Can I lower the feeder feet for machine quilting? How?

To use the Talent 3321 for free-motion sewing, you do not lower the feed dogs. Instead, put the darning plate over the feed dogs. This darning plate was among the original accessories included with the machine. If you need a replacement, one source is https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/darning-plate-singer-416223901.aspx .

Most Singer Sewing machine manuals are available here: https://www.singer.com/support . The direct link to the manual for the Singer Talent 3321 is currently here: https://www.singer.com/sites/default/files/product_manual/SINGER%203321%20TALENT%E2%84%A2%20Sewing%20Machine.pdf . The use of the darning plate is shown on page 37 (sewing on buttons) and page 46.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

There are most likely some numbers missing from the model number you provided. Usually, there is a 3-digit beginning number, ie 115, 385, 401...

I am unable to find model information based on your number, but you can most likely get a user's manual through Sears or try searching the internet (Make Model manual), ie:

Kenmore Sewing Machine Manuals Instruction and Repair Manuals

Sewing machines generally have two ways to disable feed dogs. One way is a lever or knob on the machine itself that physically "drops" the feed dogs so they are below the needleplate. The feed dogs will continue to operate but since they are below the sewing surface, they will not have an effect on the fabric movement. The other way is an accessory that attaches to the needleplate which covers the feed dogs and creates a flat sewing surface.

Another item that is important for free motion quilting is a darning foot or free motion foot. These presser feet are physically shorter in height than a standard presser foot. This means the darning foot, when lowered, does not apply "pressure" to the fabric when it is lowered. It, instead, provides leeway between the presser foot and the fabric so there is room to manually maneuver the fabric while stitching.

You'll just need to CONFIRM that the presser foot shank is correct for your machine (low shank, high shank, slant shank).

There are probably a multitude of designs available for your machine, either Kenmore or generic brands. Once you've determined your machine's shank, it would be a personal decision as to the design you'd prefer, which could be metal or plastic, closed, open, or clear see-thru as well as various shapes, round, oval, etc. There are also some feet that are spring-loaded so they "hop" while you stitch, or feet that are solid.

These are examples of different darning/free motion presser feet.

Darning Foot Low Shank 4021

Nancy Notions Trusted by sewing enthusiasts for more than 3 decades

Amazon com Tinksky Sewing Machine Open Toe Metal Quilting Embroidery...

Free motion Darning Quilting Sewing Machine Presser Foot Fits All Low...

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Check that the stitch length is set high enough that the feed dogs will actually advance the fabric. Setting the stitch length too low will cause the machine to basically sew in place.

Also, check that the feed dogs have not been "dropped" to allow darning or free motion quilting. Dropping the feed dogs lowers them so they will not rise above the needleplate and will not grip nor move the fabric.

If your machine is mechanical (not computerized), it may need a good cleaning and oiling. If the old oil has solidified, it could be preventing the feed dogs from moving like they should.

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You need a special foot for free motion quilting--it is slightly shorter in height than a regular presser foot, which essentially provides space between the presser foot and the needle plate to manually move the fabric. Sometimes machines came with a standard darning foot accessory. Your Pfaff dealer probably has at least one style in stock. But there are other specialty feet you can probably use, ie Big Foot, clear free motion foot, C-shaped, oval, etc. You can also purchase a shank adapter (verify it is the correct shank for your machine) and use it with a kit of snap-on presser feet so you can have a variety of presser feet for different functions.

Pfaff Presser Feet

Pfaff Big Foot Free Motion Quilting Foot

Pfaff Free Motion Guide Presser Foot

Pfaff Free Motion Open Toe Quilting Foot

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/snap-on-sewing-machine-presser-feet.aspx

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/snap-on-sewing-machine-presser-feet.aspx

Free Motion Quilting

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you can try a sewing machine store in your area or you could buy one from online, try these sites, sewvacdoctor.com and sewingpartsonline.com

it's possible that the machine could have a broken part or be out of time

#26 is an embroidery foot. Why are you using an embroidery foot for free motion quilting? A #24 free motion embroidery foot will work but not the #26. Try using a darning foot that is just a smidgen shorter so there is space between it and the needleplate for you to freely move the fabric. (Adding a Supreme Slider sheet to the work surface of your machine helps make the fabric glide much smoother.) A standard presser foot is made to press the fabric against the feed dogs so the feed dogs will move the fabric. When free motion quilting, you would drop the feed dogs and move the material with your hands.

Depends which model Bernina you have (new or old style presser feet), which will work on your machine. There are also many generic darning/FMQ feet available that will work on your machine.

12 BERNINA presser feet Darning foot 9 (old style)

Quilting foot 29C (new style)

Bernina 530 53 Free Motion Quilting

Top 5 Tips for Successful Free Motion Quilting WeAllSew BERNINA USAs blog...

Seven Steps to Free Motion Quilting

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you'll need to tell us wha4t type of machine you have4

here are some links for video's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Joc7YXh_4KU

http://www.sewingmachine-sales.co.uk/video/pfaff-quilting-edge-guide.htm

http://www.sewingmachine-sales.co.uk/video/pfaff-quilting-needle-plate.htm

http://www.quiltersclubofamerica.com/forums/t/7892.aspx

http://quiltingtutorials.com/

http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2011/06/simple-stripes-quilt-tutorial.html

http://anyonecanquilt.typepad.com/my_weblog/machine-quilting-tutorial/

http://www.sewhappy.me/tutorials/

Any sewing machine can be used for quilting.

For free-motion stitching, the presser foot has to be lowered or covered and you need to use a darning foot.

Refer to your manual for lowering or covering the feed dogs.

If you do not have a darning foot, you need to contact your local Bernina dealer to see if the have a foot for your model of sewing machine.

You can buy after market presser feet for Bernina, but you also need an adapter. Check sewingmachinesplus.com or Clotilde.com for these items.