I don't have a quilting foot (what is one anyway?) and am wondering if I can quilt using my all-purpose foot with the feed dogs lowered? My friend is going to show me how and let me use her foot/machine but I'm sick, she's sick, and I'm impatient! Should I just be patient and wait for her foot?

I'm quilt stupid!!!!

there are 2 types of quilting: straight line and free motion

a walking foot is used for straight line quilting. feed dogs are left up. basically a walking foot is a set of feed dogs for the top layers of the quilt- so it feeds evenly.

free motion quilting you drop the feed dogs. this is the quilting that looks like doodling- stippling, meandering, the feather designs, etc... often a darning foot or open toe applique foot are used.

which are you wanting to do?

one of my previous machines worked better with the regular foot. I fought with the darning foot and finally just gave up and used the regular one.:confused:

It's a free motion thing. My friend called it something like "drunk man's walk" or something like that...let me see if I can get a picture...

Darning foot is what I use for that. Each of my machines came with one. There are numerous styles. Mine is metal and has large circle where the foot touches the fabric.

Bethan, my elna worked better without a walking foot when straight line quilting. Some machines are just opinionated ;)

Amber, that looks like stippling to me but I like the Drunk Man's Walk name LOL. You do want to drop your feed dogs. Do you have an applique or a darning foot? I would try one of those if you do or try the regular foot like Bethan used. Sandwich and baste your quilt. Place under the foot and start sewing. Most people find high speed sewing works best but you'll need to exepriment. You move the quilt forward, backward, sideways to draw the design. You don't actually turn the quilt. Does that make sense? You have to match the speed of your hands moving the quilt to the speed of the machine to get even stitches. If your stitches are too big then speed up the machine, if they are too close together than slow down the machine or move your hands/quilt faster.
Can't wait to see the finished product :)

Thanks for the info everyone! I've got a test sandwich that I'll try on first. The top looks so good (my first time appliquing!) that I don't want to mess it up...I guess first quilts should have a little "chaceter"! I'll keep you posted!

ETA: My machine didn't come with any of those feet...I really need to go get some new ones. I have "clip-on" feet...are they standard or do I need feet specific to my machine?

I have no idea about your question, but I just wanted to say that that quilt is darling! :heart: Can't wait to see it when it's all done!

BE PATIENT!!! Emily will thank you!

My lonely machine is waiting for you!

What are you doing sewing anyway - you should be resting silly!

You're gonna want both the walking foot and the quilting foot. The quilting for the wiggly part and the walking foot for all of your straight stuff.

:)
Maria