Do I need a special machine foot for quilting?

[birdie22]

I am working on my very first quilt, and this is probably a dumb question.

I am starting to do the actual quilting, and it seems to want to pucker where the sewing lines cross. I looked around online, and I'm seeing the recommendation for a walking foot. I have a very basic sewing machine.

I actually would consider buying one if I could find it for less than $20.

However, I'm working on this NOW, and I need to get it done. It's for a baby I'm going to be seeing in a couple of days!

Do I really need a walking foot, or am I just doing something wrong?

Thanks!

[sabrinat]

I'm also a novice and I found my walking foot to be quite helpful...mine came with my machine. However, I see them at JoAnn's and Hancocks in the generic attachment section and it would probably work for your machine and you could use a coupon to purchase it to keep the cost low. I want to say they are around $20.

[tempestjewel]

Sounds more like a thread tension problem rather then a problem with a sewing machine foot. I've quilted 3 quilts so far and I own no special equipment (and I don't have a walking foot).

[tinasquirrel]

A walking foot is also called an even feed foot. It makes sure you are pulling the top part of the quilt at the same rate as the bottom part of the quilt. It can be very helpful when quilting. I've done it with and without, and it's much better/easier with one. That said, you don't "need" it. I'm trying to imagine why it would be puckering where your thread lines are crossing. Maybe experiment with the tension, or maybe make your stitch length longer?

[lorelei]

Originally Posted by tempestjewel

Sounds more like a thread tension problem rather then a problem with a sewing machine foot. I've quilted 3 quilts so far and I own no special equipment (and I don't have a walking foot).

: Check your tension, I've had this happen just trying to sew clothing, because my tension was off! Good luck!