walking foot
 

I've been lurking on this forum for some time now and I've picked up a lot of good advice. I'm hoping that someone can help me with a problem I've been having.

Can anyone suggest a durable walking foot for a low shank machine? I have a Pfaff that doesn't have IDT and am searching for a walking foot the can stand up to medium usage. I've tried several - two broke after some time and one actually came bent out of the box. The one I am currently using has a "nub" that keeps coming out of the hole that connects it to the foot. It also is creating metal shaving dust. Obviously, its performance is poor.

Thanks in advance.

Howdy from Texas & welcome to the boards. I'm not familiar with Pfaff machines either but I would suggest purchasing a Pfaff walking foot if at all possible. Also, could you tell me what IDT is? Someone will come along to help you concerning your walking foot. That's what's so good about this board....it's full of helpful quilters.

I don't know anything about Pfaff machines but wanted to say WELCOME to the board.
Someone will be along to help you.

IDT = integrated dual feed - both the upper and lower parts feed the fabric through the machine. It's like a built in walking foot.

Have you tried a Pfaff dealer?

I'd like to help you research the best solution for your problem. To do so, can you tell us the exact model of your machine?

Are you buying a pfaff foot. I recommend not skimping on the non-brand generic walking feet. It is one of those instances where it is better to buy the correct foot for your machine

Thank you for your responses. My machine is a Pfaff Hobby 1142.

I had actually purchased one of the walking feet from the dealer. Unfortunately that was the one that came bent out of the box. I don't blame the dealer. The box looked like it might have been opened before so I think someone returned it without explaining what the problem was and the dealer resold it. I would have returned it myself but I threw away the box and receipt right after buying but didn't actually use the foot until much later.

All of the feet I've bought have been generic. I can't seem to find a Pfaff walking foot. Maybe they don't make them since the walking foot mechanism is integrated with most of the Pfaff machines. I guess I'll try the dealer again and see if the bent foot was just an anomaly.

Same from me except welcome from the beautiful mountains of western NC.

It doesn't look like Pfaff makes a walking foot for your model. Sewing Parts Online offers you a generic for $29.99 or a Janome made foot that fits your model for $49.99. Probably a good idea to explain to your dealer about the open box and lost receipt. See if they have the Janome foot for a low shank machine. At least you won't have to pay online shipping costs.

I"m not familiar with your machine but, if you have metal shaving dust, something is wrong! Can you take your machine with you to the dealer to explain what is happening and ask about a walking foot that works with your particular machine? If you've broken 2 feet and still getting metal shavings, something isn't right.

Go back to the dealer. If they have any "heart," they will help you find a foot that will work. Maybe they will give you a discount, but even if not, at least you will have help on getting the right foot for your machine.

If your low shank will do it, try the Sewing Parts online. I have a Janome walking foot that sort of works with my Juki 2010 (it has a guide but not exactly centered) and I've used Babylock walking feet which seem to be fairly decent.

Pfaff and Viking with Singer thrown in are actually the same company - try looking at a Viking walking foot. I'm not sure if Viking ever used a machine like the one you have. Yours was made in China.

The Pfaff should be generic low shank, so you do have options. Some of the generic walking feet are made and branded for sewing machines. I've used Pfaff for years and have used Viking, Elna, Generic and almost any other standard low shank foot. I still have a couple that I have to remember to cut zigzag down to 6mm which your machine should be.

Sewing Parts online is a good store - you can call them and they will refund if something is wrong. Good to deal with.

I have a Pfaff 7570 and I don't think that you can put a walking foot on a machine with IDT. It is great for piecing and other sewing but I have a Bernina with a walking foot that I use for quilting.

Not sure what Pfaff you have as I have 2 both 1171 and 7550 and both have IDT foot I knew a Pfaff dealer in the mid 90's saying they were coming out with a Pfaff without a walking foot and she refused to carry it because she said without the IDT foot it was not a Pfaff so maybe you can google or check with a dealer I do know if it is not a snap on foot it will not work on my machines so I say contact a dealer Good Luck

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*** Hi! Y'all from the upstate of South Carolina.
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Sorry for your negative experiences. Hope you can find a Pfaff walking foot you can use.

Thank you for your suggestions. I'll trying sewing parts on line and the dealer.

I have two Janome's and they each take a different walking foot. You need to take your machine to a reputable dealer and let them fit the foot for you.

That is the one the OP has. I was at my Pfaff dealers when it came in, and he asked me to set it up as the store was busy. It was one of the first Budget Pfaffs with no walking foot. I've had the 1471, 1475 and now the 2144/70. Mine is the last one made in Sweden. Real model 2170 made in Czech Republic. Yours might say Germany

It is a decent starter machine. If you get the right feet there is almost nothing you can't do. That same Pfaff dealer watched me couch and do some heirloom sewing on a basic zigzag machine.

BTW- When Pfaff gave up the patent for the IDT -- here's a Babylock. The original one would take Pfaff feet!.
http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/babylock-serenade.php

Try increasing your stitch length to 3.0 or 3.5 if you have not done so. With thicker fabric a walking foot does better with a longer stitch length. The reason is because the feed dogs has to take a bigger bite ( by moving) to move heavier fabric ( layers) and using a longer stitch length helps the walking foot work better with the feed dogs. Hope this helps