I'm trying to learn to machine quilt and have only tried straight line quilting with my walking foot so far. What throws me is that the needle is off to the right of the walking foot center (the narrow slot between the two prongs of the foot). I can't use that narrow slot as my guide because the needle doesn't line up with it, and the needle is almost invisible because it's so far back in the foot. Certainly other people have found a solution considering how many quilts are machine quilted! Anyone have any hints which will keep my sewing machine chugging along?

If you can't move your needle position to line up with the center of the walking foot, just take a fine line permanent marker and mark the needle position on the front edge of the walking foot.

Yep, if you can't move the needle position I'd be drawing a line on the foot too.

What a great idea. I have been trying to eyeball it. (that hasn't been working. ) Wouldn't it be great if they were clear so we could see what is going on back there. I can wish I guess.

I can't imagine that your machine won't switch to center position...did you check your manual or check with a person at a local shop? A friend had this problem and found that she had set the machine up for a different stitch and when she pushed the correct button, the needle came back to center.

That is a great idea....maybe you are on to a new product :lol:

That's funny, my walking foot does a silly side maneuver on the up. It used to really throw me off, because I'd watch it. Mine does come down in the center though. Yep, get the sharpie out!

I have the exact same problem ... I've just gotta find those darn pens I know I have them here somewhere :)

I bought this and it's been great for machine quilting with the walking foot. I paid $20 for it at Walmart thinking I'd be returning it but and it's been worth it just to get splinters out of DGD's finger and feet. It has two bright lights too. LOL

http://www.simplicity.com/p-5219-cc-...magnifier.aspx

looks like a great idea.. never seen them here in Australia tho .. nothing unusual there ... lots of things we never get here

I can move my needle but it won't move far enough to line up with the slot on my walking foot. I will definitly check my settings and look for my Sharpie. Thanks very much for your ideas and suggestions. I have been very afraid to do any machine quilting at all.

I was play machine quilting with the walking foot and with the magnifier I discovered I could sew over the stitches exactly on top of the existing stitches and it be perfectly straight. The magnifier shows each stitch looking as big as a log, can't fall off. LOL I sewed over them three times and loved the look. Now I can use up my less expensive thinner thread to get the more expensive 30wt effect.

I always move my needle position, works good for me. You could use painters tape.

Oh man I need that. My eyes are terrible anymore! I think I saw those at Joanns so I'll be sure to get one with a coupon.

My needle doesn't go in the middle either. Makes me wonder who designed it !!! I have to use a marker as well.

If you mess up with the marker you can take it off with a wet tissue before it ages. After it is really dry alcohol should remove it. I like the magnifier. Thank you for the idea.

mine is just off also!!! gives me a headache!

Looks like a good magnifier and easy to use!! I've been using my standing Ott lite that has a magnifier attached on a coil hose (can adjust it to just the right position) but it is sometimes in the way and awkward. This might be a good replacement! Thanks!

I got that magnifier and it won't fit right on my machine. :( I can get it on there, but the magnifier thing isn't anywhere near where I need it to be.