I was watching a tut on doing my own binding...after wading through some people who had great tips but don't know how to do it without extra commentary - I saw that many of them were using a walking foot??? I have one for my machine but have never used it.....

what is the purpose of it? how is it any different than my regular presser foot?

Will it make a difference in what I"m trying to do (ya know first time making my own quilt binding and sewing it on)????

The walking foot shifts the top fabric forward similar to how the feed dogs push the bottom fabric forward so both layers are fed through evenly. You won't have any slight twists in the binding with a walking foot. It works well for straight line quilting, too. Its other name is an even feed foot.

Not long after I joined here (and read so many amazing tips), I invested in a walking foot for my vintage machine. It is a very useful thing indeed. I even leave it on for piecing. The binding will go on very smoothly if you pop your walking foot on. By the way, when you are ready to handstitch the binding to the back, here is a link to the ladder stitch technique, posted by one of our kind members.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-40083-1.htm

I just used my walking foot for the first time last month. I love it! It came with my machine. I quilted (stitch ditch) and it made the quilting look neater.

I have bindings to attach to 3 quilts and I will use it for that!
After you purchase one you'll wonder how you ever did without it! A great investment!

Since I have had a Pfaff for many years I always use the IDT (walking foot) on all applications other than FMQ. It is fabulous. On my Juki I have to attach the walking foot...that said IMHO the walking foot/even feed foot is the absolutely best investment so your top and bottom fabric feeds evenly so you never have to worry about bunches or misaligned top and back fabrics. Using just a regular foot can cause uneven feeding of your top and back fabrics. That said, there are many people who do have superior sewing skills and don't need this foot.

I quickly learned that I was not someone with superior skills when I got my first Pfaff and saw what a difference the IDT made, lol.

I just finally purchased a walking foot for my Kenmore & have no idea why I waited so long! It makes such a difference for me....I love using it!
Maureen

Best thing ever! Shame it has to come off when sewing on a zipper..

Love my older Pfaff with the IDT, use it on everything.