Sue Chef
 

Hi ladies,
I am contemplating getting a new machine. At moment it is between The Janome MC4900QC and The Janome 4120QDC which is a bit cheaper but also seems great with the scissor cutter as a plus. Both seem similar but the 4900 QC has the added feature of a knee lift. I love applique but up until now have done it all by hand. For those of you who also enjoy this work I was wondering if you use a knee life much or do you find it just as easy to operate the hand leaver.

I have a Bernina with lift and use it alot. Especially nice when appliqueing cause you dont have to remove your hands from the piece you're sewing. Wouldn't be without a lift now.

I know people who use the knee lift a lot. I find it an annoyance. Try it out at the dealer.

I have a knee lift I just find it useless. Never use it but I have friends who wouldn't be without it. Try before you by if that is the main point you are seeing as th difference.

just wanted to welcome you to the board :)

I have the 4120 and love it. B

If you ever used a knee lift to sew rather than a foot pedal, you are going to have to adjust! I still do that, even though I know better.

I have a Janome 6500 with a knee lift and I use the knee lift all the time. That and the needle down feature are my 2 must haves on any machine I get.

My Viking Sapphire dosnt have a knee lift but in needle down mode it automatically lifts the foot when you stop sewing. It only lifts enough to slip another piece of fabric under the foot or to turn the fabric.
Then automatically lowers the foot when you start to sew. I love this feature and use it most of the time. It is great for chain piecing also. Oh and for free motion quilting its great.