I wouldn't be without mine. My Horizen has it built in, I bought the 1/4" foot and the SID foot that works on the walking foot. I did not want to use the ones that came with the machine because that would not work with the walking foot.

The walking foot helps to keep your fabric even. When it is just the feed dogs on the machine, it tends to pull the bottom fabric a slight bit more. On my old machine I did everything I could with the walking foot on the machine, it too was a Janome.

I have a walking foot & love it, I am sorry I was ever w/o it.

I use mine all the time. No problems.

Sounds like you had a bad walkng foot an a poor LQS. Would not go back there again.

My Pfaff has a built in walking foot or IDT feed. That is one of the many reasons that I love to sew on it. I always engage the IDT when I quilt. It makes it so much easier. When I had a Singer, I never could find a walking foot that worked very good.

I am so sorry to hear about the problems some of you are having with the walking foot! And, the walking foot fell apart? That I am not sure of why. Maybe the new ones are not made very well.
I purchased 1 a few years ago from Hancock Fabrics with a 50% off coupon. I love it!!!! The worst part is remembering to put the funny looking slingshot finger onto/over the screw that holds the sewing machine needle on, BEFORE I attach the screw to hold the walking foot on to the foot pin. Once you master installing it - you will love it!!! And don't try to be a speed demon! LOL

Haven't used it for piecing but will definitely give it a try -

I love the information I get here.

Darlaine

I have a foot and just made my first baby quilt. Don"t know what I would have done without it.

I went to Hancocks where I bought my Bernina and the proper walking foot for it costs $150.00 My husband said Forget that too much. You know I never say that when he wants a special tool. He did build me a quilting frame thou. Marvel

I use mine for attaching the bindings mostly.