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)

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. :<

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

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

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

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.

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?)

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

Bernina
 

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.

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.

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.

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 ??

Thanks for asking. I'll be watching the replies. I have the 820 and have been wondering the same thing.

I have a Pfaff Expressions with the IDT foot and love it! Had there been a Janome dealer in my part of the country, I'd have another Janome, because the dealer I where I purchased my Pfaff sold out and left a couple of years after I bought my machine. :( My all-time favorite machine is still my Memory Craft 6000, but it needs a really good servicing.

My Bernina 830 came with a walking foot attachment, otherwise, I don't think I could affod it on a whim.