How is a low-shank open toed darning foot P60430 installed on my machine? thank you

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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Hi Kerry The link below is a full page of what you're looking for........ CHEERS..
high shank or low shank darning foot sewing machine

Yours is a low shank machine, and that is the most common type for newer machines of any manufacturer. eBay and Amazon both offer low-shank darning feet; I recommend the metal one with a metal large circular foot. That's my favorite, and I bought mine for $6.50 including shipping from eBay.

A Curvy isn't an Athena. I have a Curvy and it is a low-shank machine that can use a variety of snap-on feet.

Make sure that you have a darning foot that is compatible with your machine. I believe that the 7422 is a low shank foot; the appropriate daning foot is http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/darning-foot-singer-006016008.aspx . Lift the presser foot and remove the foot currently on the machine, including the ankle. (Loosen the screw on the left side of the ankle.)

Place the darning plate over the regular plate and feed dogs. The pins should lock into the spots on the machine.

Place the U-shaped opening of the darning foot over the screw that you loosened previously. Then tighten the screw to hold the foot on the machine.

Lower the presser foot onto your fabric. Set your stitch length. Lower the lever on the right side of the darning foot and hold onto your top thread (assuming the needle and bobbin thread are already threaded.) Now sew.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

The main thing to know if it is a low shank or high shank machine. More than likely it is a low shank, so it will be easy to get a darning presser foot. Your machine will either be one that the feed dogs drop down or you will have a plate to cover the feed dogs because the feed dogs are not used for darning. Now the next thing, get an embroidery hoop to hold the article that you are going to darn, also some stabilizer material (tear away is great or use gift tissue paper) and you free style sew the holes. I think that you should look at your book to confirm what model you have. Amazon sells a darning foot for $12.99 or maybe a local shop can sell you a universal one that fits Singer etc. Try a JoAnn Fabrics and take your machine with you to be sure that it fits, if Sears is closer try them.

First, determine which shank is on the machine. http://www.clotilde.com/pages/which_foot.html - this site has a high shank and low shank, generic.

This site has the low shank darning/embroidery foot for Necchi - http://www.sewingstyle.com/Necchi-Presser-Feet-Darning.html

Are you sure it is the right foot for your model sewing machine?

If the machine has a snap-on presser foot, the adapter the foot snaps onto needs to be removed.

The newer models have a lower/short shank and older models have a higher/longer shank. And then there are the old models with a slant shank.

Chart - http://www.clotilde.com/pages/which_foot.html

Most Singer machine have a raised plkate these days, if you do not have one you will need a Singer store to get one.

This low shank foot will work on that machine. Singer 3116
sewman7