I use my walking foot for zig-zag and many other fancy stitches. I have a Brother 6000i and it came with a walking foot. The instructions tell me what stitches I can use the foot with. i have finally figured out the if the fancy stitch is a straight stitch and does not back up I can use the foot. I really love mine. I did see a video with a master quilter where he uses the walking foot for all of his quilting. I cannot go that far but I will try one of these days