Tips for Machine Quilting With a Walking Foot

In this post, I'm sharing my best tips for straight-line quilting on a home sewing machine. Straight-line quilting is one of the easiest and fastest ways to finish a quilt yourself, with no special skills required. That said, using the right walking foot (or a built-in dual-feed foot) can make a huge difference in how smoothly your quilt layers feed and how neat your stitches look. I'll also explain the difference between these two options so you can choose what works best for your personal sewing machine.

This post is sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing Machines but all thoughts, opinions and commentary are my own. I have been a Baby Lock Ambassador for over 9 years now and genuinely love each machine I've worked with.

Tips for Straight Line Quilting on your Home Sewing Machine

I love straight line quilting because it's fast and, for the most part, mindless. After I prepare my quilt "sandwich" (more on that in a minute) I'm ready to just sit and sew!

I personally don't love free-motion quilting. I'm terrible at it - mainly because I lack the patience to practice. 😅 If you want to learn more about free motion quilting, there are some great tutorials for free-motion quilting on your home machine here and here. Lots of people do really well with it!

I am way more comfortable with - and tend to use - straight line quilting when finishing my own quilts at home.

In this post I'll focus on walking you through the steps of machine quilting a quilt with straight line quilting using a walking foot or dual feed foot.

Preparing and Basting Quilt Layers

Begin my making your "quilt sandwich" where you layer the quilt top (front), a layer of batting and and fabric quilt back.

Each layer, working from the back to the front, should be at least an inch bigger all the way around so that you can easily see all three layers from the front as you work. This protects against backing fabric shifting while you're quilting and not having your quilt back cover the whole quilt. (If you're working on a larger scale quilt, I recommend at least 2-3 inches bigger on all sides for each fabric layer.)

I've got lots more information about the different kinds of batting options here.

After your layers are prepared, baste the three layers together. There are lots of methods for basting including using spray adhesive, or basting pins. (More quilt basting details and tips here.)

I typically use basting pins to hold my layers together. Basting pins (as opposed to regular safety pins) are slightly curved to make it easier to pin from the top through all three layers.

How to Choose and Mark Your Quilting Lines

After the quilt is basted, decide where you want your quilting lines to go. You can draw or mark lines as a guide, or you can use the seams in the quilt itself as a guide.

One option is "quilting-in-the-ditch" where you sew a straight line through the actual seams of the pieced quilt blocks. My personal preference is using the piecing seams as a guide, but sewing the quilting line ¼" away from the seams.

If I have intersecting lines through out the quilt, I simply use the seams as the guide. I feel like it gives the quilt more dimension, interest and texture. And it's really easy to use a guide on your foot to sew a consistent ¼" away from the seams.

If there is a spot where you want to keep the same straight-line cross-hatch feel, but the block changes, I use a ruler and a hera marker to mark a crease in the fabric where the line continues so that I can keep those lines straight.

How a Walking Foot (or Dual Feed) Helps Quilt Layers Evenly on a Domestic Machine

Once the quilt is marked and basted, you're now ready to quilt your layers! But before you start, check to see if your machine has a Walking Foot or a Dual-Feed Foot. Either foot will make the quilting process much more effective for multiple reasons:

• Less shifting + puckers on the back: The top fabric is being pulled by the machine's feed dogs, and the walking/dual feed is helping move the upper layers at the same pace so the backing is less likely to ripple or bunch.
• Fewer wrinkles and tucks near seams: Thick spots (seam intersections, pressed seams, borders) can make the top "grabby." A walking/dual feed foot keeps everything moving steadily over those bumps.
• Straighter, smoother lines: Especially for straight-line quilting, stitching in the ditch, or gentle curves - your quilt doesn't "creep" as much to one side as you sew.
• More consistent stitch length: When layers drag unevenly, stitches can get tiny or uneven. Even feeding usually makes stitch length look more uniform.
• Easier quilting on larger quilts: The extra control helps when you're wrestling bulk through the throat space.

That said, there are still some differences between the two options.

