I just got a walking foot- and it is horribly difficult to put onto the machine.

When I do get it on the machine, the needle doesn't go into the little slit like I'd expect it to, but it goes own in front of the foot. This is NOT how the foot is used on the video in the Bernina video so clearly I did something wrong (my needle also broke, so it struck the foot)

It worked really well for one side of the quilt, but when I went to pivot the mitred corner and broke the thread, the arm slipped off the needle bar.

Now I can't seem to get the arm to stay on the needle bar, it keeps falling off.

Any tips on how to correctly attach the foot? I've watched the video over and over and it isn't helping. My husband did it the first time, but he doesn't know how he got it to work, and based on the above problems, clearly it wasn't done correctly.

Gosh, that's too bad you are having this issue. I know on some non-Bernina machines the little lever thingy rests on top of the screw that holds the needle, but on the Bernina it is fork shaped and the forks rest on either side of the needle screw. I am sure that is how you are doing it, just wanted to check as I don't see clearly why it would slip off unless it is defective. Hope you can get it to work for you.

Edited to add: I remember once that I broke a needle with the walking foot and it was because the changeable sole plate wasn't clicked on in the right place on one side, the new walking foot is different as there is a little screw driver with it and a screw has to be loosened to change the sole plate.

Yeah- I'm putting the fork around the needle bar, but I think the reason it is slipping off is the foot is too far back (which is why my needle isn't going through the hole, but in front of the foot).

But that doesn't make any sense, since if the cone is in it, it should be in the right place, I would think...


Guess I might be making a trip to my dealer if internet videos and such can't figure this one out...

There is a video on the Bernina USA website that shows how to put the walking foot on the machine. I always have trouble getting mine one and will be going to the website to watch this video. It located in Accessory Classes area.

mltquilt

I find it helps to lower your feed dogs first, that gives you just a tiny bit more room. Put the walking foot in your right hand, put the lever over the needle thingy (technical term) first, and angle the foot into the right place until clipped on the cone.

You may be worrying about where the needle goes because the original feet had a bar going in front of the needle, then more recently, they came with two different bases, one with the bar, and one without, that you could interchange with one another. Perhaps the one you have is the 'open' one.

Bernina changed their feet when they changed models of machines a couple years ago. Are you sure you have the correct foot for your machine? Just asking. Did they sell you the wrong foot?

I just got the foot and the dealer said it was correct, but the box does not have a model number for any machine on it. I have the closed sole on now. Maybe if I switch to the open toe it won't matter where the needle is.

Sounds like you are doing everything right, but if the foot seems too far back, make sure the little latch on your left of the foot is down and tight. Then make sure the little notches or pivots on each side of the foot are in the proper position, and if you have the type of foot that you have to loosen the screw on the walking foot its self to change the sole, then make sure it is secure. Good luck. If I else fails, I guess a trip to the dealer is in order. Oh, btw, what model Bernina do you have?

I swear it sounds like you've got the wrong foot for your machine, somehow. It should go on easily: fork onto the needle clamp, cone into the foot, swing the little arm down that holds the foot on the cone. It should be totally stable then. If the sole is on right, the needle shouldn't be hitting it. So if it IS hitting the sole, it's gotta be the wrong foot, eh? Which Bernina do you have? Happy to see a PR member here on QB, sorry you're having this trouble.

See how the needle is so far forward in relation to the whole in the sole? Since the cone can only go in one place, I don't know how that can be changed.

The arm is off the needle bar because even though I put it there, it falls off as soon as I move the needle. When I put the foot on, it wraps around either side.


I'm really really stressed, because this thing is a week old and now I can't find the receipt. this thing is WAY too expensive to be a dud.

This is.what I have. It doesn't have a model number on it. I have a 430.

I am currently sewing on a 450 and I have the same walking foot. Mine looks exactly like yours except the arm that goes on the needle bar looks black where mine is silver. To be clear...you are putting the fork on so the screw for the needle is in the middle of the 2 forks? I don't understand it could slip off in that case unless there is a defect in the foot. Also, the needle does indeed fall in front of the bar on the foot just as yours does. Try not to get upset, I am sure your dealer will come up with a fix. So sorry.

Here are some pics of how mine looks. Also the box from mine.

Yes, that is how I am putting the arm, around the screw, not on top of it like other brands.

Your needle hits in front, not in the hole? The picture on the instructions shows it IN the hole.

Mine is not easy to get on. Seems I have to work at 3 things at once - hold the presser foot lever up (so it goes up a little higher than normal), slide the walking foot to the correct postion under it and also get the fork in the right position on the bar. Finally flip the lever down to lock the foot in place.

Don't have a bernina, but in your side view picture it seems odd that the foot is resting on the grey plastic machine casing. It does seem like it should be more forward...

I uploaded a video to show how.the.arm falls off.
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx9oO...el_video_title


Here is the picture from the instructions that shows the needle in the hole, not in front of it.

I'm so confused- it worked PERFECTLY for binding half the side of a quilt (the starting side), but as soon as I broke the thread so I could turn the corner, it messed up and I can't get it to work again.

Yes, the pics are up now, hope that helps.

[quote=nursie76]Thank you for posting the pictures- I still think the needle is hitting in the wrong place, it looks like yours is in front of the OPEN sole. I am using the closed sole, so it should be sitting further back. Your arm also comes much more around the needle bar than mine does, hence why mine is falling off (see video). It is like the cone is in the wrong place to connect it to the machine.

Take it and your machine to the shop where you purchased the foot. They should have a record of it, especially since you have already talked to him about it. If it is defective, they will exchange it for you.

