Originally Posted by
Onebyone
I wonder why the option of feed dogs or no feed dogs on the machine if it wasn't for a specific purpose. It is extra expense for the manufacturer and if was unnecessary it would't be on it or it's considered an expected feature that adds to the cost of the machine.
Back in the day, people used hoops to do embroidery work on garments, and to darn items, so they needed to be able to drop the feed dogs. I think that the cost of retooling the factories and redesigning the machine far outweighs any benefits to a manufacturer so they just leave well enough alone.