I have never tried it, looks pretty scary!

I've done it on small pieces for thread painting, no accidents but not for the faint of heart. I LOVED it cause nothing obstructed my vision and there was no foot to catch my basting threads.

I know I've seen video's of industrial sewing without feet ... an environment where speed was a factor. Some were current and foreign (no OSHA to worry about) other video's or photo's that were taken here in the states were much older (pre OSHA or H&S in Britain). All of them were specialized where the same motion was repeated piece after piece.

My mama used to do monogramming for us using this technique....she is a brave lady....LOL, but she did nice work!!!!!

I have the Singer book that has all that tapestry and lace. First electric driven machines.

If you used a spring needle for thread painting, you were supposed to use a hoop. There were instructions on how to cut a notch in the wooden hoop, and how to wrap so fabric didn't slip. Like FMQ, the hoop could be large enough to fit the throat of the machine. I still have some old books with this technique along with cutwork.

She did use her own octagonal hoops that she has developed. She is using a modern machine. My first thought was dangerous as well, but she does beautiful work and her hands are well away from the needle. I would worry about breaking a needle and it flying at me! Thanks for all the thoughts. I was just curious what others would think.

You can also see the needle going into your finger..lol

I have the foot that is a spiral made out of wire. I have used it to embroider and it works fine. With any sewing, just be careful.

We all have our areas of expertise - I bet this one takes a lot of practice.

I saw this done on paper using the needle to perforate a pile of paper for templates. Hope this makes sense.

If you girls all want a laugh, I saw this and wondered why this woman was sewing without a foot. I am thinking she must be using the knee option to make the machine run. I wondered what happened to her foot. Then I wondered why all of you thought that running the machine with a foot was dangerous. After reading about 4 posts, I finally understood that she was running the machine without a presser foot. I guess I watched to much about the Boston Bombings. I am an idiot!