Mototool vs Closed in Hopping Foot?
 

I have a perfectly good hopping foot...JUST CAN'T SEE what I'm doing through the plastic in the center.. Question is am I going to ruin it if I carefully cut out the center to make it an open toe foot. I have the cutting wheel for the Mototool and am reasonably proficient with it...or I can spend anywhere from $20. to 50. for an open toe one. Just wondering if anyone has tried this. I have made several printer size sandwiches of free motion patterns...so far it's a disaster...I know practice is the key and I'm more than willing to do that but really get frustrated at now being able to see what I'm doing...Thanks for any help....

If this is the wrong place feel free to move it to the appropriate category.

Is Hopping Foot a walking foot? If so, I don't see how it would hurt to remove the plastic center but I've never tried it.

years ago, i read about quilters who have done just that. they were very happy with the results. i would say to be careful to only remove the amount necessary for viewing so the foot still has enough left to do its job.

Lots of quilters have done that. A few will do it for others for a fee. I say, go for it!

I ordered two of the generic walking feet from Leah Day ($8 each) and modified them to be exactly like I wanted them. She has a video on her website how to do it.

Thanks for the Leah Day reference I went there and was happy to see the video...She is great, isn't she!...

I couldn't use the clippers because with arthritis and nerve damage I can't judge pressure..either break something or drop it...I put the foot in a vise CAREFULLY and used the Mototool with the saw blade...was afraid it was going to buck and destroy it but it didn't. Used an Emory board and nail file to smooth the edges...took it for a test run and whoa what a difference it makes to be able to see where you're going. Now to conquer foot speed and fabric movement.

Thank you sooooo much for your input and encouragement...

If it is still rough on the edges take to a DIY shop and see if someone will do it for you. Also did you see the rubber band trick leah Day stops it bouncing. Some people also find it easier to place a plastic sheet below quilt to help to slide and starch the back for the same reason.
The walking foot is ideal for straight lines or gentle curves it doesn't move well enough for free motion. Think it is has arthritis . Practice etc ten minutes every day .

My husband, very carefully, cut the middle out for me and it works great!

In situations like that I go ahead and give it a try. Really, you have nothing to lose if the foot isn't working for you as it is.