imsewnso

I have the walking foot for my Bernina 830....However, I have never used it except for a short class I took once. I too think my favorite foot is the 97D. Why not watch the class and see how the walking foot works...then decide if you need this expensive attachment. I do have the foot, but I have never used it.... because I do not quilt my own quilts. However, I do piece quilts...using the 97D. I use my machine more for embroidery and regular sewing.

imsewnso

When we have classes with expensive feet our dealer lets us borrow her feet until we decide if we want to buy them.
Perhaps you can do this.

justnananettie

Me either!!!

Candace

The dual feed on the 830 was designed for 2 layers. A walking foot is for quilted items and more than 2 layers. I find the dual feed is wonderful for piecing, but the WF is necessary for quilting. All of the Bernina feet and attachments are very pricey because they're all metal and the Rolls Royce of the sewing world.

Doggramma

I use the dual feed as the walking foot, even with quilting straight lines. It's worked for me.

Dolphyngyrl

I have heard that the dual feed is not as good at some things as the walking foot from a few instructors. Maybe that was what she was referring to

Maureen NJ

My Bernina 830 came with a walking foot and I use it a lot for quilting straight lines and SID. I love it. I also use the dual feed for piecing and it may be enough.

bearisgray

I sure wish Bernina would not have repeated model numbers for their machines.

I think it has caused unneeded confusion.

k_jupiter

I think you should take your fancy 830 and trade it i on 20 old 830 records and one $75.00 walking foot. You will never run out of sewing machines, that is for sure.

I have never found anyone on this board that criticized me for owing a Bernina.

And I agree, why did they use the 830 again. Run out of numbers????

ruby2shoes

My understanding is that the dual feed is for 2 layers of fabric and the walking foot is for "bulk" like quilt sandwiches. I use the dual feed for all my piecing but always switch to the walking foot when quilting. Looking at my little dual feed chugging along in action it really is there to help move the single top piece of fabric along but in my opinion it is far too "dainty" to be used instead of a walking foot. IMO the walking foot is well worth the cost and I figure these sorts of expenses need to be considered when you are deciding on which machine to purchase in the first place.