margaret53

When you are quilting way a walking foot, do you find it turns out better if you go fast or slow.
I guess I mean does the quilt sandwich feed better at a certain speed. Please give me your opinion. Thanks!

nativetexan

I do slow curves with my walking foot but otherwise it's mainly for straight stitching and yes, i tend to go slow so i can turn it easily and well.

Tartan

I go at my regular speed unless I am stitching in the ditch, then I go slow. The walking foot will not advance the fabric if you forget to put the arm on the needle bar. You would think I would remember that but it isn't until I wonder why it isn't feeding that the light bulb goes on.

ManiacQuilter2

I find that my stitching is better at slower speeds, so is the accuracy of my piecing. Speed never gets you anywhere safely. You want to do your best.

Neesie

When I want my stitching to be nice and straight with my walking foot, I sew at a slow-normal speed. When I'm feeling rather crazy and want to end up ripping out lots of tiny stitches, I let 'er rip and go faster.

pokeygirl

Slow works for me.

pokeygirl

Hmmmmmmm......I did not know this about the arm on the needle bat. I very seldom use it, but will pay attention the next time.

Terri D.

I've learned the hard way that there is no gain to being in a hurry with any of the steps in the piecing/quilting process.
I usually take my time when using the walking foot, especially when ditch quilting, as the goal is to position your quilting stitches as close to the seam line as possible while also keeping the needle from piercing the fold.

colorfulom

Great words of wisdom from Jacquie Gering in her Craftsy class on Creative Quilting With Your Walking Foot (my favorite Craftsy class so far!) - "it's called a walking foot, not a running foot." When in doubt, slow down.

HomekeepingGran

Just a non-biased plug here: Jacquie's class is very good, or at least I think so. I learned so much in general and also got a look at the wonderful creative potential of my walking foot. It's much easier to learn to work with than free motion quilting (not that there is anything wrong with fmq) and even a beginner like me can turn out a very respectable quilt!