i agree, btw nicely said

You don't need a walking foot if your machine has dual feed ... A "walking foot" is a separate attachment, made for the older machines that DON'T have the built-in dual feed feature.

** I just read back, didn't realize that a Bernina would need BOTH ?? I have the Janome 6600 and a Pfaff with IDT, the built-in dual feed for both handles everything, from piecing to mq to bindings.
For the money spent, a new Bernina should NOT need another expensive and clunky walking foot !! makes no sense, except for Bernina sales $$ of course !!

You are mistaken and should read the whole thread. The OP is asking about a Bernina 830.

To add to my previous post concerning a walking foot vs the Bernina dual feed foot. This dual feed foot works very well but I find that the thicker the combined fabrics are, the walking foot handles it more efficiently. Maybe it's my batting or the type of fabrics I was working with but on 2 occasions the dual feed foot was not efficient on those 2 quilts & I was very glad to have purchased the walking foot with my Bernina 820. IMHO the walking foot was worth the money even at its inflated price.

I agree. And I would also add, that if one has spent the money it costs to buy the 830 an extra $150 for the best tool is sort of a no brainer:> And then add on the Blind stitch attachment of around $35...

OOPS, I meant Stitch in the Ditch attachment.

The walking foot is a foot that makes the top layer move along at the same rate as the bottom layer. IDT/dual feed does the same thing, but its built into the machine. I love my Pfaff with IDT, I quilt with it because its easier to see where I'm sewing, the walking foot for my other machines works well, but its harder to see where I'm going. I also like the IDT on my Pfaff for piecing quilt blocks, especially flannels; my blocks usually come out to the correct size.

Thanks to all of you for the information. I am going to make a trip to my trusted Bernina dealer. He is very knowledgeable, and fair. He. Is from Switzerland and is a master technician for the Berninas. He worked for Bernina in Switzerland and trained the trainers. Again, thanks for your input.

I read the other day that the ITD moves with the feed dogs and the walking foot moves with the needle. I don't know if that makes ANY difference at all. Just something that caught my eye and stayed in my memory bank for some reason.

My my, someone sure got up on the wrong side of the bed !!!

I didn't realize that this particular Bernina model required TWO separate dual-feed /walking ft attachments ?? Why ?? Sounds like another $$ sale for Bernina.
Why not provide a built-in dual feed that can do it ALL ... like Pfaff and Janome does ??