Difference between dual feed and walking foot?
 

I have the Bernina 830, which comes with the dual feed. Someone suggested that I should get the walking foot. Could someone please explain the difference between the two and why I would need the walking foot? Thanks.

Don't think there's any difference at all. Like bag and sack, soda and pop...same thing, two names.

ETA: Oops..new 830 or old? Built-in dual feed feature or separate foot?

I have a Janome 6600p with the duel feed and I was told that the duel feed is the same and some say better then a walking foot. I use the duel feed foot with all my quilting and have never had an issue. Per the site for my machine they say not to use the walking foot at all since the duel feed is a built in part of my machine.

You dont need a walking fott with dual feed. I have a Pfaff withtheir IDT (the same thing) and can't see how in the world you would attach a walking foot anyway.

The built in feed works sweet!

The walking foot "walks" along bulky quilt sandwiches and sort of feeds the fabric from the top in addition to the feed dogs doing the work from the bottom, thus creating a "dual feed" operation. I think the Bernina 830 has a built-in walking foot. There is a youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwb5airxZY

As far as I know, they are the same thing. The walking foot feeds both the top and bottom fabrics through at the same time which is the "dual feed"...a great foot for doing straight-line quilting (and minor curves too)

They are the same. I have a Pfaff and love it for the dual feed, IDT I think it's called. I've used a walking foot on another of my machines, and it is so much harder to see Eg: stitch in the ditch, with the walking foot than a regular foot on the Pfaff.

I have the Bernina 830 and it's recommended you have both. NO, they are not the same on this machine. The walking foot is made for over two layers (think quilts) whereas the Bernina dual-feed is made for 2 layers(think piecing). So, the advice given for other machines doesn't apply to the 830.

New with built-in dual feed feature.

Thanks, Candace. Sorry that I didn't make it clear that I have the new Bernina. I also have the 7570 Pfaff and the 2170 Pfaff. They both have the IDT, which is the dual feed for Pfaff.
So Candace, do you have the walking foot and if so, how do you like it? Does it do everything you want it to do? (Like wash the dishes? Just kidding. Ha)