Yeah, that appears to be what I'm going to have to do. Which means I have to go back to binding without it, because I can only get to the shop during the weekends, since they have only work-day hours during the week, and it is an hour away :( I have to get this quilt done. They are already closed for the day.


I am so upset. A $200 foot should practically sew for itself- it should not be acting like this!

I just watched the video. It appears the machine has just been turned on, so the needle bar is doing its side to side adjustment. If your machine was already on and not warming up, this could be the problem. It is the machine and not the foot, maybe.

I see what is happening, but can't quite see why it might be happening. It is odd that it worked fine until you turned the corner and broke the needle. Could the needle be in wrong?? or could something have bent on the foot? I am betting you are using the SITD foot, and can see how something might get shifted out of line...although at the price of the foot it shouldn't. Why don't you check to see that the needle is in correctly. Turn the machine off, take off the foot, and just to make sure, try with a regular foot and straight stitching. If all that works well, then put the walking foot on with a different sole plate. It that works, then it may be the other sole plate is defective. If it doesn't then I would say you got a bum walking foot and ask for it to be replaced. Good luck, I wish I lived closer so I could run by and we could put our 2 heads together and find a solution.

Boy I understand your frustration. I live an hour away from my dealer too. So far, most of the time they can talk me through it. But if and when anything happens, it's on a weekend after they have closed... I know it's not much help but here's a {{{HUG}}}

:thumbdown:

It was already on, that wasn't the machine adjusting. I don't know what caused it to vibrate like that- I just watched again and that is really weird. I was turning the wheel manually- I don't want to break another needle, so I didn't use the foot pedal.

No, this is not the SITD foot- this is the closed sole. I am just using the one that came on the foot. I didn't want to change anything with it until I knew it worked.

The needle did not break as I turned the corner (I do my binding by sewing a diagonal line to the corner, breaking the thread, folding it back and starting again) It broke as I started up again.

Should I try a different sole plate? I'm nervous to unscrew anything if I have to go to the dealer- I don't want to have messed it up... Plus, how would that affect the grabber arm?

The machine does work fine with a regular foot (The machine is also very new.)

Ok. I take it back. I just put my foot on with the machine off and had no problems with it when the needlebar did its thing.

Ok. Check to make sure the machine is not set on zig-zag. Are you using a single hole needle plate? I am guessing that might be why the needle broke, but shouldn't make the bar of the walking foot fall off.

I don't know what a single hole needle plate is, so I don't think so- just whatever comes on the machine. The machine is set to straight stitch (and was doing one before it went crazy.)

Thank you for helping me troubleshoot.

I think I'm just going to have to wait until next weekend to take it to the dealer. I think the hole for the cone is too far forward- there is no way the foot could align properly with the needle plate as is. It has to be the foot.

I'm just doing my binding with my regular foot now :( Which means it is bunch a little bit.

I'm about ready to cry I'm so annoyed by this.

So sorry we couldn't help you get it fixed. What a disappointment. It is odd though, if the hole for the cone is too far forward, why did it sew ok for a while! Man, I would be tearing my hair out by now. So, take a deep breath, and call your dealer first thing in the AM. I know you won't be able to get there, but I always feel better when I call, cause I feel like I was able to do something toward a solution. I am sure your dealer will get this sorted out. But I totally understand your frustration and annoyance. You are entitled. I am glad that the machine works ok with the regular foot though. That even makes it seem more likely that the foot is the culprit.

I have no idea why the arm didn't slip off the needle bar, but while it sewed okay, the needle was not in the correct place, so I think that may have just been luck...

In other news, I finished the quilt. The regular foot doesn't do quite as good of a job (a bit of stretching), but I love that this machine sews over giant seam lumps without even thinking about it! Will post pictures when it is out of the wash- am nervous about that as I'm using a new type of batting, but it is a baby quilt, so machine wash is a MUST!

So glad to hear you persevered and finished the quilt! Way to go!!! Yeah, the 440 is a great machine. That was my first Bernina. It sewed over everything, I even saw someone sew animal pelts together! I have since moved on to an 830 and DH just traded my travel machine a 330 in on a 450 and I am lovin' it too! Please don't forget to post a pic of the quilt and let us know what the problem with the foot was when you find out....inquiring minds and nosey :wink: ones) want to know! :-)

Yes, definately!

Quilt pictures (before washing- now it has that lovely quilty wrinkly look): http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-162721-1.htm#4535971

I have a Bernina and I know what you mean. I found the trick of lifting up on your presser foot handle, even when its up gives you just enough room, as one finger is holding up the presser foot lever, come from the back and bring the foot forward. As you bring it forward, lift the bar with the fork to fit the needle screw. and then bring the lever bar down to secure it. I hope this makes sense. Lifting up on the lever is the trick. Good luck

Thanks for the tips. I'm giving up until at least Thursday when I'll meet up with a sewing friend, but I'll print it out to give it another try.

It seems like it has to be me. Bernina is not known for crappy feet :)

I have a Bernina walking foot also. Mine came with 2 different metal bases. One is like the one on yours and it also came with one like the one that you are describing that has a metal bar across the front. When I put my walking foot on it does take some work. I have to turn the front of the foot toward the right a little bit as I am getting on the shank so that I can get the bar to go around the screw also. As i am lining up with the screw I twist back to center. I hope this helps you.

Are you using the correct style foot for your machine? The old style won't fit on the new style, and visa versa.

I have no idea. I am using the one the dealer gave me...

I have a 440 with a walking foot just like that and I don't think you have it on right I have to slant mine when I put it on and do make sure the cone thing is in the right hole once you do it --it will be easier but I did have to go to the dealer and have them show me but do try slanting the foot to the right as you put it on

I agree. The older model walking foot is very awkward to take on and off, at least till you get used to it.