Issues with walking foot
 

I'm sewing on a Bernina 1008 mechanical machine. On my most recent quilt, the walking foot failed to hold the fabric, and let it slip and slide from one side and then the other, in both directions. The result was a very wobbly, inaccurate seam. I thought perhaps the problem was with the feed dogs, and so I removed the walking foot and put on the regular foot. The fabric stopped slipping sideways. So, I don't think the problem is with the feed dogs. I removed the walking foot and reinstalled it. Still had the same problem. I'm not sure what to do next. I wonder if I need to take both the machine and the walking foot into the repair shop to have them checked. I hate to be without my machine, but . . . ! Is there something I could still do on my own, something I'm missing? I've cleaned and oiled the machine, so don't think that's an issue. Thank you for any suggestions.

The feet do wear out on them. My first thought would be buy a new walking foot. You may find one to fit online if it is the old style. I know the Bernina dealers here stopped selling the old style feet.

A walking foot is installed differently than any other Bernina feet. Remember to put the metal "arm" on the needle bar screw.

If that's not the problem, there's a little spring inside the walking foot that can break. Your Bernina tech should be able to open the foot and look inside to see if the spring is damaged or broken. I'm not sure if they can still purchase the spring by itself, or if they will make you replace the whole foot. They're very expensive!

A compatible Bernina walking foot is available at Amazon. I'm on my third one. The main sole tends to bounce out of its place after a while. Then I replace it.

I have a Janome and have gone through 2 walking feet. They do wear out!