Quick answer

Attach the #44C foot, select free-motion or CutWork mode, and use the concentric rings and crosshair to guide precise stitching. This foot works on both 5.5 mm and 9 mm BERNINA machines.

What the #44C Foot Does Best

The #44C foot is designed for echo and shadow quilting, free-motion quilting, thread painting, free-motion embroidery, and CutWork designs. Its transparent plastic body with concentric circular markings and a crosshair helps you position stitches accurately without marking the fabric.

Unlike a standard darning foot, the #44C gives you visual guides for consistent spacing, making it ideal for repeating curves or following existing lines.

Choosing the Right Machine Settings

For free-motion work, drop or cover the feed dogs and set your machine to a straight or zigzag stitch with length 0. For CutWork designs, you need a compatible BERNINA machine with the CutWork attachment and software. The #44C foot works on both 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines, but check your manual for specific presser foot pressure adjustments.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1. Attach the Foot: Raise the presser foot lever. Snap the #44C foot onto the shank until it clicks. Lower the lever and hand-turn the wheel to confirm clearance. Check that the foot is fully clicked on; a loose foot can cause skipped stitches.
  2. 2. Set Up for Free-Motion Quilting: Drop or cover the feed dogs. Select a straight stitch (length 0) or a narrow zigzag. Use a darning or free-motion quilting plate if available. Thread the needle and bring the bobbin thread up. If you leave the feed dogs up, the fabric will not move freely and stitches will bunch.
  3. 3. Position the Fabric: Place the fabric under the foot. Align the crosshair or a concentric ring with your existing stitching line or drawn guide. Lower the foot. The crosshair helps you start exactly on the previous line — use it instead of guessing.
  4. 4. Start Stitching: Hold the thread tails, take a few locking stitches in place, then clip the tails. Move the fabric smoothly with both hands, keeping the needle in the fabric when you stop. Pulling the fabric too fast or unevenly creates irregular stitch lengths; practice a steady rhythm.
  5. 5. Follow the Guides for Echo Lines: Use the next concentric ring as a spacing guide for the next row. Stitch slowly around curves, keeping the ring aligned with the previous line. For tight curves, pivot with the needle down to maintain alignment — don't force the fabric.
  6. 6. Switch to CutWork Mode: Install the CutWork attachment per your machine manual. Select a CutWork stitch pattern. The #44C foot cuts fabric as the blade descends through the hole in the sole. Always test on a scrap first — blade depth and fabric thickness affect cut quality.

Product Details

  • #44C BERNINA Echo-Quilting and Cutwork Foot: Concentric circular markings and a crosshair for precise positioning of stitches. You can space echo lines evenly without measuring or marking, saving time and improving accuracy.

    #44C BERNINA Echo-Quilting and Cutwork Foot

    #44C BERNINA Echo-Quilting and Cutwork Foot