I see lots of mention of the open toe darning foot for FMQ and even the regular idea of cutting it open if it's closed. But what is the closed toe for? Seems pointless and is somewhat troublesome. I didn't pay attention to that aspect when I bought mine and got one that's closed. Waiting for DH to jail break it.

I searched for this topic and all I read is how you *should* have an open toe. No mention of the benefits (if any) to a closed toe.

Anyone?

Closed toes are good for thick seams and areas that could "catch" on something like threads, beads etc. I use my open foot 99% of the time.

Maybe the closed toe helps when you're using the foot for it's darning purpose ?? (I only darn when I absolutely have to so can't say it helps on knee patches etc.)

On lace or netting, loose woven fabrics, it keeps foot from getting caught in openings.

Darning. That would make sense. lol

I've been practicing FMQ and found that when you pull the bobbin thread up through the quilt sammich, if you anchor it along with the top thread on the little groove it stays out of your way when you do the lock-stitch and trim. I might keep it that way after all.

you're all very knowledgeable.

The benefit of using an open toe foot is when FMQing you are able to see where you are going a lot better than if it is closed. On my Juki TL98q the foot came closed and my husband cut the foot open the the width I preferred and then sanded it so there were to rough edges. The closed foot blocked my vision and made it more difficult for me to know which direction I wanted to go to...to create a smooth flow.

The closed foot works better for the reasons listed by other members.

I cut most of my foot closed toe part off. I have a little left in the back. I have found it's really easier to not use a FM foot at all, just the needle with dropped feed dogs. That's how FMQ used to be done. You have to be cautious of no guard on the needle to keep your fingers away.

I baste my tops in water soluable thread. Because basting is very loose and difficult to see the open toes easily catch on the basting stitches.

I have an open toe hopping foot with a spring, and a small closed toe foot without. I tried both for FMQ, and find I like the closed toe foot much better. The foot overall is far smaller, so my visability is fine. My FMQ is much smoother on my closed toe foot...so if you have it I would give it a try first.