed
regular cotton,
silk, wool,
knits, then
maybe there
is something
wrong with the overall design of that product in the first
place.
On a Bernina, many wonderful and
useful presser feet are available and never require the
use of a special feed system. If you are buying a new machine
and are being told that Bernina feet cannot be used with
the walking foot, it is because 99% of the time it is never
needed!
So remember, Bernina is the world’s
finest sewing machine, always designed with the sewer in
mind. It is versatile, easy to use, and full of everyday
features. It is not a one-note product like other machines.
A “Walking Foot” is designed for ...
• Batting
• Velvet
• Precise alignment
of complex
plaids
It is not needed for ...
• Cottons,
silks, wools, knits,
and most
general fabric
• Free motion
work
• Appliqué
• Couching
and other decorative
techniques
In a tradition of continuous technical
improvements,
Bernina recently redesigned this Walking Foot to include
two interchangeable
soles, one
designed for
sewing with
difficult or
slippery fabrics
and one designed
for quilting.
Use the "sewing" sole
for sewing
on leather,
velvet, for
matching plaids,
etc. There
are both 1/4" and 1/8" markings on the sole to serve as seam and cornering guides. The additional seam
guides shown
here allow
you to do channel
quilting without
marking!
Use the "quilting" sole
when machine
quilting. The
new quilting
sole has an "open toe" configuration to improve visibility when quilting. It also provides 1/4" and 1/8" markings to serve as seam and cornering guides. The back of the quilting sole
is designed
to reduce drag
on the quilt,
further promoting
perfect feed.
The precise mechanism allows
the machine
to "walk" the
fabric from
the top layer,
enhancing the
action of the
feed dog. The new design allows the walking mechanism to
step
higher over
the fabric,
allowing quilts
to feed perfectly.
The large rubber toes provide exceptional grip for better
and more even
feed .
The foot
can be used
with
forward and
reverse motion
stitches.
The
sturdy construction
and whisper
quiet operation
of the Bernina
Walking Foot
sets it apart.
It can be used
at high speed
as well as
at slow speed
with great
effectiveness.
When you compare this walking foot with others, you will
notice
how effectively
it "walks" the
fabric and
how much quieter
it operates.
The
foot attaches
to the machine
in a breeze...
It clips on
the presser
foot bar just like any other Bernina
presser foot.
You can enjoy the
benefits of
full dual feed
with the easy-on convenience Bernina feet are known
for.
Come in today for a demonstration and learn first-hand the benefits of Bernina's walking
foot!
Berninas aren't just for quilting.
Quality sewing
machines, embroidery
machines, and
sergers await
you at BCS.
Remember
...
Nothing Sews
like a
Bernina. Nothing.
• Reasons to Choose Bernina
• Reasons to Choose Beth's Creative Stitchery
• Sewing Boutiques
• BCS Purchase
Package
• The Confusing
Maze of Sewing
Machine Shops
• After
the Demo -
What's Next?
• Testimonials
• Bernina Firsts
