My find for the day!
 

When I have been doing applique, I've always used the foot that is suggested in my manual.[ATTACH=CONFIG]483373[/ATTACH]As you can see, there's a plastic piece on the front that, in theory, lets you see what you are doing. However, I've always found that the plastic visually distorts what I'm working on. So, I went to my sewing center and looked around for a different foot. This is the one I came up with. [ATTACH=CONFIG]483374[/ATTACH]It's called an open toe embroidery foot. I used it this morning for applique and I am beyond thrilled!! It enables me to have a complete visual of where the needle is going in and how to line it up against the piece of applique.

Just had to share!
Michelle

Hey!!! Gotta get me one of those!! Thanks Michelle!!

I need one!! Thanks!

I've pretty much switched to all open toe feet. It's too hard for me to see through the plastic with the shadowy lighting and my old eyesight!

I saw Patric Lose take needle nose pliers and remove that piece because he didn't like it either, he said you can put it back in but he doesn't know why you would.

I have used an open toe foot for some time and love it. To be able to see what you're doing is so great.

I have this foot and love it. But sometimes I like a foot to hold down the fabric a little more than what this foot does.

My Brother machine came with the metal open toe foot and I keep it on all the time--love being able to see where I'm going!!!

I snapped the plastic out of mine and made it an open toe. I have modified a lot of my feet to suit me.

I was just thinking the same thing as I read this post. I don't know what brand of DSM they are currently using on the F&P quilting show on PBS.

The embroidery feet are cut out on the bottom, instead of flat like your "standard" foot. So the fabric will collapse if you're doing straight or regular zig-zag stitch. So, just use them for applique and satin-stitch type stitches, or your stitch quality may not be the best, and your fabric may buckle a little.

I need one too! ;)

I need one!

Thanks so much for this post. Now I feel it is OK to go after that plastic foot [I have never liked] with my pliers. what a good day.

I always use the open toe foot for applique I can see better and get the needle where I want it

I do a lot of applique and I have always used the open toe foot

I have 2 that I purchased on ebay, They make applique so much easier. Much better than the old style feet.

Thanks for the FYI.

I always use a stabilizer on the back of the fabric when doing decorative stitch or applique on machine.

I removed the center of my foot like that with a wire cutter. I also did the same thing to my FMQ foot as suggested by Leah Day. I was really nervous about breaking the foot since they cost so much. I love them now.

Good for you and everyone that does machine embroidery or applique. I don't applique much, when I do I do it by hand.

I saw someone recently on TV or internet remove the plastic from their open toe machine foot. They said the feet were made so that you could leave it in or remove it.

very neat!!!

I have always used an open toe foot for machine appliqué. I'm always one for the easiest way if it works!

I read about this yesterday and was about to order one from Nancy's Notions ($4.99 low shank) when I thought to look at all the attachments that came with my Janome...yepp....I already had one!! Thanks for the tip!!

Thanks for sharing Michelle as I, like a lot of quilters have been using that foot for years for applique etc. and I have not thought of sharing, sorry.......

have one and love it

Thanks for the tip!

I also use my open toe foot for applique, and I think it's great to use when stitching in the ditch, as I can see exactly where I am sewing.

I'm getting a lot of PMs from posters asking if I'm afraid of ruining the feet by modifying them and I shouldn't post doing it as others may ruin theirs. First answer: If I ruin a foot I'll buy another one. In fact I have ruined four free motion feet before I got it the way I wanted.
Second answer: if someone ruins their foot they can buy another or if they can't, don't modify it in the first place.

Several years ago, more than 10, I bought a basic mechanical Brother sewing machine at Walmart. That little workhorse not only came with a quilting stand but several (don't recall exactly how many) feet, including the very useful open toe foot. Also came with a free motion quilting foot and 1/4" foot. I think it cost about $80. I still have it. Still use it and by way of the modest little machine, learned about this foot and how to use it. Brother rocks!

Never thought to do this - just stayed frustrated. Thanks so much for posting about the open toe foot!

This is the same kind of applique foot that I purchased for my Janome and it makes it so much easier to applique.

Hear, hear!!!!

Yes, I saw that same show. I plan on trying that procedure myself.