In my experience (working in an upholstery shop for 10+ years) you don't *need* a walking foot for much of anything. You also don't *need* the special attachment to make beading (corded seams).

That said, it is much, much easier to do both if you have the extra parts.

At the end of the day, how much of this are you going to do? If you are going to put in the (many) hours to get skilled, you can get away with a much less fancy machine.

If you are getting the machine to make one or two vehicles worth because you don't like/want the commercially available covers, the extra money for the walking foot and beading attachment will likely give you better results faster.

I prefer to use a walking foot for 95% of sewing, but my old boss usually turned it off because she said she had better control of the machine without it.

From the Rocky Mountains?
Check in with the RM Bolters!
HiPo Forum Moderator

1958 Task Force Truck
"Frank" gets a new lease on life
Follow in the DITY Gallery
1959 3200 Task Force
The Ballad of Enkidu
The Saga in the DITY Gallery ~ and the story continues