Candace

Yes, I have the walking foot and bought the Stitch in the Ditch attachment for it. Works amazing for bindings. I piece with the dual feed foot and that's a big help. As for how do I like it? I love it when it's not being repaired. But, it's been in the shop more than I'd like. I've owned it for 2 years and I'd just be happy if it didn't break again in the next few months. :

QandE2010

Thanks again Candace. Looks like a trip to my dealers is in my future.

Dolphyngyrl

dual feed is a walking foot built in to machine, the other is the same you just have to attach it. Its a preference ,any like the dual feed because you just click it into place when you want it and dont have to take off feet

TexasSunshine

Love the IDT on my older Pfaff, I use it for everything, it is always engaged for sewing or piecing.

callen

Candace is right. I have the new Bernina 820 which is the exact same machine as the 830 but without the embroidery module. I have used the dual feed feature on a couple of my quilts & it did not work well. The fabric was still puckering so I used my walking foot & it worked perfectly. So for the Bernina 800 series I would certainly recommend getting a walking foot (& unfortunately they are not cheap, at least here in Canada). It cost me almost $200. for a walking foot but when I need it, it performs wonderfully.

jitkaau

If your machine has a dual feed you do not need a walking foot as it serves the same purpose of feeding top and bottom layers at the same time.(However, I have just read other posts and did not realise that the Bernina dual feed may not be as efficient as others?)

SandyQuilter

The original dual feed (IDT) was with Pfaff, but they lost the patent when the company was bought by Viking. Now there are several other machine brands that have it. I've had Pfaffs since the 1980s and couldn't--wouldn't want to sew--without one. For those who don't know, it is a hinged "foot" that fits into the slot in back of the sewing foot and is not visible when stitching. But you see the results when the seams end up the same length. A walking foot is a separate gizmo that replaces the sewing foot. Generally, they are large, boxy attachments that obscure vision.
SandyQuilter

kcferrel

Of course Bernina would recommend that you have both... more money in their pocket... their walking foot is $$$, like all of their products. As a Bernina owner, I can speak to the cost of ALL of their products... it is like owning a Mercedes... everything costs more.
I would go to the Bernina dealear, and test drive the walking foot on the 830 before spending the money... visit a reputable dealer.

coopah

My Pfaff was purchased jsut because of the dual feed feature (IDT). No one else had that feature when it was purchased. It has been used continuously for a lonnnnngggg time! No problems and it really helps as both layers of fabric feed through at the same time. When I go batck to the FW, it is an adjustment without the dual feed and then the decision is whether to get out & use the walking foot. Like the Pfaff best. If you have a choice, go for the built-in feature.

jcrow

I have the Bernina 830 and love the dual feed. Most of my feet use the dual feed, where a walking foot, you can only use one foot. The dual feed makes the biggest difference to me. I don't know how I got by without it.