The Difference Between a Walking Foot and a Dual-Feed Foot for Machine Quilting

Sewing machine walking feet and dual-feed feet are both useful tools for quilting, but they serve slightly different purposes and have distinct features. Let's compare the two:

Walking Foot

Function: A walking foot, also known as an even-feed foot, is primarily designed to feed multiple layers of fabric evenly through the machine. It has a set of feed dogs (teeth) on the top of the fabric that work in conjunction with the machine's built-in feed dogs on the bottom. This ensures that the layers of fabric move together, preventing shifting or puckering, making it suitable for quilting straight lines or stitching multiple layers.

Compatibility: A walking foot can be used on most sewing machines, regardless of whether they have a dual-feed system or not. It's a standalone accessory that attaches to the machine. Sometimes requiring a "shank" is required to make the shaft where the foot attaches longer.

Quilting Applications: Ideal for straight-line quilting, stitching in the ditch, or quilting projects with multiple layers of fabric. It's also great for sewing binding strips onto quilts or when working with slippery fabric.

Cost and Availability: Generally, walking feet are more widely available for most machines and tend to be less expensive compared to dual-feed feet.

Dual Feed Foot:

Function: A dual-feed foot, on the other hand, is designed to work with the machine's built-in dual-feed system, if available. The foot attaches like a regular foot but also has a cord with an attachment that plugs into the machine itself.

It essentially functions as an extension of the machine's feed dogs, providing even fabric feeding from the top. Dual-feed systems are especially helpful when quilting, as they aid in handling multiple layers of fabric without the need for a walking foot.

Compatibility: A dual-feed foot is typically designed to work with sewing machines that have a built-in dual-feed system. Not all sewing machines have this feature, so you may need to purchase a compatible machine or an additional dual-feed foot.

Quilting Applications: Works well for a wide range of quilting techniques, including free-motion quilting and stippling. It provides better control when working with intricate quilting designs and allows for smoother fabric movement.

Cost and Availability: Dual-feed feet are more specialized and might be harder to find for certain sewing machine models. They are often more expensive due to their compatibility with specific machines.

Quick Summary: Why a Walking Foot (or Dual Feed) Makes Quilting Easier

In summary, both walking feet and dual-feed feet have their unique advantages in quilting. Your choice between the two will depend on your sewing machine's capabilities, your quilting needs, and your budget.

If your sewing machine has a built-in dual-feed system, a dual-feed foot will be a more convenient option. And is usually included with your machine. In this case no need to buy an additional walking foot. For example, my Altair II machine model comes with a Dual Feed Foot attachment and compatibility for a traditional walking foot.

If your machine doesn't have a built-in dual-feed system, a walking foot is a versatile and cost-effective choice and a great investment for your sewing machine. I use a walking foot if sewing on my smaller and more portable Jubilant model sewing machine.

Buying a walking foot may feel like a bit of an investment, but I promise that it's one that pays off! When I bought my first walking foot 25 years ago it felt like a big stretch for my budget. But I used that foot All. The. Time.

I highly recommend investing in this very useful tool. As mentioned, a walking-foot is not only great for quilting but also sewing a binding to the finished quilt as well as working with slippery fabrics like velvet or corduroy. There are lots of times you'll be glad you have a walking foot on hand.

Important: Make sure you get the right walking foot for your machine model.

If you have a Baby Lock compatible machine I recommend the updated Baby Lock Dynamic Walking foot over the original walking foot. It's a bit of a cost increase, but it runs much quieter and, in my opinion, smoother.

Check with your Sewing Machine manufacturer to find what options are available for your specific machine. Your local sewing machine dealer is a GREAT resource for information and finding the right accessories for your machine. You can find your nearest Baby Lock machine dealer here.

I've also got suggestions on choosing the right sewing machine for your budget and needs - everything from looking for an entry level machine to your next upgrade.

If you're looking for tips on how I made the Half Square Triangles for this quilt go here.

More Tips for Machine Quilting at Home

And I've got more tips for machine quilting straight line quilting tips including bobbins, stitch length and other machine accessories here.

I'll have a full tutorial on how to make a Broken Dishes (Half Square Triangle) Crib Quilt in the next weeks! Stay tuned!